Two major changes are on the horizon for European travel. And if you're a UK passport holder, both will affect every trip you take to the EU.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are being introduced at similar times.
But that's where their similarities end. They're both very different policies serving completely different purposes.
Understanding these and the difference between them could help you breeze through EU borders prepared and informed.
So, let's break down exactly what each system does and what you need to do about them personally.
What's the Difference Between The EES and ETIAS? What UK Travellers Need to Know
In a nutshell, here's what each system is.
- Entry/Exit System: The EES is a biometric border check that happens when you arrive in Europe.
- European Travel Information and Authorisation System: ETIAS is an online travel authorisation you apply for before you leave home.
Both are mandatory for UK travellers once they launch. But they work in completely different ways and serve distinct purposes in the EU's new border management strategy.
EES vs ETIAS: Europe's Two New Travel Rules and Why They're Different
Crossing borders into Schengen countries will be a slightly different experience for UK travellers from October 2025 / Unsplash / Daniel Schludi
What is Their Purpose?
EES: Records entry and exit with biometric data.
ETIAS: Pre-screens travellers before they arrive.
When and Where Will They Be Introduced?
EES: Physically, at the borders of Schengen countries from 12 October 2025.
ETIAS: Online, before travel (mid-2026).
Who Do They Apply To?
EES: Non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area.
ETIAS: Visa-exempt travellers, including UK passport holders.
What Do They Cost?
EES: Free.
ETIAS: €20 (approx. £17.60), valid for three years.
The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished routine passport checks at their shared borders. Once you enter one Schengen country, you can move freely across the others, much like travelling between states or provinces. The UK and Ireland aren’t part of the Schengen Area, but travellers must follow Schengen entry rules when visiting member countries.
What Is the EES?
The EES is an automated IT system for non-EU nationals travelling for short stays across 29 European countries. It modernises border controls by creating digital records instead of stamping passports.
The 29 countries in the Schengen area are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus*
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
*Cyprus is an EU Member State and is mandated to join the EES. While it may not yet be collecting data, it will be added to the system as soon as it is technically ready, bringing the total number of countries using EES to 30.
Every time you enter or exit a Schengen country, your movement will be logged on a central digital system. The EES will gradually replace physical passport stamps with these electronic records.
When you arrive at the border, you'll be required to provide data, which will be entered and stored in the system.
It will register your name, travel document data and biometric data. This includes fingerprints and facial images, and whether you were refused entry.
You don't need to take any action before you arrive, and there's no cost to register for the EES.
Expect slightly longer queues during the initial rollout as everyone registers for the first time. After your first entry, subsequent crossings should be faster.
What Is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation that UK travellers will need to apply for before they head to their destination / Adobe Free Stock / Africa Studio
ETIAS works like the USA's ESTA system. It's an online travel authorisation that checks your eligibility to enter the EU before you travel.
You'll fill out an online application with your personal details, passport information, travel plans and answer security questions. Most applications get approved within minutes, but some may take up to 96 hours.
Once approved, your ETIAS authorisation lasts for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for unlimited trips within that period.
ETIAS is set to launch in mid-2026. Travellers will need to apply for it through the official ETIAS website. It costs €20 (around £17.60) and applies to visa-exempt travellers, including UK passport holders. It will be free for travellers under 18 or over 70 years old.
What's the EES / ETIAS Implementation Timeline for UK Travellers?
Mark these dates in your calendar.
- October 2025: EES goes live. You'll register your details at the border on your first trip to EU countries after this date.
- Mid-2026: ETIAS launches. You'll need to apply online before your next EU trip after this date.
Between October 2025 and mid-2026, you'll only need to register with EES at the border. Once ETIAS launches, you'll need both systems for every EU trip.
Why Are These Systems Being Introduced?
The EU designed both systems to modernise border management and strengthen security across the Schengen Area.
- The EES aims to track overstays more accurately, prevent passport fraud through biometric verification, and speed up border crossings once you're registered.
- ETIAS pre-screens travellers against security databases before they arrive. It helps identify potential risks early and allows low-risk travellers to move through borders more efficiently.
Both systems also help EU authorities manage migration patterns and gather better data on visitor movements.
What UK Travellers Should Do Now
Start preparing for EES first. From mid-October 2025, budget extra time at the border for your initial registration. Keep your passport handy and be prepared for fingerprinting and facial recognition.
Bookmark the official ETIAS portal for when applications open in 2026. Set a reminder to apply at least a week before your trip to allow ample processing time.
Make sure your passport is valid. Both systems require at least three months' validity beyond your planned departure date.
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A Europe eSIM from Airalo can smooth airport admin and navigating EES and ETIAS processes / Adobe Free Stock / Monkey Business
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FAQs: What's the Difference Between The EES and ETIAS?
1. What's the difference between EES and ETIAS?
The EES (Entry/Exit System) records your entry and exit at the border with biometric checks, while ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an online authorisation you apply for before you travel.
2. When do EES and ETIAS start?
The EES is scheduled to start in October 2025, while ETIAS is due to launch in mid-2026.
3. Do UK travellers need both EES and ETIAS?
Yes, once both systems are live, UK passport holders will need to register under EES at the border and apply for ETIAS online before travelling.
4. Is EES the same as ETIAS?
No, EES and ETIAS are separate systems with different purposes. EES happens at the border and replaces passport stamps. ETIAS happens before you travel and checks your eligibility to enter.
5. Why are EES and ETIAS being introduced?
The EU is introducing both systems to improve security, efficiency and border management. They help track overstays, pre-screen travellers and speed up future border crossings.
6. Is ETIAS a Visa?
No, the ETIAS is not a visa; it is an electronic travel authorisation (a visa waiver) for citizens from countries, like the UK, who already enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen Area. It functions as an online, pre-travel security screening tool, similar to the US ESTA, to check a traveller's eligibility before they depart.
