The European Union is implementing two major border management systems that will transform entry requirements for the Schengen Area (29 European countries with open borders between them):

• EES (October 2025): Biometric border control replacing passport stamps where travelers provide fingerprints and facial scan upon arrival
• ETIAS (Q4 2026): Electronic travel authorization applied for online before travel (like US ESTA or UK ETA)

Where These Systems Apply

Participating countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus (ETIAS only), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Not included: Ireland, United Kingdom

Entry/Exit System (EES) - Launching October 2025

Currently, border officers manually stamp passports of non-EU visitors, leading to uncertainty about remaining stay and lengthy border checks.

Starting October 12, 2025 (fully operational by April 10, 2026), the EES replaces passport stamps with digital biometric registration:

• What's collected: Fingerprints and facial images on first entry (children under 12 exempt from fingerprints)
• Automated tracking: Digital recording of all entries and exits with automatic calculation of remaining stay
• Self-service options: Automated kiosks and gates at major crossing points (where available)
• Applies to: All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals entering for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period)

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) - Launching Q4 2026

Currently, visa-exempt travelers (from countries like the US, Canada, Australia, Japan) arrive at EU borders without prior authorization.

Starting Q4 2026, visa-exempt travelers must apply for a travel authorization before departure:

• What's required: Online application before travel, EUR 20 fee
• Processing time: Usually within minutes, up to 72 hours
• Validity period: 3 years or until passport expires, unlimited entries
• Applies to: Citizens of 60+ visa-exempt countries

Learn more about ETIAS at joinsherpa.com/products/etias. Travelers can register here to receive notifications when ETIAS becomes operational and be included in the processing queue as soon as it's available.

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