Europe's Entry/Exit System Goes Live as ETIAS Slips to Late 2026

The European Union's Entry/Exit System became fully operational on April 10, with biometric registration now active at external Schengen borders. ETIAS, the related travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, has been pushed to late 2026.

Under EES, non-EU travelers entering or leaving the Schengen Area have their face and fingerprints recorded at the first arrival. Returning visitors can use automated gates where available, with the registration valid for three years. Passport stamps are being phased out at participating crossings.

ETIAS, often compared to the U.S. ESTA program, was originally expected within months of EES. The European Commission now indicates a launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, with no confirmed date yet. Once active, the authorization will cost 20 euros, be valid for three years, and apply to nationals of around 60 visa-exempt countries.

Travelers under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from the fee. Applications will be handled through the official portal at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias, which is not yet open. Officials warn that third-party sites currently selling ETIAS are not authorized.

For trips through summer 2026, only EES enrollment is required. Travelers should expect longer queues at large entry points such as Paris, Madrid, and Frankfurt while staff and travelers adapt to the new biometric process.