ETIAS and EES: What Travellers Need to Know About the EU’s Stronger External Borders

The EU and its member states are implementing practical measures to strengthen the EU’s external borders and safeguard Europe’s security. For travellers, the most important developments are new digital tools such as the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), supported by EU-wide databases used for border and security checks.

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Why the EU is strengthening external borders

Schengen countries largely operate without routine internal border controls. That makes consistent checks at the external borders and efficient information-sharing essential for both security and smooth travel.

Entry/Exit System (EES): digital border management for non-EU travellers

The EU adopted the regulation establishing the Entry/Exit System (EES) in November 2017.

EES will register information on the entry, exit and refusal of entry of non-EU nationals crossing the external borders of the Schengen area.

What EES is designed to improve

According to the Council overview, EES will help to:

• Reduce border check delays and improve checks by automatically calculating authorised stay
• Enable systematic and reliable identification of overstayers
• Strengthen internal security and support the fight against terrorism and other serious crime by enabling law enforcement access to travel history records

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Rollout approach

In May 2025, the Council and the European Parliament agreed on a provisional deal allowing member states to introduce EES gradually over six months.

The system is being built by member states together with eu-LISA, in cooperation with the European Commission and Frontex.

ETIAS: advance checks for visa-exempt travellers

The Council adopted the regulation establishing ETIAS in September 2018.

ETIAS will carry out advance checks on visa-exempt travellers and can refuse travel authorisation when necessary.

Benefits expected from ETIAS

ETIAS is intended to support:

• Improved internal security
• Better prevention of illegal immigration
• Reduced public health risks and delays at borders

ETIAS is being developed by eu-LISA.

When ETIAS is expected to start

The Council page states that ETIAS is expected to start operations in the last quarter of 2026.

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The databases supporting border and security checks

Modern border management depends on shared EU systems.

Schengen Information System (SIS)

The SIS supports internal security by enabling authorities to enter and consult alerts on wanted or missing people and objects. The system contains nearly 86.5 million alerts, and in 2022 it was consulted almost 35 million times a day.

An upgraded SIS became operational in March 2023, including new categories of alerts and additional biometrics such as palm prints, fingermarks, and DNA records for missing persons.

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Visa Information System (VIS)

The VIS supports the short-stay visa procedure and helps authorities check travellers who need a visa for the Schengen area. Since 2011, VIS has supported biometric matching to help prevent identity fraud.

In May 2021, the EU updated the VIS rules to strengthen security, include long-stay visas and residence permits, and improve interoperability with other EU systems.

Frontex and cooperation with neighbouring non-EU countries

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) was launched in October 2016. It monitors external borders and works with member states to identify and address security threats.

A regulation adopted in November 2019 reinforced Frontex’s role, including the creation of a standing corps planned to reach 10,000 staff by 2027.

Frontex may also support operations in neighbouring countries where a status agreement exists between the EU and that country.

Practical takeaways for travellers

If you travel to Schengen visa-free, expect a shift toward more standardised, digital procedures at the external border.

• EES will record entries and exits for non-EU travellers
• ETIAS will add advance screening for visa-exempt travellers and is expected to start in Q4 2026
• Systems like SIS and VIS support security and identity checks across the EU