Revised timeline for the EES and ETIAS

On 5 March, EU Home Affairs Ministers endorsed a revised timeline for the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

After the EES becomes operational first in October 2025, ETIAS is expected to follow in the last quarter of 2026.

ETIAS is the new travel authorisation requirement for nationals of 59 visa-exempt countries and territories around the world. It will be mandatory to enter to 30 European countries for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Similar entry requirements for visa-free nationals are currently in place in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, among other countries.

What will happen next

The specific date for the launch of ETIAS will be announced later by the European Commission and published on this website. The start of ETIAS will be followed by transitional and grace periods, which will last for at least 12 months.

Find out more:

JHA council 5 March 2025 main results