EES and ETIAS: what is changing at Europe's borders

Since 10 April 2026 the Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational at Schengen borders: instead of a passport stamp, your fingerprints and facial image are recorded. No start date has yet been announced for ETIAS, the pre-travel authorisation.

1. EES applies to non-EU nationals coming to the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 days — including Georgian citizens travelling visa-free. You do not need to do anything before you travel.
2. At the border your fingerprints and a facial image are taken, and your passport details and the time and place of each entry and exit are recorded. Children under 12 are not fingerprinted.
3. Because every entry and exit is recorded electronically, overstaying the 90/180-day limit is easy to detect.
4. No EES data is recorded for holders of a residence permit or a long-stay visa.
5. The system applies in all 29 Schengen countries; not in Cyprus or Ireland.
6. ETIAS is not yet operating and no applications are being accepted. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance. Any website asking for an ETIAS payment now is not official.
7. Once it starts, ETIAS will have a transition period of at least six months during which it is not yet mandatory.

• France Diplomatie: EES goes live on 10 April 2026 ↗
• European Union: ETIAS — official news corner ↗

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change — check the official sources or ask the relevant authority before making a decision.