On March 5, 2025, EU Home Affairs Ministers endorsed a revised timeline for the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The EES is expected to become operational in October 2025. ETIAS is expected to follow in the last quarter of 2026.
What to Expect
- The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border management system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of 29 European countries using the system.
- The EES will modernize border management of the Schengen countries, gradually simplify border controls and prevent identity fraud.
- There will be a progressive start of operations of the EES. Once adopted by the co-legislators, 29 European countries will gradually introduce the EES over a period of six months. This would give border authorities and the transport industry more time to adjust to the new procedures.
- Once the Regulation on the progressive start of operations of the EES is adopted and the remaining Member States declare readiness, the Commission will decide on the specific date of the progressive start of the EES, guided by the timeline endorsed by the Home Affairs Ministers on 5 March 2025.
- ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for non-EU visa-free nationals travelling to any of 30 European countries.
- It is linked to a traveller’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. ETIAS holders can enter the territory of these European countries as often as they want for short-term stays – normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.