On October 12, 2025 a new automated system designed to register non-EU citizens traveling to EU, came into operation: the EES (Entry/Exit System).

The good news is that travelers do not need to do anything, as it is only an electronic registration system.

It will be fully operational by April 10, 2026 since the various EU countries are adopting the system gradually.

Entries, exits, or refusals of entry will be recorded electronically in the EES. This electronic registration will apply both to:

• citizens of countries that REQUIRE a visa to enter Europe (e.g., China, Russia, India, etc.)
• citizens of countries that DO NOT REQUIRE a visa to enter Europe (e.g., US, Canada, UK, Israel, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, …).

For VISA-exempt nationals travelling to EU, a new travel authorization is required: the ETIAS.

ETIAS travel authorization is linked to a traveler's passport. It is valid for up to 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter the territory of the European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026 (October).

No action is required from travelers at this point.