The European Union (EU) has introduced two key systems to enhance the external border management of the Schengen Area: the European Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). While both aim to streamline border control, they serve different functions.
European Entry/Exit System – EES
The EES is an automated IT system designed to register non-EU nationals who travel for short stays. Each time these travelers cross the external borders of participating European countries, their information is recorded. In July 2024, The Independent exclusively reported delays in the EES’s launch and the expected date of the system goes live of 10th of November, with a potential postponement to 17 November.
The start of the EES was first rescheduled for May 2023, then pushed to the end of 2023, and more recent reports from the European Commission indicate that it will be operational by November 2024.
The EES will record the traveler’s name, type of travel document, biometric data (such as fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit, all while fully respecting fundamental rights and data protection.
Additionally, the EES will log refusals of entry. It will replace the current manual passport stamping process, which is time-consuming, unreliable for tracking border crossings, and ineffective at systematically identifying overstayers (travelers who exceed their authorized stay duration).
The countries using the EES include:
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A “non-EU national” refers to anyone who does not hold the nationality of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. A ‘short stay’ is defined as up to 90 days within any 180 days, calculated collectively for all EES-participating countries.
Who Needs to Register in the EES?
The EES applies to non-EU nationals who either need a short-stay visa or do not need a visa for short stays in the participating countries. Entries, exits, and entry refusals are electronically recorded in the EES. Notably, passports will continue to be stamped manually in Cyprus and Ireland.
Exemptions from EES Registration
Certain groups will not need to undergo the EES registration, including:
- Nationals of EES-participating countries, Cyprus, and Ireland
- Non-EU nationals with a residence card related to an EU national
- Non-EU nationals with a residence card or permit related to a non-EU national who can travel like an EU citizen
- Non-EU nationals traveling for intra-corporate transfers, research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes, educational projects, or au-pairing
- Holders of residence permits and long-stay visas
- Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City State passport holders
- Individuals exempt from border checks or granted certain privileges (e.g., heads of state, cross-border workers)
- Individuals not required to cross external borders solely at designated points and times
- Holders of valid local border traffic permits
- Crew members of international passenger and goods trains
- Holders of valid Facilitated Rail Transit Documents or Facilitated Transit Documents traveling by train without disembarking within the EU
Benefits of the EES
The EES will modernize EU external border management leading to a hassle-free travel experience. The system will Identify overstayers and provide reliable data on entries, exits, and refusals. The collection of biometric data will reduce risks related to identity fraud. The EES will further strengthen EU security with improved border checks and electronic records, including real-time information sharing among EU border authorities. The system will replace passport stamping, simplify travel, and enhance safety.
What is ETIAS
On the other hand, going through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals visiting any of the 30 European countries. This authorization is linked to the traveler’s passport and remains valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you obtain a new passport, you will need to apply for a new ETIAS travel authorization.
A valid ETIAS allows entry to these European countries multiple times for short-term stays. However, holding an ETIAS does not guarantee entry. Upon arrival, a border guard will check your passport and other documents to ensure you meet the entry requirements.
ETIAS Applications
You can complete the application form through the official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile app. The ETIAS travel authorization fee is EUR 7, but some travelers are exempt from this charge. For more details on the application requirements and payment exemptions, please refer to the provided information.
Most applications are processed within minutes. However, some applications may take longer. In such cases, a decision will be made within four days. This period may be extended to up to 14 days if additional information or documentation is required, or up to 30 days if an interview is necessary. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization well in advance of your planned trip.
Once you apply, an email confirming your ETIAS application submission with a unique application number will be sent. Keeping this number for future reference is important. After processing, you will get another email with the outcome. Ensure your ETIAS travel authorization details (name, passport number, etc.) are correct. Mistakes can prevent border crossing. If refused, the email will explain why and provide appeal instructions, including the competent authority and time limits.
Differences between EES and ETIAS
The primary purpose of the EES is to monitor and track the entry and exit of non-EU citizens into the Schengen Area, while the ETIAS is a pre-travel screening system for visa-exempt travelers.
The EES assumes that when travelers enter or exit the Schengen Area, their passports are scanned, and their biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) are collected. This information is stored in a central database. On the other hand, going through ETIAS is necessary before traveling to the Schengen Area. Eligible travelers must apply online and cover a fee of EUR 7.
If the objectives of the EES include helping to prevent overstaying and identify potential security risks, the goal of the ETIAS is to assess risks and identify travelers who may pose a threat before they even board their flight.
Here are the key differences between these systems:
- Purpose: the EES is for monitoring, while the ETIAS is for pre-screening.
- Data Collection: EES collects biometric data at the border, while ETIAS gathers information via the online application.
- Scope: EES applies to all non-EU citizens, while ETIAS applies only to visa-exempt travelers.
In essence, EES is about tracking and monitoring, while ETIAS is about pre-screening and authorization.
When ETIAS Will be Launched?
Starting in mid-2025, the ETIAS will become operational, following the action plan approved by EU ministers in October 2023. It will be launched a few months after the EES, which will require non-EU travelers to undergo identity, travel documents, and biometric checks when entering European countries for short stays. Notably, ETIAS will not involve the collection of biometric data.
The United States, Canada, and Australia are already implementing similar systems as ETIAS.
Following the mid-2025 launch, there will be a transitional period of at least six months. During this time, travelers should apply for ETIAS, but those without it will not be refused entry as long as they meet all other entry conditions.
After the transitional period, travelers must have an ETIAS travel authorization to enter the EU. An exception will be made for those visiting Europe for the first time since the end of the transitional period, provided they meet all other entry conditions. This grace period will also last at least six months.