EU Tightens Border Controls

EU tightens border controls in response to rising migration pressures and security concerns across member states.

Many non-EU travellers will soon experience the consequences of Europe’s new border management. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES) are the two main systems at the centre of this change. When taken as a whole, they signify a significant change in the tracking and screening of visa-free travellers.

Here’s what you need to know about ETIAS, why it’s being introduced, and how it will change travel to Europe.

What Is ETIAS — And Why Is It Being Introduced?

• ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization system for citizens of visa-exempt countries (i.e., countries whose citizens do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area).
• Its purpose is to pre-screen travelers before they arrive in Europe — checking for security risks, irregular migration, or health-related concerns.
• This authorization will be linked electronically to the traveler’s passport, and border guards will verify it alongside their travel documents upon entry.
• According to EU sources, around 97% of ETIAS applications will be automatically approved, while a smaller portion (~3%) will undergo manual review. 

When ETIAS and EES Will Launch — And What That Means

• The Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to go live on 12 October 2025, according to EU updates.
• The EES replaces the old system of passport stamping. Instead, non-EU travelers will have their biometric data (fingerprints + face scan) collected upon arrival.
• ETIAS, which depends on EES data, is now scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026.
• There will be a grace or transitional period. For about six months after ETIAS goes live, it might not yet be mandatory — followed by a phase where repeat travelers must have it.

What the ETIAS Fee Will Be — And Who Pays

• The EU recently revised the application fee for ETIAS from the initially planned €7 up to €20, citing inflation and additional costs.
• Some travelers will be exempt:
  • Children under 18
  • Adults over 70
  • Certain categories (e.g., family members of EU citizens) may also not pay.
• Once approved, an ETIAS authorization will be valid for up to three years, or until the traveler’s passport expires — whichever comes first.

How ETIAS + EES Change the Travel Experience

1. More Secure Borders

By combining pre-travel screening (ETIAS) with biometric checks at the border (EES), EU countries can better identify risks before and during travel.

2. Faster & Smoother Crossings

Although there’s more pre-travel work, ETIAS aims to reduce border delays by handling much of the screening before arrival.

3. Better Overstay Detection

With EES tracking entry and exit dates digitally, authorities can more easily spot travelers who overstay their 90-day Schengen limit.

4. Data-Driven Risk Assessment

ETIAS will check travelers’ submitted information against multiple EU databases (e.g., EES, SIS, VIS) to assess security risk.

5. Privacy Safeguards

Biometric data (from EES) will be stored securely — according to EU officials, only border and immigration authorities will access it, and personal data protection rules (like GDPR) apply.

What Travelers Need to Do to Prepare

• Stay informed. Keep an eye on official EU and national border-security websites for the confirmed ETIAS launch date.
• Plan ahead. Once ETIAS opens, make your application before booking flights to avoid last-minute issues.
• Use the official ETIAS portal. Beware of fraudulent websites pretending to offer ETIAS authorization.
• Be ready for biometrics. On your first trip after EES launches, you might need to scan your face and fingerprints.
• Check your passport’s validity. Since ETIAS is linked to your passport, make sure your passport will still be valid for the duration of your travel authorization.

The Big Picture: Why This Matters

ETIAS and EES are part of the EU’s broader push to modernize border control. By using technology — biometric checks, pre-screening systems, and automated processing — the EU aims to:

• Strengthen security
• Reduce irregular migration
• Make travel more predictable for low-risk visitors
• Prevent overstays and misuse of visa-free travel

For travelers, these changes mean more responsibility — but also the promise of a smoother, more efficient entry experience once the systems are fully in place.

The rollout of ETIAS and EES marks a major shift in how Europe handles visa-free travel. While there will be a learning curve for travelers, the long-term gains — better security, fewer delays, and a more data-driven approach — could make travel safer and more efficient.

FAQs: ETIAS, EES & Europe’s New Border Controls

1. What is ETIAS?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a pre-travel screening system for visa-exempt travelers entering the Schengen Area. It checks security, migration, and health risks before the traveler arrives.

2. Who needs ETIAS?

Travelers from visa-exempt countries (like the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) will need ETIAS approval once it becomes mandatory. Visa-required travelers do not need ETIAS.

3. When will ETIAS become mandatory?

ETIAS is expected to become fully active in late 2026, with a gradual rollout. Mandatory use will likely begin in 2027 after a transition period.

4. What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

EES is a biometric border system that replaces passport stamping. It records travelers’ fingerprints, face scans, entry/exit dates, and identifies overstays.

5. When will EES launch?

EES is currently scheduled to launch on 12 October 2025.

6. How much does ETIAS cost?

The ETIAS fee will be €20, with exemptions for:

• Children under 18
• Adults over 70
• Certain family members of EU citizens

7. How long is an ETIAS authorization valid?

An approved ETIAS is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.

8. Will ETIAS slow down travel?

Initially, some travelers may experience delays at airports due to biometric registration under EES. Once fully implemented, ETIAS is designed to speed up border checks.

9. Is ETIAS a visa?

No. ETIAS is not a visa — it is a travel authorization, similar to the U.S. ESTA. It does not require an interview or visit to an embassy.