The European Union has officially confirmed that its long-anticipated Entry-Exit System (EES) will begin rolling out on 12 October 2025, with full implementation expected over the following six months.
Initially scheduled for late 2024, the biometric border system faced multiple delays due to technical concerns. The EES will now be gradually introduced across 29 EU and Schengen countries, reaching full operation by 9 April 2026.
Designed to monitor entries and exits of non-EU nationals (including those from the UK and US) the EES will collect fingerprints and facial images at external borders. It applies to both visa-exempt travellers and those holding short-stay visas.
The launch of EES is a prerequisite for the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), now set to debut in late 2026. Alongside the timeline update, the EU has announced a sharp rise in the ETIAS application fee, from the original €7 to €20.
“This increase aims to cover the operational costs of ETIAS, taking into account all its functionalities and inflation rates, and align the EU fee to the ones of other countries that have similar travel authorisation programmes,” said the EU in an explanation of the increase in price.
Applicants aged under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from paying the fee. Once approved, authorisations remain valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first. During that period, travellers can stay in the 30 ETIAS countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
