If you're visiting Europe from outside the EU, the border has changed. Passport stamps are disappearing, fingerprint scanners have arrived, and you may have heard about a new "ETIAS" travel permit. Here's what's actually happening, who it affects, and what you need to do. And what you don't need to worry about yet.
- EES
- The Entry/Exit System is live at Schengen borders, fully in operation since 10 April 2026
- What EES does
- Records non-EU visitors' fingerprints, photo and entry/exit dates, replacing passport stamps
- Who it affects
- Non-EU citizens on short stays (visa-free or with a short-stay visa)
- Do you need to do anything?
- No application needed. You register at the border the first time
- ETIAS
- A future online travel authorisation for visa-free visitors. Not running yet, and no start date has been announced
- Watch out
- Ignore sites selling "ETIAS applications" now. There's nothing to apply for yet
What is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the EU's digital border system. Instead of stamping your passport, border officers register you electronically: your name and passport details, a facial image, fingerprints (for most adults), and the date and place of each entry and exit.
It's used at the external borders of 29 European countries: most EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Ireland and Cyprus don't use it. The system rolled out gradually from October 2025 and has been fully in use since 10 April 2026.
Who has to register?
- Yes: non-EU travellers coming for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), whether you need a visa or not. That includes visitors from the UK, US, Canada and Australia.
- No: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, and non-EU nationals with an EU residence permit or long-stay visa.
What happens at the border?
The first time you enter after the system started, you'll register your details. That might be at a self-service kiosk, with an officer, or partly in advance through an app at some borders. On later trips (within three years), the process is quicker, as you're already registered. Children under 12 aren't fingerprinted.
Tip: Your first EES registration can take a bit longer, especially at busy airports and land borders in peak season. Allow extra time, particularly if you have a tight connection.
Why it matters: the 90/180 rule
EES automatically calculates how long you've stayed. Visa-free visitors can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area. Overstays are now flagged instantly, so keep track of your days, especially on long trips or repeat visits.
What is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be an online pre-travel authorisation for visitors who don't need a visa. It's similar to the US ESTA or the UK ETA. Once it launches, visa-free visitors will need one before travelling to most European countries.
But it isn't running yet. The EU's official ETIAS site currently says the system is not in operation, and that the start date will be announced months in advance. So right now:
- You don't need an ETIAS to visit Europe.
- Any website taking ETIAS applications or payments today is not official. Only use the EU's own ETIAS page when the time comes.
Your pre-trip checklist for Europe
- Check your passport: it should be issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen area.
- Count your days if you're travelling a lot. Remember the 90/180 rule.
- Allow extra time at the border on your first trip since EES started.
- Check the official sources before you go: the EU's EES page, and ETIAS updates.
- Sort your data. You'll want maps and messages working the moment you're through. See our travel connectivity checklist.
Staying connected across Europe
Crossing a lot of borders? A Europe eSIM covers dozens of countries on one plan, with no SIM swaps at the border and no surprise roaming bill. Not sure whether an eSIM beats roaming? Here's our honest comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply for EES before I travel?
No. There's nothing to apply for. You're registered at the border the first time you enter a country using the system.
Do I need an ETIAS to visit Europe right now?
No. ETIAS hasn't started yet, and the EU will announce a start date months in advance. Be wary of any website offering ETIAS applications today.
Does EES apply to UK citizens?
Yes. Since Brexit, UK citizens are non-EU visitors in the Schengen area, so they register in EES and follow the 90/180-day rule.
Will my passport still be stamped?
No. EES replaces manual passport stamps for travellers covered by the system.