Nearly a decade after its initial announcement, the European Union has finally released a timeline for the implementation of two significant systems: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias). The EES, designed as a digital border management system for non-EU nationals, is anticipated to become operational by October 2025, while the Etias is expected to follow suit in the last quarter of 2026. These systems were first proposed by the EU in the autumn of 2016, shortly after the Brexit vote, but the rollout has faced multiple delays over the years. Originally slated for a 2022 launch, the EES missed its last deadline in November 2024 due to concerns from several member states regarding their readiness. Now, Tomasz Siemoniak, Poland’s interior minister and the current holder of the EU presidency, has indicated that the EU is “aiming for October.” However, a definitive date has yet to be confirmed by the European Commission.
As the EES comes into effect, British passport holders will have to navigate additional complexities when traveling to Europe. Last week, the EU reached an agreement for a phased implementation of EES, pending approval from the European Parliament. This phased rollout is expected to last for six months, during which time British travelers may still encounter the manual process of passport stamping, alongside new biometric scanning measures. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you need to know about the rollout of both systems and their anticipated timelines.
What is EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border management framework aimed at registering visa-exempt non-EU nationals visiting the 29 participating European countries for short stays. Its primary objectives are to modernize border management within Schengen countries, streamline border control processes, and mitigate identity fraud. Upon implementation, EES will replace the current manual passport stamping method for non-EU travelers entering and exiting these countries.
At present, passport stamps are utilized to ensure that third-country nationals do not overstay their permitted duration in the Schengen Area, which is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. This regulation has been applicable to British citizens since the conclusion of the Brexit transition period. The EES initiative was first discussed in November 2016, just a few months following the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
Once EES is operational, British citizens and other non-EU travelers will be required to submit biometric data, including fingerprints and facial photographs, upon their initial entry into the EU. Children under the age of 12 will need to undergo a facial scan, although their fingerprints will not be collected. The biometric data will be retained in the system for three years, after which re-registration will be necessary. Importantly, EES will not apply to British passport holders traveling to Ireland (which is part of the Common Travel Area along with the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) or Cyprus.
What is Etias?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is akin to the UK’s upcoming electronic travel authorization (ETA)—set to be implemented for all nationalities starting in April—as well as the US ESTA. Etias will require visa-exempt travelers who do not hold passports from EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, to apply for authorization prior to their trip to Europe.
The application for Etias will cost €7 (£5.85) for individuals aged 18 to 70, while it will be free for those under 18 and over 70. Most applications are expected to be processed within a matter of minutes, but travelers will need to obtain confirmation of a successful application before embarking on their journey. There are indications that a grace period of six months may be provided following the rollout, allowing travelers who have not yet applied to do so for their initial visit. Much like EES, the Etias will remain valid for three years or until the travel document used for the application expires, whichever occurs first.
What will EES mean for travel from UK ports?
Despite concerns raised by London’s mayor Sadiq Khan about potential “chaos” for passengers using Eurostar services, UK port operators are optimistic about the smooth implementation of EES. Eurostar officials have been collaborating closely with EU authorities to ensure a seamless transition for passengers. A spokesperson for Eurostar stated, “We are working closely with the authorities in the UK and EU member states, as well as with our stations, to prepare for the arrival of EES. Eurostar remains fully prepared and ready whenever it is introduced.”
London St Pancras International, the Eurostar’s terminal, will implement EES alongside other British ports, including Dover and Folkestone, where French border controls are stationed. By October 2024, St Pancras plans to allocate three areas for EES kiosks and has invested approximately €10 million (£8.38 million) in enhancing check-in systems. Significant investments have also been made at the Port of Dover, with officials confident in their readiness for the system’s arrival.
The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF), responsible for managing any potential traffic disruptions when EES is introduced, shares a similar perspective. A spokesperson noted, “KMRF partners, including central government departments, emergency services, and local authorities, will continue to work diligently to ensure we are prepared for the new EU border processes.” However, it is important to acknowledge that initial challenges may arise with the implementation of EES. There are even discussions about a potential app that would allow travelers to submit their biometric information in advance, thereby streamlining the process.
A potential timeline for EES and Etias
- October 2025: If all goes as planned, EES will be activated at a minimum of 10% of border frontier posts within the Schengen Area. During the first 60 days, biometric data collection will not be mandatory, although some countries may choose to adopt it. Passport stamping will still be in effect.
- December 2025: All border crossings that implement EES will be required to utilize the biometric system.
- January 2026: The European Commission anticipates that by this date, “member states should operate the Entry/Exit System—with biometric functionalities—at a minimum of half of their border crossing points.” Essentially, most travelers will need to provide EES biometrics while still having their passports stamped upon entering a Schengen country.
- April 2026: The full rollout of EES should be completed, although passport stamping will continue until the biometric system is fully operational without issues.
- Autumn 2026: While the EU expects Etias to follow in the last quarter of 2026, the exact implementation date remains uncertain. Regardless, it will be optional for countries for the first six months following its activation.
