EES Launch Date Confirmed and ETIAS Fee Rises to €20: What Visa-Free Travellers Need to Know

The EU is moving closer to a new era of digital border checks. A phased rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) is scheduled to begin on 12 October 2025, and the EU has also confirmed that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to start between October and December 2026.

For travellers who enter the Schengen area without a visa, these updates matter: EES will change what happens at the border, and ETIAS will introduce a pre-travel authorisation with a higher fee than originally planned.

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What is EES and when does it start?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated border system designed to digitally record the travel details of non-EU passport holders entering Schengen for short stays.

Key dates

• Phased rollout starts: 12 October 2025
• Expected to be fully operational: 10 April 2026

Because EES is being introduced gradually over six months, travellers may experience a mixed process for a period of time, with some crossings using biometric registration and others still relying on more manual steps.

Who does EES apply to?

EES will apply to British and other non-EU passport holders travelling to countries in the Schengen area for short stays.

What data will travellers need to provide?

Under EES, travellers will be required to register biometric data and key travel information, including:

• Fingerprint scans
• Facial image capture
• Name and passport details
• Entry information

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Why EES is being introduced

EES is intended to modernise border procedures by reducing reliance on manual passport stamping and enabling stricter, more consistent border controls.

A practical benefit for travellers is that, once systems are fully integrated, border processes can become more streamlined through automation.

What to expect during the transition period

With a six-month rollout rather than a single “switch-on” date, travellers should be prepared for:

• Different procedures depending on the border crossing point
• Extra time at first use of biometric registration
• Gradual expansion of self-service and automated options

ETIAS: timeline and what it is

The EU has stated that ETIAS will start sometime between October and December 2026.

ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU travellers, broadly comparable to the ESTA system used by the United States.

ETIAS fee increases to €20

The ETIAS fee was originally set at €7. It has now been increased to €20.

The EU’s stated rationale is to cover operational costs, account for inflation, and align the fee with similar travel authorisation programmes.

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How long ETIAS will be valid

According to the article, an approved ETIAS will be valid for:

• Three years, or until the passport expires (whichever comes first)

It will allow:

• Unlimited short-term stays under the 90 days in any 180-day period rule

What travellers should do now

If you plan to travel to the Schengen area in late 2025 and beyond, it is sensible to:

• Allow extra time at the border during the EES rollout period
• Expect biometric registration steps when first using EES
• Budget for the €20 ETIAS fee once ETIAS becomes operational

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