The European Union has once again delayed the implementation of its upcoming digital border control systems—the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Following a revised timeline agreed upon by EU Home Affairs Ministers on March 5, the EES is now expected to go live in October 2025, while ETIAS has been postponed until late 2026—several years behind the original schedule.

The EES is designed to replace traditional passport stamping with biometric registration for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area. Originally slated for a 2022 launch, the system has faced multiple setbacks, with its rollout now pushed to at least October 2025.

To ease the transition, the European Commission has approved a phased implementation, giving border authorities and transport operators up to six months to adapt.

Once operational, the EES will apply to travellers from outside the EU and Schengen Area—including UK nationals—visiting for short stays. Instead of receiving passport stamps, travellers will have their fingerprints and facial images recorded upon entry and exit, with automated systems tracking the length of their stay. While the EU says this will help prevent overstays and combat identity fraud, industry groups in transport and tourism have raised concerns about potential delays at busy border points.

Meanwhile, the ETIAS, the EU’s new travel authorisation requirement for visa-exempt travellers, will not be introduced until the end of 2026. Once implemented, non-EU citizens who currently don’t need a visa—including UK visitors—will be required to obtain prior authorisation online before entering the Schengen Area. The application will cost €7 and will collect both personal details and security-related information.

UK ETA Still Scheduled for 2025

In contrast, the UK’s own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme remains on schedule, with a launch date set for April 2, 2025. This system will require travellers from the EU and other visa-exempt countries to obtain authorisation before entering the UK.

The UK ETA will cost £10 and will be valid for multiple entries over two years. Unlike the repeatedly delayed ETIAS, the UK system will come into effect several months earlier than its EU counterpart.

As a result of the delays, British travellers won’t need an ETIAS to visit the EU until at least late 2026. However, EU citizens will be required to hold a UK ETA starting in April 2025.

The European Commission has not ruled out further changes to the EES timeline, stating that the system’s staggered launch will depend on the technical readiness of all 29 participating countries. A final decision on the launch date will be confirmed once every member state declares it is fully prepared.