An insight into what your company needs to know about the two changes in European Travel: ESS and ETIAS
If your team travel to and around Europe, there are important travel and documentation changes you need to be aware of. Two new EU border systems — the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) — are changing how non-EU nationals enter and move around European countries.
While both systems are designed to strengthen border security and modernise checks, they operate very differently. ESS impacts travellers at the border, and ETIAS applies before departure, similar to the US ESTA.
Irish passport holders are exempt. However, for UK nationals and other international travellers visiting Europe, these changes will directly affect travel management— particularly as EES (introduced late 2025) becomes fully operational in April 2026 and ETIAS follows in Q4 2026.
What is EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) began operations on 12 October 2025 and is due to be fully operational across participating countries by 10 April 2026.
It applies to non-EU nationals travelling for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
EES replaces traditional passport stamping with a digital record.
When a traveller arrives at an external EU border:
- Passport details are recorded digitally
- Facial image and fingerprints are collected (including for children and babies)
- Entry and exit dates and locations are logged
There is no advance application for EES. It happens as you travel.
Although the rollout has been gradual at border crossing points, from April 2026 the system will be fully operational. Travellers may also pre-register data up to 72 hours before arrival via the “Travel to Europe” mobile app (where available), helping to reduce waiting times.
In short:
EES introduces digital checks at the border. Our key recommendation here is to allow additional time if you are in scope.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is different. It is not a visa, but a travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals travelling for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
ETIAS is scheduled to launch in Q4 2026, with the EU due to confirm the exact start date later this year.
It works similarly to the US ESTA. If you are in scope, you will need to apply before travelling.
The process is straightforward:
- Complete an online application via the official ETIAS website or app
- Provide personal and passport details
- Pay a one-time fee
- Most applications are approved within minutes
Once approved:
- The authorisation is electronically linked to the passport
- It is valid for three years, or until the passport expires (whichever comes first)
- Airlines and carriers will check approval before boarding
In short:
ETIAS is similar to an ESTA.
The Key Differences at a Glance
| EES | ETIAS |
| Applies at the border | Applies before travel |
| Digital registration of entry/exit | Online travel authorisation |
| No pre-approval required | Approval required before boarding |
| Biometric data collected | No biometrics at application stage |
| Fully operational by April 2026 | Due to start Q4 2026 |
It is important to note that many travellers will be subject to both systems.
For example:
- A UK passport holder travelling visa-free will need ETIAS approval before departure once the system is live.
- Upon arrival in Europe, their entry will be recorded under EES and they may be subject to longer queues at border control.
What This Means for International Companies
Companies operating internationally will need to be fully aware of these developments and ensure travellers are briefed on requirements.
ETIAS in particular introduces a pre-travel compliance step from Q4 2026. Travellers without an approved authorisation will not be permitted to board flights, once fully implemented.
Meanwhile, with EES fully operational from April 2026, companies will need to monitor cumulative time spent within Europe more carefully for non-EU nationals. Under the Entry/Exit System, travellers are permitted to stay a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area. This “90/180-day rule” will now be automatically tracked, as EES electronically records entries, exits and any overstays, replacing manual passport stamping.
What next
April 2026 marks the point at which EES will be fully operational. Q4 2026 then introduces ETIAS, adding a new pre-travel administrative layer for visa-exempt travellers.
For travel managers, we recommend undertaking the following:
- Update pre-trip approval processes
- Ensure travellers understand their responsibilities
- Communicate the changes clearly
- Ensure your TMC is providing support with the transition
- Review your travel policy
The key message:
- Irish passport holders: no change.
- Most non-EU short-stay travellers: registered under EES at the border, fully operational from April 2026. Be mindful of 90/180 rule.
- ETIAS required from Q4 2026 for non-EU Nationals & UK. Similar to ESTA.
Clear communication now will ensure your teams continue to travel smoothly as these systems become fully embedded.
How do we help at Hannon Travel?
- Our team endeavors to proactively advise of upcoming visa/documentation changes via email and our social channels.
- We provide a dedicated visa and documentation hub where travellers can check what is needed pre-travel.
Keen to learn more about how we help companies ensure their travel is smooth and hassle free?
Drop us an email at info@hannontravel.com or book a call with one of our experts.
