EES and ETIAS – What Is the Difference and What Lies Ahead for European Border Controls?

Wednesday, February 4th, 2026

Understanding Europe’s New Digital Travel Systems

Many travellers are feeling understandably confused about recent and upcoming changes to European travel rules. Two new systems, EES and ETIAS, are at the heart of these changes, and while they are often mentioned together, they serve very different purposes. This article explains what each system does, who is affected, and what travellers can expect in the months and years ahead.

Who Do EES and ETIAS Apply To?

Both EES and ETIAS apply to travellers from 59 visa-exempt countries (including the UK, the US, Canada, and many others¹) visiting 29 European member states, including Spain.²
Both are relevant only for short stays, meaning visits of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Travellers who require a short-stay visa³ also need to register with the EES but do not need to apply for ETIAS.

EES and ETIAS: Two Separate Systems

Although often discussed together, EES and ETIAS are not the same system and operate at different stages of the travel process.

What Is the EES?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated border control system designed to register the entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling to and from the Schengen Area.

Instead of receiving a passport stamp, travellers must register their details at dedicated EES terminals at the border. This includes the collection of biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images.

Once fully implemented, EES will:

Digitally record when travellers enter and leave the Schengen Area
Help authorities detect overstays
Replace manual passport stamping altogether

The Gradual Roll-Out of EES

The EES was launched across Europe on the 12th of October 2025, but its introduction has been deliberately gradual to allow member states time to adapt and address technical issues.

Initially, only 10% of arriving passengers were processed through EES
This increased to 35% on the 9th of January 2026
Full implementation is scheduled for the 10th of April 2026

The rollout has not always been smooth, and travellers have at times experienced lengthy delays at border controls, particularly at busy airports and land borders.

To avoid congestion and disruption during peak travel periods, member states are allowed to temporarily suspend the use of EES terminals for up to 90 days, even after full implementation begins. If necessary, this suspension period may be extended by a further 60 days to reduce pressure during the summer travel season.

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS is short for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. As the name implies, it is a travel authorisation, not a border control system and not a visa. It must be applied for before travelling to Europe.

The application is completed online, is designed to be quick and straightforward, and applies to visa-exempt travellers¹ only. Once approved, ETIAS enables travel to participating European countries for short stays under the standard 90-day rule.

When Will ETIAS Start?

ETIAS has not yet come into force. Its launch has recently been confirmed as on schedule and is currently planned for the last quarter of 2026.

An official start date will be announced several months in advance, giving travellers and airlines time to prepare. Once ETIAS is live, eligible travellers will need an approved authorisation before boarding their flight, ferry or coach to Europe.

Do EES and ETIAS Replace Visas?

Crucially, neither EES nor ETIAS replaces the existing visa system. Travellers who require a visa to enter Europe³, or who intend to stay for longer than 90 days, must continue to comply with the standard national visa and residence permit requirements. At border control, these travellers will undergo the usual checks and are not required to register at an EES terminal.

Why Are These Systems Being Introduced?

While EES and ETIAS may feel new and complex, similar systems have existed elsewhere for many years. Examples include:

The ESTA system used by the United States
The UK ETA, introduced more recently

The main aims of EES and ETIAS are to:

Strengthen border security
Prevent overstays
Improve the accuracy of entry and exit records
Make border procedures smoother and faster in the long term

Although travellers may experience some disruption during the transition period, these systems are intended to streamline travel once fully established.