EES and ETIAS: European Union Home Affairs Ministers have officially endorsed a revised schedule for the roll-out of two key border security systems: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
Under the updated timeline, the EES is set to become operational in October 2025, with ETIAS expected to follow in the final quarter of 2026.
The European Commission will determine the official launch date of the progressive EES implementation after the regulation is adopted and all participating States confirm their readiness.
The EES is a digital border management system designed to register non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area for short stays. Covering 29 European countries, the system will record entry and exit data each time travelers cross the external borders. The objective is to streamline border controls, enhance security, and combat identity fraud.
Additionally, the ETIAS will serve as a pre-travel authorisation system for visa-exempt third-country nationals, ensuring enhanced vetting of travellers before their arrival in the Schengen Zone.
Alongside the revised timeline, EU Ministers also supported a progressive roll-out of the EES. Once approved by EU lawmakers, participating countries will gradually introduce the system over six months. This phased implementation is intended to allow border authorities and transport operators sufficient time to adapt to the new procedures.
She is a Legal Counsel and she holds a Ph.D in Law (University of Bologna). She is specialized in European Union Law and she is the Head of the Japanese Desk and Spanish Desk. She is mother tongue Japanese and Spanish and speaks fluently Italian and English.
Related posts:
Italy: Implementation of Directive (EU) 2021/1883 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of highly qualified employment (EU Blue Card)
Updates on the Entry Exist System (EES)
EU delays the introduction of EES (Entry/Exit System)
The new portal for the Italian work permit applications is now active, yet with some technical issues
