Germany Travel Essentials: Clarifying EES and ETIAS Requirements for Visitors
The European Union is introducing two new systems to enhance border management: the Entry & Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Here's what you need to know.
The Entry & Exit System (EES)
Starting from October 12th, 2025, non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) will be subject to EES. This system replaces manual passport stamping with automated biometric and travel data recording to detect overstays and improve border management. Notably, holders of long-stay visas or residence permits are exempt from EES as they are not classified as short-term visitors.
The pre-registration for EES involves filling out a questionnaire with personal details, supplying fingerprints, and a facial scan. Once registered with EES, individuals will not need to repeat the process until they get a new passport. During the introduction phase, each country will choose which ports, airports, and stations to enforce EES, with a certain percentage of entry points required to use the system.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
Expected to launch in late 2026, ETIAS requires visa-exempt third-country nationals to obtain pre-travel authorisation before entering the Schengen area or Cyprus for short stays. However, persons who already hold a visa (including long-stay visas) or residence permits are exempt from ETIAS since these documents already authorize their stay or entry.
The process for obtaining ETIAS involves going online in advance of your trip, filling in a form, and paying a €20 fee to receive the ETIAS travel authorization. The ETIAS travel authorization lasts for three years (or until you get a new passport) and covers multiple trips. ETIAS is an online visa waiver required for tourists and other visitors into the EU/Schengen zone.
During the first six months of ETIAS implementation, individuals can enter the EU without an ETIAS (as an 'education phase'). After this period, people may be turned back at the border if they don't have an ETIAS, starting from spring 2027 (if all goes according to plan).
It's important to note that any website offering to complete EES pre-registration or ETIAS applications is a scam site. The official ETIAS website is not yet up and running.
Non-EU citizens residing in an EU country do not have to complete EES pre-registration or provide biometrics. They are also exempt from ETIAS.
In summary, non-EU residents in the EU with a long-stay visa or residence permit do not need ETIAS authorisation and are not subject to EES short-stay entry procedures when traveling within the Schengen area. However, they must continue to comply with their residence permissions and relevant national rules.
Some airports and ports are already running live testing of their EES systems. The EES will have a phased introduction, aiming for full implementation within six months (by April 2026). ETIAS is mostly aimed at tourists and visitors. Schengen visa holders are not exempt from EES.
[1] European Commission. (n.d.). Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/policy-areas/entry-exit-system_en
[2] European Commission. (n.d.). European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/policy-areas/european-travel-information-and-authorisation-system_en
[3] European Parliament. (2018, December 19). Regulation (EU) 2018/1846 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the establishment of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and amending Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2018-0484_EN.html
[4] European Parliament. (2017, May 25). Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 on the establishment, operation and use of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and amending Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2017-0402_EN.html
These two systems, the Entry & Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), are part of the enhanced border management measures introduced by the European Union. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) requires pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt third-country nationals planning short-stay travels within the Schengen area or Cyprus, thereby influencing their travel preparations.
