Travel Tips Tips

Difference between EES and ETIAS: Simple UK travel guide

Emma-Jane Stogdon

18.09.25

Read time 3 minutes

If you’re heading to Europe soon, there are two new travel systems to be aware of — the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

This guide clears up the difference between EES and ETIAS, so you know how to prepare and what to expect when you travel.

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EES and ETIAS: What's the difference?

Both ETIAS and EES apply to UK citizens travelling to Europe for a short stay, but they have distinct purposes.

The EES tracks your visits electronically when you pass through a border. You don’t need to apply for it. It’s due to launch on 12 October 2025.¹

The ETIAS checks if you’re allowed to visit Europe and attaches a digital authorisation to your passport. You must apply before travelling. It’s due to start in late 2026.²

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)? The new border process

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital replacement for passport stamps. Your details will be recorded electronically when you enter or leave any of the 29 European countries using the system.

On your first trip after EES launches, you’ll need to provide extra information at the border. This includes scanning your passport and providing biometrics, including your facial image and fingerprints. You don’t have to provide biometrics each time you travel, so future journeys should be quicker. ³

EES automatically tracks how many days you’ve spent in the Schengen Zone under the 90/180-day rule, which should help prevent overstaying. ⁴

What is the ETIAS? The new travel authorisation

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is different. It’s a pre-travel check, a bit like the US ESTA or the UK ETA. ²

From late 2026, UK citizens will need to apply for ETIAS online before going to Europe. You’ll enter your passport and personal details, answer a few background questions, and pay a small fee — currently €20 for most travellers.⁵ If approved, your ETIAS will be linked digitally to your passport.²

The ETIAS is only for short stays. It doesn’t allow long stays or employment in the EU — you’ll typically need a Schengen visa for that.⁶

EES vs ETIAS: Key differences at a glance

Here is a simple breakdown of the main differences between EES and ETIAS:

	Entry/Exit System (EES)	ETIAS
What is it?	A border system that digitally records entries and exits.	A pre-travel authorisation you can apply for online.
When does it start?	12 October 2025¹	Late 2026.²
Who needs it?	Non-EU nationals, including UK citizens.**¹	Most non-EU visa-exempt travellers, including UK citizens.**⁶
What do you need to do?	Scan your passport at the border. Also, your photo and fingerprints will be taken the first time.³	Apply online when you’re planning your trip. Travel with the passport that’s linked to your ETIAS authorisation.
Is there a fee?	No.	Yes, €20 for most travellers.⁵ (Pay with a Wise card for fair exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees if you have the foreign currency in your account.)
Which countries use it?	29 countries in total (27 Schengen countries + Bulgaria and Romania.⁷	30 countries in total (27 Schengen countries + Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus). ⁷

** Note: There are some exemptions, including people with an EU long stay visa or residence permit.

Two EU systems with one goal

In short, EES is the border process, while ETIAS is the permission you get before you travel. These two systems work together to make travel across European borders more secure and efficient.

As a traveller, EES and ETIAS should make it easier for you to understand exactly how long you can stay in Europe in any given period. No more counting passport stamps to track your 90/180-day allowance!

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Sources used in this article:

1. Europa.eu - EES information and purpose of EES
2. Europa.eu - ETIAS information and definition of ETIAS
3. Europa.eu - first time at a border
4. Europa.eu - 90/180 rule
5. Europa.eu - ETIAS application fee
6. Europa.eu - ETIAS travel authorisation
7. Europa.eu - main differences and countries affected

Sources last checked on: 1 September 2025

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