Germany Travel: Answers to Your Inquiries on EES and ETIAS
Get ready for a significant change in European travel as two new systems, the Entry & Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS), are set to roll out in the coming years.
The European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS)
The ETIAS, scheduled to start in the final quarter of 2026, is an online visa waiver required for tourists and other visitors entering the EU/Schengen zone. It aims to pre-screen visa-exempt travelers for security, irregular migration, or health risks. However, it's essential to note that ETIAS is not a visa and does not guarantee entry.
The ETIAS application process involves going online in advance, filling in a form, and paying a €20 fee to receive the ETIAS travel authorisation. The method of taking these details may vary depending on the system at the entry port.
The Relationship between EES and ETIAS
The European Commission has opted for a phased introduction of EES, aiming for full implementation within six months. The EES is expected to begin on October 12th, 2025, with a six-month phased introduction. ETIAS, on the other hand, is planned to start roughly a year after the EES begins, so travelers will not need to apply for ETIAS before late 2026.
Key Details about EES and ETIAS
- ETIAS start date: Planned to begin at the end of 2026 (Q4 2026).
- Relation to EES: ETIAS operation is scheduled roughly a year after the EES begins (EES rollout October 2025 to April 2026).
- Cost: ETIAS application fee will be €20, valid for three years or until passport expiry.
- Purpose: To screen visa-exempt travelers for security, irregular migration, or health risks.
- Transition period: ETIAS will be optional for at least six months after launch, with compulsory use expected from around April 2027 at the earliest.
Exemptions and Requirements
- Visa-holders: Visa-holders are exempt from ETIAS, except for those holding the short-stay Schengen visa.
- Dual nationals: Dual nationals traveling on a non-EU passport will need EES, while those traveling on an EU passport won't.
- Residents: Non-EU citizens who are residents of an EU/Schengen zone country with a long-stay visa or residency permit are not covered by EES and do not have to complete pre-registration or provide biometrics.
- Second-home owners: Second-home owners who hold a visa and want to spend more than 90 days out of every 180 at their property in an EU/Schengen zone country are not required to complete EES.
- Non-EU citizens living in the EU: Non-EU citizens who live in an EU, EEA, or Schengen zone with a visa or residency permit are exempt from ETIAS.
Important Reminders
- Scams: Be wary of scammers attempting to exploit both EES and ETIAS for personal details and money. The ETIAS website is not yet available, and any website claiming to process ETIAS applications is a scam.
- Transition period: There will be a six-month 'education phase' after ETIAS is introduced, during which travellers without an ETIAS will be informed of the new requirements but not blocked from entering the EU.
- Enforcement: After spring 2027, people may be turned back at the border if they do not have an ETIAS.
Stay informed about these changes to ensure a smooth travel experience in the future. As the rollout dates approach, more details about the specifics of these systems will become available.
The European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS) is an online visa waiver expected to start in Q4 2026, primarily targeting tourists and other visitors entering the EU/Schengen zone. One might opt for a lifetime of adventurous travel, exploring various lifestyles across Europe, as the ETIAS aims to facilitate a safer and more manageable travel experience, providing security, irregular migration, or health risk pre-screening for travelers.
