Exploring Germany Travel: Responses to Inquiries Concerning EES and ETIAS
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES) are two new systems being introduced to enhance security and streamline travel within the EU/Schengen area.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is scheduled to start on October 12th, 2025, with a phased introduction over six months [1][2]. This system digitizes the enforcement of the 90-day rule, replacing manual passport stamping. Non-EU citizens who are residents of an EU country with a long-stay visa or a residency permit are not covered by EES and do not have to complete EES pre-registration or provide biometrics [5].
ETIAS, on the other hand, is expected to begin in the final quarter of 2026, also with a phased six-month introduction [1][4]. ETIAS requires travelers to go online in advance of their trip, fill in a form, and pay a €20 fee to receive the ETIAS travel authorization [2]. This online visa waiver is aimed mostly at tourists and visitors, and non-EU citizens who live in an EU, EEA, or Schengen zone with a visa or residency permit are exempt [5].
The pre-registration for EES involves filling out a questionnaire with personal details, providing fingerprints, and a facial scan [5]. However, holders of other visa types, such as student visas, working visas, non-lucrative or visitor visas, are exempt from EES requirements [5]. Visa-holders are exempt from EES pre-registration, with the exception of those who hold the short-stay Schengen visa [5].
Dual nationals traveling on a non-EU passport will need EES, while those traveling on an EU passport won't [5]. ETIAS is an online visa waiver required for tourists and other visitors into the EU/Schengen zone [2]. The process for taking these details may vary depending on the system at the entry port [5].
Once the registration is completed, it will not need to be done again until a new passport is issued [5]. During the phased introduction of EES, some airports and ports may already be running live tests of their systems [2]. The exact launch dates of ETIAS require approval from the European Parliament but are now aligned to the EES timeline to ensure full readiness [1].
For the first six months post-ETIAS launch (so likely until around mid-2027), having ETIAS may be optional but will become mandatory afterward [3]. After spring 2027, people may be turned back at the border if they don't have an ETIAS [3]. It's important to note that any website offering to complete EES pre-registration in advance is a scam site [5].
In summary, EES and ETIAS are two new systems being introduced to enhance security and streamline travel within the EU/Schengen area. EES will begin in October 2025, with a phased roll-out, while ETIAS is expected to launch in late 2026, after the complete deployment of the EES by April 2026. During the initial phase, ETIAS may be optional but will become mandatory afterward. Always ensure to check the latest updates from official sources to stay informed.
| System | Start Date | Full Deployment | Purpose | |--------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------| | EES | October 12, 2025 (phased) | April 10, 2026 | Digital entry/exit recording, biometric checks at borders | | ETIAS | Expected Q4 2026 | After EES full rollout | Pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers |
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed to facilitate digital entry/exit recording and biometric checks at borders, starting on October 12th, 2025, with a phased rollout. On the other hand, ETIAS, scheduled to begin in Q4 2026, serves as a pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers, intended mainly for tourists and visitors.
