EES and ETIAS start dates announced.

Thanks, Mike. I"ll also repeat your wise words as there's so much incorrect information out there:
It's always better to use official sources for info (as opposed to random fellow travellers)

I'll cite these from a random publication as a for-instance of one that should not be used and why...and, Mike, correct me if my reasoning is wrong?

Right off the bat:

With the availability of the online application process, travellers
can apply for these visas with little or no stress.

Neither of them are a visa, neither of them replace a visa if from a country or for a purpose which requires one, and you do not apply for an EES - that's an automated system at point of entry - only ETIAS. Further down in the article:

It takes only a few minutes to undertake the EES permit process.
However, complete all the necessary details online before visiting the
embassy.

Also, the information each applicant submits while registering
online varies for ETIAS and EES.

Again, I haven't seen anywhere else that there's an advance registration process for EES but it's entirely possible I'm missing something. Being that I expect our forums may see umpty questions about both, best to be accurate, eh? Mike?

@Kate; please note that the site you linked to and quoted from is NOT an official website.
The one and only EU website for EES and ETIAS is this https://travel-europe.europa.eu/pub

@Kate; please note that the site you linked to and quoted from is NOT
an official website.

Kate is using that site as an example of NOT official and breaks it down in her post

I'll cite this random publication as a for-instance of one that should
not be used and why...and, Mike, correct me if my reasoning is wrong?

Did you read her post?

So they are starting EES (no pre-application or fee) in October but they have not announced a date where an ETIAS application and entry approval is required? Am I correct? We are spending an overnight in Madrid on October 23 and just want to be clear on what is required for our overnight stay.

Kate is using that site as an example of NOT official and breaks it
down in her post

Exactly. I used it an example of why it's important to use an official resource versus some random thing potentially full of errors. (Thanks, Christine)

but they have not announced a date where an ETIAS application and
entry approval is required? Am I correct?

Correct

Also announced was a rough start date 'towards the end of 2026' for
ETIAS - the visa waiver for non-EU travellers from countries including
the USA & UK will need when visiting EU/ Schengen countries in future.

I understand Kate's post, but I think adding the link to an unreliable source will confuse many.

We've seen over and over that a lot of posters and readers here don't seem to actually read the full posts

Yes, I read Kate’s post and I guess I should explain better why I reacted in the way that I did.
Websites like the one mentioned by Kate, but also the websites and the telephone numbers that are regularly posted here on this forum by spammers rely on something called Search Engine Optimization to be found by potential users. If other websites post a link to a website or list a telephone number, it gives credibility to that website and it will get a higher ranking in the search results. Search engines also take into account from which website the link is posted. The RS-website and forum are considered to be a reputable source, so if a link is posted here, the search engine will rank that website higher in the search results.
This is also why the spammers post these telephone numbers here and also on TripAdvisor. They are not after the readers of these forums, they’re after the credibility a referral on the RS and TripAdvisor forum will give them.
And a posted quote from a certain website will give even more credibility to that website.
If you want to know more about how this works, look up Search Engine Optimization or SEO.

So by posting a link to that unofficial website and quoting from it, Kate is actually (but most likely unknowingly) helping these unofficial websites.

In my work I deal with victims of fraudulent websites on an almost weekly basis. This is why I always try to react to posts that unknowingly or deliberately promote these websites. It’s also why I may come on a bit too strong sometimes.

Ok thanks for your explanation
I do understand SEO

Perhaps Kate could edit and remove the link-just type non link web address

We've made some edits. I think we're good now.

Just FYI Webmaster: I'd probably already removed the link to the article (which contained some incorrect info but no 'scam' involved as no application was provided nor money requested) and made a small edit to my copy before you got to it. Thank you for removing an unnecessarily harsh response to a well-meaning post. :O(

Mike-- this is at the top of the page when I click on the link you provided

Entry/Exit System is currently not in operation.
It is due to start in October 2025. The European Union will confirm the starting date of the EES several months prior to its launch.

Where did you find Oct 12 as the start date?

So they are starting EES (no pre-application or fee) in October but
they have not announced a date where an ETIAS application and entry
approval is required? Am I correct? We are spending an overnight in
Madrid on October 23 and just want to be clear on what is required for
our overnight stay.

Mary, you don't have to do anything. Show up, there will be vey good signage. Follow the "other" passport lane, if they have their act together, and that is left to be confirmed, they will take your picture, fingerprinting, add your passport pictures & you will then be in the system. EASY!! NOTHING is 'required'. ESTIAS has been delayed for YEARS. I will only believe it when it's officially happening!

Apparently this is a soft start so passports will still be stamped in and out until 9 April 2026.
During those 6 months any country can suspend the scheme if it leads to excessive delays.
This is from multiple press sources, but isn't seemingly on the EU website, or even on the UK foreign office travel advice website.

Apparently the precise start date was first leaked by an unnamed source and posted for a short while on the official EES website. I learned of it from an email from 'The Local', an expat newsletter. The date is now being widely reported by the press. This article explains more details of the roll-out. https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/ees-digital-border-checks-start-date-officially-confirmed/737190
Ever notice how similar are the words travel and travail?

Thank you @Sandancisco.