The EES rollout will be followed by another system — the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) — expected to begin in late 2026. Once operational, visitors from visa-exempt countries will need to apply online for travel authorisation, provide personal and trip details, and pay a €20 fee before travelling.
An ETIAS approval will be valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first. The system mirrors other international pre-travel authorisation programs like the U.S. ESTA.
Together, EES and ETIAS mark a significant transformation in how the EU manages its external borders. They signal a shift toward digital, pre-authorised, and biometric-based travel verification, designed to enhance both security and efficiency for millions of non-EU travellers in the coming years.