Published: September 3, 2024
Updated: 16 October 2025
If you’re planning to travel to France or relocate as a non-EU national, it’s important to be aware of two upcoming changes that will impact how you enter Europe: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). These systems aim to modernise and secure Europe's borders, but they won’t be arriving at the same time.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is ETIAS and When Will It Start?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers visiting the Schengen Area, including France.
Despite previous plans for a 2025 rollout, ETIAS will now begin in the last quarter of 2026. The European Union confirmed the revised timeline due to technical delays in the launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which must come first.
👉 You do not need an ETIAS for travel in 2025, and no action is required from travellers until further notice.
What ETIAS Will Do (Once Active in 2026)
- Required for non-EU citizens from visa-free countries (e.g., UK, US, Canada, Australia)
- Valid for 3 years or until passport expiry
- Authorises short stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period
- Not a visa more like the U.S. ESTA
- Application will be online, with a 20 € fee
What Is the EES (Entry/Exit System) and When Does It Start?
The EES is a digital border control system that will replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area. It electronically records your entry, exit, and refused entry, making it easier for authorities to enforce the 90/180-day rule.
📆 EES officially launched on 12 October 2025, with full rollout expected by April 2026. It is being gradually introduced at external border checkpoints across Europe.
EES and ETIAS: Key Timeline Summary
| System | Purpose | Launch Date | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EES | Tracks entry/exit for non-EU travellers | 12 Oct 2025 | First-time entrants must register biometric data (face + fingerprints) at kiosks. Subsequent entries will be faster. |
| ETIAS | Pre-travel authorisation for visa-free nationals | Late 2026 | None for now |
How Expats & Travellers Should Prepare
While no ETIAS action is required in 2025, here’s what you can do to stay ahead:
✅ Monitor official updates via europa.eu/etias
✅ Keep personal travel records to avoid overstaying the 90-day Schengen limit under EES
✅ Plan extra time at borders during EES rollout due to new procedures
✅ If you’re relocating to France on a long-stay visa, you’re exempt from both ETIAS and EES registration, your visa or residence permit serves as your official entry authorisation.
What Will Travel with ETIAS Look Like in 2026?
Once launched, the ETIAS travel process will look like this:
- Fill out an online application at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias
- Pay a 20 € fee
- Receive your travel authorisation (valid for multiple trips)
- Travel to France or other Schengen countries
- Stay up to 90 days per 180-day period
To wrap it all up
The EES will go live in October 2025, and ETIAS will follow in late 2026. There is no ETIAS requirement for 2025, and no immediate action is needed. However, it’s wise to stay informed and prepare for changes, especially if you’re planning extended stays or relocating to France.
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Useful resources
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following resources:
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