European Union: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and Entry/Exit System (EES) Launch Status

Entry/Exit System (EES):

Implementation status 

•  Although full implementation was scheduled for April 2026, a further six-month grace period was built in to the legislation during which EU Member States could temporarily reduce their use of EES systems during peak travel periods. That grace period expired on September 6, 2026. Despite this, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland announced in September 2026 that they are not running EES at all borders and at all times, and that they need further time to achieve full and continuous operation of the system.  It is expected that temporary suspension of EES at certain border crossing points may continue in the future.  

Travel to Europe mobile application 

• Update - March 16, 2026: The European Union has announced the Travel to Europe mobile application, which allows non-EU nationals to pre-register their passport data and facial image, and provide various details about their trip, within the 72 hours before reaching an EES border crossing point. Use of the app is optional. As of October 12, 2025, the app can be used at specific border crossings when entering or exiting Sweden. Other European countries using the EES may make the app available later. App functionalities may vary from country to country. 

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS): 

• Launch date. The launch date for ETIAS is currently unclear. The official European Union website on the matter currently has no proposed commencement date. Previously, 2025 and 2026 implementation dates had been announced. EU authorities currently state that they will inform about a specific implementation date “several months prior” to the launch date. Ongoing challenges in ensuring full and continuous operation of EES in all relevant jurisdictions may be delaying the implementation of ETIAS.  
• Transitional period/grace period. EU authorities have stated that ETIAS will be subject to a ‘transitional period’ and a subsequent ‘grace period’ as follows:
  • During the transitional period – the first six months after ETIAS commences – any traveller will be able to enter without an ETIAS travel authorization, subject to satisfying all other entry requirements.
  • During the grace period – the six months after the ‘transitional period – all first-time arrivals to Europe since the end of the ‘transitional period’ will be allowed to enter without an ETIAS travel authorization, subject to satisfying all other entry requirements. All other travellers will need to have an ETIAS travel authorization to enter.