Effective October 12, 2025, all ‘non-EU national’ travelers not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland will be required to register in the Entry/Exit System (EES).

• What is EES?

  • It is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any of the above European countries.
• ‘What does 'Short stay’ mean?

  • Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This period is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES.
• What are the benefits of the EES?

  • The EES modernizes border management by increasing efficiency and quality of processes at the border. It also simplifies travel and makes it safer.
• What this means for travelers:

  • Biometric scans will be required when entering and exiting Schengen Area countries. Say goodbye to passport stamps!
• Exemptions to registration in the EES apply - see To whom does the EES not apply?

Following the launch of the EES program, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) program is set to launch in the last quarter of 2026.

• What is EES?

  • It is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries and is linked to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.
• How will it work?

  • Apply online for an ETIAS travel authorization. Most applications are processed within minutes.
  • You will receive an email confirming the submission of your application, which will include your unique ETIAS application number: make sure you keep this number for future reference.
  • Once your application has been processed, you will receive another email informing you about its outcome.
  • When you get your ETIAS travel authorization please make sure your name, passport number and other information is correct: if there is any mistake, you will not be allowed to cross the border. More information about what to do if you made a mistake in your application can be found here.
  • On arrival at the border, since your ETIAS travel authorization is linked to your travel document, make sure to carry the same document which you used in your ETIAS application. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to board your flight, bus or ship, or to enter any of the European country requiring ETIAS.
• ETIAS checklist

  • Apply for an ETIAS travel authorization well in advance – before you buy your ticket or book your accommodation
  • Make sure your passport details correspond to those in your ETIAS authorization – you will be refused boarding and entry at the border if they do not match
  • Make sure your ETIAS travel authorization is still valid
  • Check how long you can stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS
  • Make sure your passport is valid for three months after your intended departure from the European countries requiring ETIAS - you will be refused entry at the border if it is not (exceptions apply).

Resources

• European Union New Requirements to Travel to Europe 

It is the client's responsibility to follow the set instructions and timelines.