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Introduction
EU interior ministers have issued a revised timetable for the launch of both the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/ Exit system (EES). While originally scheduled to be in force in 2022, the EES is now scheduled to be operational in October 2025 and ETIAS scheduled for the last quarter of 2026.
Impact
Medium
What has changed?
The EES and ETIAS systems were designed to modernise border control and provide heightened security across the Schengen zone and were scheduled to be operational in 2022. Continued delays due to technical constraints and operational challenges have forced the EU to postpone the rollout on several occasions.
The Entry / Exit system (EES) is designed to register the entry and exit of third-country nationals in 30 European countries. The system will require travellers to systematically register fingerprints and photographs at every border crossing. The complexity of the system has meant the implementation has encountered technical difficulties and challenging reliability tests. Schengen states must integrate the system into their border control infrastructures, hence the need for a phased implementation to support a smooth transition.
The EES is now scheduled to be operational by October with a gradual roll-out over six months to enable member states to adopt the new procedures.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will become a compulsory requirement for nationals of visa-exempt countries. Citizens of the 59 eligible countries will be covered by the ETIAS electronic travel authorisation, the cost is expected to be 7 euros per application and be valid for 3 years, permitting multiple stays of 90 days in the Schengen zone.
ETIAS is now rescheduled for the last quarter of 2026.
What you need to do
For further information on EU ETIAS and EES systems, please contact the Sterling Lexicon immigration team at [email protected]
