Latest News

European Entry and Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS)

EES

The European Entry and Exit System (EES) is a new system being rolled out by the EU in order to help modernise the EU border and gradually improve the experience for travellers. The EES is an automated IT system registering non-EU nationals, which will replace the current system of stamping passports. A 'non-EU national' refers to anyone who does not hold a passport for any EU country or the following countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

EES comes into force on 12 October 2025 with a phased roll out over the ensuing 6 months. Non-EU travellers including most British citizens entering the Schengen area (which includes Switzerland) will be required to register their biometric data such as facial recognition and finger prints, which will be taken and stored, all done in full compliance with data protection rules and rights. Travellers could also be asked questions about their visit to the EU on arrival (this happens a lot of the time already when arriving in Switzerland) as well as a further biometric check on departure.

Travellers do not need to take any action prior to arriving at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.

For more information on EES please visit the UK Government's EES gov.uk page.

What are the benefits of EES?

1. To improve border security and reduce illegal migration within the EU and its neighbouring countries.
2. The EES will better identify people who have overstayed their time in the EU.
3. It will provide reliable data on entries, exits and refusals of entry.
4. Security within the EU borders will be strengthened and will effectively combat identity fraud.

Although this system aims to provide a smoother travelling experience throughout the EU in the future, while the EES is being introduced and rolled out, it is expected that there could be longer queues at border control in airports and other international ports, such as Dover, the Eurotunnel crossing and St Pancras.  Therefore, we advise all of our travellers to take this into consideration when entering a country and making sure you have everything you might need with you during a long wait e.g. snacks, medication etc. Your digital record is valid for 3 years and if you enter the Schengen Area again within those three years, you will only need to provide a fingerprint or a photo at the border when you enter or exit.

If you are travelling by car across the English Channel, the gathering of information will happen on the English side of the Channel and every member of the party travelling will have to have their data recorded.

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an entry visa requirement for non-EU nationals to travel to a selection of countries, including Switzerland. It is linked to the passport of a traveller and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. You will need a new ETIAS travel authorisation should you get a new passport.

A valid ETIAS travel authorisation will enable you to enter these European countries as often as you want for short term stays, which is usually for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

To obtain an ETIAS authorisation you will be required to submit an application form using either the official ETIAS website (linked below) or the ETIAS mobile app. When applying for ETIAS, you will have to provide personal information and details about your trip and it will cost EUR 7, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee. Read more about what you need to apply and payment exemptions.

Who should apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation?

Generally, you will require an ETIAS travel authorisation if you meet all of the following criteria:

-You are not an EU national

-You are a citizen of a country whose nationals are not required to have a visa for short-term stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS (find here)

-You do not have a residence permit/card/document issued by any of the European countries requiring ETIAS

Some travellers may be exempted from the requirement to have an ETIAS travel authorisation, so please check the sections on who should apply and exemptions before filling out the application.

When does ETIAS come into force?

ETIAS is expected to come into force from Autumn 2026.

ETIAS is currently not in operation and no applications for travel authorisations will be collected at this point. Please be cautious that there might be fraud websites telling you to register now and asking for money however, this will not be an official website and we advise you to keep up-to-date with news of when ETIAS will be introduced.