What is ETIAS and who needs it?
ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, represents a significant change in the way travellers access 30 European countries for short stays. This system primarily affects individuals from countries that traditionally enjoy visa-free entry into Europe, including the 29 Schengen Area nations and Cyprus.
With ETIAS, these visa-free travellers will need to secure a travel authorisation before embarking on their journey. It’s crucial to note that ETIAS is not classified as a visa; rather, it serves as a pre-trip requirement designed to enhance security measures without altering the existing visa exemption status for eligible travellers.
What is the EES and how does it work?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a complementary initiative aimed at improving border management in Europe. This system will automatically register both visa-free and visa-required travellers who enter the European zone for short stays. Unlike ETIAS, which requires travellers to take action ahead of time, the EES operates seamlessly at the borders of the 29 Schengen countries.
When travellers arrive, their information will be captured electronically at external borders, effectively phasing out the manual stamping of passports. This new system is intended to streamline border control processes and provide better data for tracking travel patterns throughout the Schengen Area.
What information will be collected?
When applying for ETIAS travel authorisation, travellers will be asked to provide various personal details. Essential information includes their full name, address, passport details, current occupation, and travel history, particularly any trips to conflict zones or prior criminal convictions. Importantly, ETIAS does not collect biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition.
In contrast, the EES will gather more extensive information, including travellers’ facial images and fingerprints upon arrival. Additionally, it will record details such as travel document specifics and the dates and locations of entry and exit from the participating European countries. This comprehensive data collection is aimed at ensuring both security and efficient monitoring of travel flows within the Schengen Zone.
When will these systems be introduced?
The timelines for the implementation of ETIAS and the EES are staggered. Travellers wishing to visit Europe will need to apply for the ETIAS authorisation well ahead of their journey. The EES, on the other hand, requires no advance action from travellers; the registration process occurs automatically when crossing external borders.
The EES is scheduled to be operational by October 2025, paving the way for ETIAS to follow shortly after. The rollout of ETIAS is expected in the last quarter of 2026, with the exact dates to be confirmed by the European Union later this year. This phased introduction aims to facilitate a smoother transition for both travellers and border control authorities in Europe.
