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EES or ETIAS?

Posted by (Berkeley, California, US) on

I just applied and received my ETS for travel to England, then onto France. I understand that

1) ETIAS will not be required until 2026. But I see conflicting information on so this does anyone have a clear idea about this?

2) I understand that EES will be required crossing the border at any Schengen country starting in October this year. I expect to leave France in October. I have 2 questions about this:

2 a) does this apply when crossing the border to exit as Schengen country as well as entering the Schengen country?

2b) in the future will I still have to get this EES once I have the ETIAS?

Any advice offered will be gratefully received. Thank you all so much.

Posted by
89 posts

The link above explains it but you don't have to do anything for EES. It's the backend system that will allow ETIAS to operate.

Posted by
673 posts

Thanks Dutch_traveler & Jeff. I will check the website. Just wondering about departing the Schengen country as I understand the implementation of EES is expected to delay/backup traffic at airports. Don't know if I should leave extra time for this

Posted by
6205 posts

I doubt anyone can answer that with any accuracy, since it hasn't begun yet.

Posted by
17301 posts

Both of these programs have been delayed and delayed and delayed.

I'll believe that they will actually become operational when an exact starting date is announced, implemented and they start taking applications.

Posted by
8587 posts

I would not be concerned about delays caused by EES (or ETIAS) many of the physical elements of EES are already being used, the e-gates, mostly on exit (with the addition of a person at the end to stamp your passport).

Once fully functional, the system should offer faster processing, like the e-gates in the UK. The main problem they seem to having is getting the system to work across 29 countries. I imagine partly due to having to deal with budgets and timelines in each of those countries, most EU, but some not, some EU and Schengen only in the last couple years.

Posted by
329 posts

EES and ETIAS are separate. As is ETA.
EES will require fingerprint and facial recognition to be recorded at first point of entry to Schengen after introduction, which is now expected to be phased in from October 2025. This will then be linked to passports, so no more stamping on entry or exit.
ETIAS is a visa waiver type scheme, which non Schengen types will have to apply for in advance of travel - a bit like to US ESTA.
Current estimate for start date later 2026.
Once both are up and running, you will need both.
There are usually no border checks crossing from one Schengen country to another, excpet that Germany currently has immigration/security check.

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