ETIAS Guidance
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is the European Union’s upcoming digital pre-travel entry requirement. Operating similarly to the United States' ESTA or the United Kingdom's ETA, it is an electronic entry permit—not a visa—designed to pre-screen visa-exempt international travellers before they step foot on a plane, boat, or train. Set to launch in the final quarter of 2026, the online system will require citizens from over 60 countries (including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia) to fill out a brief application and pay a €7 fee to secure a digital travel pass valid for up to three years.
Understanding ETIAS: What you need to know
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Think of it as a travel waiver, similar to the ESTA for the USA, not a visa. It is designed to enhance security within the Schengen Area and includes four additional European countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania. When it becomes operational, travellers from visa-exempt countries will need ETIAS approval.
What is the current status of the ETIA System?
Not yet live. The European Commission’s official "State of Schengen" report confirms that ETIAS is scheduled to launch in the final quarter of 2026 (Autumn/Winter).
What do I need to do now?
Nothing. You cannot apply for an ETIAS yet.
Once available, How Do I Apply for ETIAS?
You'll apply online. You'll need a valid passport with at least three months of validity remaining. It's recommended to apply at least 96 hours before your trip. The ETIAS authorisation will be valid for three years and covers all participating countries.
How Much Does ETIAS Cost?
Once it goes live, the ETIAS application will cost €7 (free for those under 18 or over 70). It will be linked electronically to your passport and remain valid for 3 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first), allowing for multiple entries.
How Long Can I Stay in the EU with ETIAS?
ETIAS allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism. For work or study, you'll need a specific visa.
Do I Need a Separate ETIAS for Each Country?
No, one ETIAS covers all participating countries. You'll just need to indicate your first country of entry when you apply.
Is Travel Insurance Required?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended. It covers travel disruptions, lost belongings, and medical emergencies. Consider getting an EHIC or GHIC for discounted healthcare.
ETIAS Warnings & scams
The EU has issued strong warnings regarding fraudulent websites already pretending to sell ETIAS approvals. Applications will only open via the official EU portal closer to the launch date.
Who Needs ETIAS?
Citizens of visa-exempt countries need ETIAS. This includes:
- Albania
- Georgia
- Moldova
- Singapore
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Grenada
- Montenegro
- Solomon Islands
- Argentina
- Guatemala
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Australia
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Taiwan
- Bahamas
- Hong Kong
- North Macedonia
- Timor-Leste
- Barbados
- Israel
- Palau
- Tonga
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Japan
- Panama
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Brazil
- Kiribati
- Paraguay
- Tuvalu
- Brunei
- Kosovo
- Peru
- Ukraine
- Canada
- Macau
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- United Arab Emirates
- Chile
- Malaysia
- Saint Lucia
- United Kingdom
- Colombia
- Marshall Islands
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- United States of America
- Costa Rica
- Mauritius
- Samoa
- Uruguay
- Dominica
- Mexico
- Serbia
- Venezuela
- El Salvador
- Micronesia
- Seychelles
Last Updated: 20 May '26
EU Entry/Exit System (EES) Guidance
The EES is an automated IT system that tracks short-stay travellers from "third countries" (including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia) who do not require a visa. It has officially replaced manual passport stamping.
Understanding ETIAS: What you need to know
What is the EES?
This is a new digital border system that will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area.
This means British nationals will need to register their biometric details, including fingerprints and a photo, when they arrive. The EES will replace the manual passport stamping process.
What is the current status of the ETIA System?
Fully Operational. Following a progressive roll out that began in late 2025, the EES became 100% live across 25 participating European countries and 4 Schengen Area countries on 10 April 2026.
how does it work?
On your first entry into the Schengen Area under this system, you must create a digital profile at the border. This involves a digital facial scan and a fingerprint scan (biometric data).
What is the impact of this?
Your digital record remains valid for 3 years. Because the initial registration requires taking biometrics, passport control lines at major hubs (like the Port of Dover, Eurostar terminals, and major airports) are experiencing longer wait times.
Are there any exemptions?
Children under 12 are exempt from giving fingerprints (though they still require facial scans). EU citizens, Irish passport holders, and non-EU citizens with official EU residency permits are entirely exempt.
MODES OF TRANSPORT AFFECTED
- Flying/Ferries (except Dover): EES checks will be completed at the border upon arrival in the destination Schengen country.
- Eurostar (St Pancras), Eurotunnel (Folkestone), and Port of Dover: EES checks will be completed at self-service kiosks and dedicated areas before you leave the UK.
- Cruises: Sailings that start and finish outside the Schengen Area (e.g., at a UK port) are generally exempt from EES checks, even for day trips into the Schengen Area.
which countries are currently using ees
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland*
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein*
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway*
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland*
* - Schengen Area Countries
which countries are NOT currently using ees
- Ireland - Opted out of the system entirely to maintain its open-border Common Travel Area with the UK.
- Cyprus - An EU member state, but it has not yet achieved full Schengen zone status.
- The United Kingdom - Not an EU member and not part of the Schengen zone.
- Non-EU Western Balkan Nations - Including Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
differences between ees & etias
Primary Function
EES: Border crossing record-keeping. Records the exact entries and exits of travellers at the external border.
ETIAS: Pre-travel authorisation. Acts as a pre-screening tool to identify security risks before the traveler arrives at the border.
Where & When?
EES: At the border. Involves data collection that is part of the entry/exit process (e.g., at an airport or seaport).
ETIAS: Before travel. Requires an online application to be completed and approved before the trip begins.
Information Collected
EES: Biometric data (facial image and four fingerprints) and entry/exit records (date and location).
ETIAS: Primarily travel, personal information, background, and eligibility questions.
Duration & Validity
EES: A continuous record-keeping system that digitally tracks the duration of stay and travel history.
ETIAS: Valid for multiple entries over three years (or until the passport expires). Does not guarantee entry.
Cost
EES: No cost for the traveller's registration.
ETIAS: €20 application fee (free for travelers under 18 or over 70).
Target Group
EES: All non-EU nationals (short-stay), regardless of whether they are visa-exempt or hold a short-stay visa.
ETIAS: Visa-exempt non-EU nationals (including UK citizens) travelling for up to 90 days.
This page will be updated as information becomes available.
Stay tuned for the latest information.
Last Updated: 20 May '26