EES vs ETIAS: what’s the difference?
Two separate EU systems, with two different jobs. One is already running at the border. The other has not launched yet. Here is how they fit together for travellers.
The difference
EES vs ETIAS at a glance
| Feature | EES (Entry/Exit System) | ETIAS |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A digital border-control system that records entries and exits. | A pre-travel authorisation linked to a passport. |
| Where it happens | At the border on arrival and departure. | Online, before you travel. |
| Who it applies to | All non-EU short-stay travellers (visa-exempt and visa holders). | Only visa-exempt non-EU travellers (for example UK, US, Canada, Australia). |
| Do you apply? | No. It is automatic at the border. | Yes. Online or in the official app. |
| Cost | Free. | Expected €20, with exemptions for under-18s and over-70s. |
| Replaces | Replaces passport stamping for non-EU travellers. | Does not replace anything. It is a new requirement. |
| Status today | Fully operational since 10 April 2026. | Not live yet. Expected Q4 2026. |
What is EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the EU’s digital border-control system. It records when non-EU travellers enter and leave the Schengen area, replacing the old manual passport stamp. EES applies to all short-stay non-EU visitors, both visa holders and visa-exempt travellers. You do not apply for it. It runs at the border.
EES began a progressive rollout on 12 October 2025 and became fully operational on 10 April 2026. At your first crossing the system records your facial image, fingerprints and travel-document data. Later crossings are quicker because your record already exists.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a pre-travel online authorisation that visa-exempt travellers, such as UK, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders, will need before flying to ETIAS countries for short stays. You apply online and most decisions are expected within minutes. ETIAS is not open yet.
What happens at the border now?
Since 10 April 2026, your entry and exit are recorded digitally rather than stamped into your passport. The first time you cross an external Schengen border you give a facial image and fingerprints. This is EES, and it already applies. ETIAS is a separate step that will sit before the journey, not at the border.
Do you need to do anything for EES before travel?
No. There is nothing to apply for and nothing to pay. EES is handled by border officers and self-service kiosks when you arrive. Allow a little extra time at passport control, especially on a first trip since your biometrics are captured then.
How EES and ETIAS work together
Think of it as two stages of the same trip. ETIAS is the permission to travel, applied for online before you go. EES is the record of the trip, created automatically at the border. A British family flying to Spain in 2027 will meet both: each traveller will need an ETIAS before leaving home, and on arrival their entry will be logged by EES instead of stamped.
Why passport stamps are disappearing
Manual stamps were slow, easy to misread and hard to audit. A digital record makes it clearer when someone entered, when they should leave, and whether the 90 days in any 180-day limit has been used up. That same record is why overstays are easier to detect under EES.
Get one email when ETIAS opens
Get one email when ETIAS applications open. No passport details. No payment before launch.
EES vs ETIAS FAQs
Is ETIAS a visa?
Technically no. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. Many travellers search for “ETIAS visa” or “Europe visa waiver”. The closest comparison is the US ESTA system. You still need a valid passport, and ETIAS does not guarantee entry: border officers always make the final decision.
What is the 90/180-day Schengen rule?
ETIAS-eligible travellers can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day window. ETIAS does not extend that limit; it only authorises short stays within the existing rules.
Can I apply for ETIAS now?
No. The official ETIAS system is not open yet, so it is not possible for anyone to apply. Any website claiming to issue ETIAS today is not legitimate.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee, though they will still need an ETIAS. Private services may charge a separate, optional service fee for help with the application.
Related pages
Get ready for ETIAS before it becomes mandatory
ETIAS is not live yet. Check whether you’re likely to need it and get one email when applications open.