Visit Switzerland: Explanations for EES and ETIAS Requirements
Starting from October 12, 2025, the Entry & Exit System (EES) will digitise the entry and exit process for non-EU nationals entering or leaving the Schengen area. This system replaces passport stamping with a digital record of entry and exit, primarily at airports but also other entry points.
All non-EU nationals entering or exiting the Schengen zone through participating border points will be subject to this system, regardless of visa status at the border control process. However, holders of long-stay visas or residence permits issued by an EU or Schengen country are not exempt from EES; these travelers will still be registered in the EES upon entry and exit since it tracks border crossings digitally.
On the other hand, ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization required for visa-exempt third-country nationals visiting the Schengen area. Holders of a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by an EU or Schengen country do not need an ETIAS to travel within or enter the Schengen zone.
ETIAS is primarily aimed at visa-exempt travelers who previously could enter without a visa; it adds a pre-travel screening step. The ETIAS fee is set at €20 (from 2025 onward), and the authorization is valid for three years or until expiry of the travel document, whichever comes first. Family members of EU nationals and those with rights of free movement within the EU are also exempt from ETIAS.
Below is a summary table of the systems and their respective exemptions for long-stay visa or residence permit holders:
| System | Applies to | Exemptions for Long-Stay Visa/Residence Permit Holders | |--------|------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | EES | All non-EU nationals crossing Schengen external borders starting Oct 12, 2025 | No exemption — long-stay visa/residence permit holders will be included in EES records | | ETIAS | Visa-exempt non-EU nationals needing travel authorization before short-term Schengen travel | Exempt if holding long-stay visa or residence permit issued by EU/Schengen country |
Non-EU residents with long-stay visas or residence permits must carry these documents alongside passports when traveling. EES enhances border security and records but does not replace the residency authorization itself. ETIAS does not apply to residents with valid permits since the permit already grants entry rights; ETIAS targets short-term visa-exempt travelers only.
In conclusion, non-EU citizens with long-stay visas or residence permits issued by an EU/Schengen country are exempt from needing ETIAS but will be subject to EES registration when crossing borders from October 12, 2025. Second-home owners who have a short-term visa (less than six months) are not required to complete EES, but anyone who doesn't have a visa or residency permit is required to complete EES pre-registration.
ETIAS will be introduced after EES is fully up and running, with a current start date in the final quarter of 2026. Any website offering to complete EES pre-registration in advance is a scam site. Citizens of EU, EEA, or Schengen zone countries are exempt from EES requirements. Once purchased, the ETIAS travel authorization lasts for three years or until a new passport is issued. Non-EU citizens who are residents of an EU/Schengen zone country are not covered by EES and do not have to complete EES pre-registration. Holders of other visa types, such as student visas, working visas, non-lucrative or visitor visas, are also exempt from EES requirements.
- Regardless of the EES implementation, long-stay visa or residence permit holders do not need ETIAS for travel within or entry to the Schengen zone, as they are exempt from this electronic travel authorization.
- From October 12, 2025, second-home owners who have a short-term visa (less than six months) are not required to complete the Entry & Exit System (EES) pre-registration, but all other non-EU nationals, including long-stay visa and residence permit holders, will be subject to EES registration when crossing Schengen borders.
