By Carl Dombek
I am not a fan of “burying the lede” so here is the answer: NOT YET.
What started me on this rant was one particularly ill-informed “influencer” telling his audience that they needed to register for the EES and the ETIAS before traveling to Europe. That is inaccurate on a number of levels.
As of last weekend, travelers to Europe may, or may not, encounter the Entry/Exit System, or EES. The system began a six-month roll-out period starting October 12, and is not yet in use at all borders.
But “register”? No.
“[Travelers] do not need to apply for the Entry/Exit System (EES), nor take any other steps before your journey,” the European Direct Contact Center told TheTravelPro in an email. “The EES only changes procedures once you are at the border.”
At borders where the EES operates, your entry will be recorded electronically and biometric identifiers (fingerprints and photo) collected if it is the first time you enter through a border crossing point that uses the system.
I am not a fan of “burying the lede” so here is the answer: NOT YET.
What started me on this rant was one particularly ill-informed “influencer” telling his audience that they needed to register for the EES and the ETIAS before traveling to Europe. That is inaccurate on a number of levels.
As of last weekend, travelers to Europe may, or may not, encounter the Entry/Exit System, or EES. The system began a six-month roll-out period starting October 12, and is not yet in use at all borders.
But “register”? No.
“[Travelers] do not need to apply for the Entry/Exit System (EES), nor take any other steps before your journey,” the European Direct Contact Center told TheTravelPro in an email. “The EES only changes procedures once you are at the border.”
At borders where the EES operates, your entry will be recorded electronically and biometric identifiers (fingerprints and photo) collected if it is the first time you enter through a border crossing point that uses the system.
"This process will happen directly at the point of entry. There is no need for advance registration," the München Tourism Bureau confirmed in response to TheTravelPro's inquiry.
During the implementation period, passports will continue to be stamped at all borders to avoid any issues for travelers who may have entered in one location where the EES is being used and leave through one where it is not, or the other way around.
Here are the countries where the EES will eventually operate:
Those considering or planning a trip to the EU would do well to register their email at ETIAS.com to get updates on the ETIAS launch date and any new requirements.
And those wanting accurate information should turn to writers who use and cite credible sources rather than influencers who spew out information, accurate or not, as long as they think it will gain more views.
</RANT>
During the implementation period, passports will continue to be stamped at all borders to avoid any issues for travelers who may have entered in one location where the EES is being used and leave through one where it is not, or the other way around.
Here are the countries where the EES will eventually operate:
 |
| Countries that will use EES |
Personally, I am sorry to learn that passport stamps will soon become a thing of the past. For decades, many travelers (myself included) viewed them as badges of honor, or at least a record of our global wanderings. In an act of purest optimism, I ordered a larger passport with additional visa pages the last time I renewed. Guess I won’t be needing those.
But I digress.
As to the second program, North Americans and others traveling to the European Union will have to register for the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, starting in the fourth quarter of 2026.
ETIAS is a travel security program that conducts background checks on applicants to identify potential security risks entering Europe’s external borders. That program will apply to nationals of 59 visa-exempt countries and territories in the Schengen area.
But I digress.
As to the second program, North Americans and others traveling to the European Union will have to register for the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, starting in the fourth quarter of 2026.
ETIAS is a travel security program that conducts background checks on applicants to identify potential security risks entering Europe’s external borders. That program will apply to nationals of 59 visa-exempt countries and territories in the Schengen area.
 |
| Schengen-area countries |
ETIAS clearance will be a necessary step in travel document preparation for travelers from the U.S., Canada, Australia or other non-EU nations. Applications will be completed online and, at present, are expected to cost Є20, though the fee is waived for travelers under 18 or over 70. An ETIAS clearance will be valid for three years.
Those considering or planning a trip to the EU would do well to register their email at ETIAS.com to get updates on the ETIAS launch date and any new requirements.
And those wanting accurate information should turn to writers who use and cite credible sources rather than influencers who spew out information, accurate or not, as long as they think it will gain more views.
</RANT>
Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.
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