04/06/2026
✈️For those traveling to Europe later this year!
The new Entry/Exit System (EES), being deployed at airports, Eurostar terminals and ferry ports, started to be operational on 12 October 2025. Among the 29 European countries participating, they will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints.
The ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveler’s passport and it's valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.
ETIAS was scheduled for an October launch but now it's scheduled for a launch in the 'last quarter of 2026'. No action is required from travelers at this point.