An insight into what your company needs to know about the two changes in European Travel: EES and ETIAS
Updated 22 July 2026 following news of delays with the introduction of 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. EES 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 2026 and ETIAS follows (date TBC).
What is EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) began operations on 12 October 2025 and is now fully operational across Europe, albeit with some airports reporting longer than normal queues as passport control.
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 was deemed 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 was due to launch in Q4 2026, however it is now likely to be pushed out to 2027, albeit we await final confirmation later this year and the EU has advised that they “will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch”.
Official ETIAS website linked here: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias.
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 across Europe | Awaiting confirmation on start date |
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. 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
EES is now deemed fully operational across Europe and we await confirmation on implementation date for ETIAS.
For travel managers, we recommend undertaking the following:
- Ensure travellers are aware of EES and allowing extra time at border control where they are in scope
- Communicate the changes clearly when we do know more about ETIAS (keep an eye on our socials and the ETIAS website for the latest information)
- Ensure your TMC is providing support with the transition
- Review and update your company travel policy (we can support you with this process if you wish)
The key message:
- Irish passport holders: no change.
- Most non-EU short-stay travellers: registered under EES at the border, fully operational. Be mindful of 90/180 rule.
- ETIAS required from potentially Q1 2027 (date TBC) for non-EU Nationals & UK. Similar to ESTA.
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.
- We’re available 24/7 should you come across an issue on your travels.
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.
