Entry / Exit System. (EES)

There is nothing to do for EES before arriving in Europe. Everything is done at a kiosk.

However, you don't need EES where you are going. It's only for countries in the Schengen zone. The UK and Ireland are not in Schengen.

You have your ETA - you are good to go, Diane

Unless you intend to pop over the Channel you will have nothing to do with EES.

I didn't think anyone needed an ETA until late in 2026. Haven't they postponed it to the last quarter of 2026?

OtherMarty, the ETA is in effect now. ETA applies to the UK.
https://www.gov.uk/eta

To clarify, there are three different systems you need to know about:

ETA- this is something you apply for in advance when travelling to the UK only- it's for people who don't need a visa to visit the UK and don't have some other type of status (e.g. UK citizens, long term residents). This has been in place for a few years now.

EES- this is something you do when entering a Schengen country (so not UK or Ireland)- it happens at the border and you don't do anything in advance, and should be in place at most if not all border crossings into Schengen now

ETIAS- this is something you apply for in advance to enter EU countries, and is not yet in place

Othermarty.....you are thinking of ETIAS. It has been postponed...and postponed....and postponed.

ETA is for the UK. EES and ETIAS is for Schengen.

Thank you everyone for your help. It really helps to ask and get answers and recommendations here.
Diane