This year, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for the EU and Schengen Zone will finally be launched.

This will be a registration system for UK, US and other non-EU travellers and will only apply to those who don’t require a visa to enter the EU.

Coupled with this is the introduction of the ETIAS – the European Travel Information and Authorisation System – as part of the EU’s efforts to improve border security.

This travel permit was due to become a requirement for non-EU travellers in 2026, but it has been delayed yet again.

The EU now plans to introduce the ETIAS in late 2026 with a transitional grace period, meaning it won’t be mandatory until 2027.

What is the ETIAS?

Under the new ETIAS rules, travellers who don’t need a visa from non-EU countries, including the UK, will have to obtain authorisation before short stays in the Schengen Area.

This will require you to complete an online application, provide personal details, answer security questions and pay a €7 fee. This authorisation will be linked to the traveller’s passport and will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.

Travellers from 60 non-EU countries will need to comply with the ETIAS, but there are some exceptions. The fee will be waived for children under 18 and adults over 70, although they will still need to apply for authorisation.

When will travellers have to apply for the ETIAS?

The ETIAS cannot take effect until six months after the EES is fully operational at all Schengen Area borders. This means all airports, ferry ports and land crossings must have the system up and running before it can be launched.

Installing the new technology required for the EES has been dogged by complications and delays, with dozens of member states not ready for the planned launch.

As the EU has now decided on a phased rollout of the EES over a period of six months – coming into effect at the first borders in October 2025 – the introduction of the ETIAS has had to be pushed back.

It has said the ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026, with a specific date for the launch of the system coming a few months before. Even then it will remain voluntary for a further six months, meaning travellers may not have to pay the fee until well into 2027.