Policy & Compliance
The EU is set to introduce both its EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for entry into the Schengen area. While there have been concerns over potential delays at terminals, a new app may be able to help prevent congestion Update on new EU entry/exit system
B IFA has kept Members advised of the long-delayed implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) which, according to the latest guidance, is due to go live on 12 October 2025. Just to remind the reader, the EES is a new digital border management system being introduced by the European Union for non-EU citizens travelling to the Schengen area. It will replace the current system of manual passport stamping with automated biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial images). This system will track entries, exits and overstays for non-EU nationals within the Schengen area. The EES links with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals, including those from the UK, travelling to any of the 30 European countries. It is believed that the ETIAS will be launched a few months after the EES, probably in Q3 2026. Perhaps the most important point to note is that the ETIAS is linked to a traveller’s passport, the number of which is also included in the EES. Once issued, the ETIAS is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these 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. The two systems will work in conjunction to enhance border security and streamline travel processes. The EES monitors the movement, whilst the ETIAS confirms that the individual traveller is exempt from visa requirements. Mobile app One concern regarding the EES is that until recently it appeared that all the relevant data had to be submitted when the passenger arrived at the point of departure, potentially creating delays at terminals and causing issues for HGV drivers engaged in international trade. However, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, has developed a mobile application called The Travel to Europe app which will allow non-EU travellers to pre- register their travel document and facial recognition data for EES prior arriving at the border crossing point.
Implementation of EES rests with individual EU member states, which each have discretion on whether to adopt the app. BIFA will update Members as soon as further information becomes available regarding roll-out of the Travel to Europe app. The first confirmed go-live location for the app will be Arlanda Airport, Sweden, during 2025. Concurrently, Frontex is in discussion with the Dutch, French and Italian authorities to implement pilot schemes at selected major entry points in 2026. In addition, Portugal, Greece and Hungary have expressed interest in using the system. It will be the responsibility of the member state to integrate the app with its national systems, and it is thought that it will be particularly beneficial in reducing delays at high volume crossing points by making them smoother and faster. Additional information relating to EES, ETIAS and the app is available at: • GOV.UK website – EU Entry/Exit System – GOV.UK • Europa website: https://travel- europe.europa.eu/en/ees
“ With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays, normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
10 | September 2025
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