EU Sets October For Border System Rollout, Delays ETIAS To 2026

• The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will launch on October 12, 2025.
• The EES is a digital system aimed at monitoring non-EU travelers entering and exiting the Schengen Zone.
• This system will replace the traditional method of manually stamping passports.

The European Union has officially confirmed that its long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES) will go live on October 12, 2025. This new digital system is designed to monitor non-EU travelers as they cross into and out of the Schengen Zone, replacing the traditional practice of manually stamping passports.

What the EES Will Do

The EES aims to enhance border security and efficiency by digitally logging the movements of short-term visitors from non-EU countries. Instead of passport stamps, the system will capture biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images as well as personal information and entry/exit details. The goal is to curb illegal overstays and streamline checks at the border for legitimate travelers staying up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Phased Introduction Across the Schengen Area

The EES will be implemented gradually over a 180-day transition period, though an exact starting point for this phase-in has not been confirmed. The process will unfold in stages:

• Initial Rollout: A select number of border checkpoints will begin using the system.
• Incremental Expansion: More border crossings will adopt EES over time.
• Full Coverage: By the end of the six-month period, the system is expected to be fully active at all relevant Schengen entry and exit points.

Biometric data collection will also be ramped up slowly to ensure a smooth transition.

ETIAS Launch Postponed to Late 2026

Initially planned to launch alongside the EES, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has now been pushed back to late 2026. ETIAS will require travelers from visa-exempt nations such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan—to apply for authorization before entering the Schengen Zone.

Like the U.S. ESTA or Canada’s eTA, ETIAS will involve an online application process and be valid for up to three years or until the applicant’s passport expires. Originally set at a €7 fee, the charge is now expected to rise to approximately €20, due to increased operational costs.

Two-Stage Buffer Period Proposed

To ease travelers into the new ETIAS requirement, EU officials have recommended a 12-month adjustment phase, broken into two parts:

1. Transitional Period (First 6 Months): Travelers may still enter without an ETIAS authorization if they meet all other entry conditions.
2. Grace Period (Next 6 Months): First-time visitors will not be penalized for not having ETIAS, but repeat entries will require valid authorization.

These measures are intended to prevent major disruptions at European airports and help both border officials and travelers adapt to the new system.