Germany Joins France, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Other EU Nations in Major Travel System Updates: ETIAS Delayed Until 2026, EES Already Rolling Out Across Europe

As of January 19, 2026, significant updates have been issued regarding the European Union’s travel rules. Two major systems—the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES)—are shaping the future of travel across Europe. While the EES is currently rolling out across Schengen Area nations and other EU states, the ETIAS system has been delayed further, with full implementation now expected in late 2026. This article will cover everything travelers need to know about these updates, including when the systems go live, what they entail, and how they will affect visitors to the EU.

ETIAS: Delayed Until Late 2026

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which was initially expected to launch in 2024 and later delayed to 2025, is now confirmed to be officially operational in the last quarter of 2026 (Q4 2026). This new travel authorization system will affect travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia, who will need to apply for permission to visit certain EU countries.

Mandatory Status and Transition Period

Although ETIAS will be “launched” in late 2026, the European Commission has announced that it will operate under a six-month transition period. This means that while the system will be in place in late 2026, it will not be fully mandatory until spring 2027, with an anticipated deadline of April 2027.

The Fee for ETIAS

The application fee for ETIAS has been set at €20, a significant increase from the originally proposed €7. This fee will cover the cost of processing the travel authorization, which will be valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires—whichever comes first.

ETIAS Purpose

ETIAS aims to screen travelers before they arrive at EU borders, ensuring security measures are in place to protect EU citizens and control migration. The authorization process will be completed online before travel, and once approved, travelers will receive their ETIAS authorization electronically, which will be tied to their passport.

EES: The System You’ll Encounter in 2026

While ETIAS is still a few years away from becoming mandatory, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is already being implemented across Europe. This system, which started rolling out in late 2025, is expected to be fully operational at all borders by April 10, 2026.

Current Status of EES

The EES officially began on October 12, 2025, and its implementation is in the “progressive” phase, which means not all EU borders are equipped with the system just yet. However, it will be fully operational at all points of entry by April 10, 2026. The system aims to modernize border control procedures by automating passport stamping for non-EU travelers, including those from the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.

What the EES Does

The EES replaces the traditional passport stamping process and records travelers’ entry and exit into the Schengen Area using biometric data. This includes taking facial images and fingerprints of travelers at border crossings (airports, ports, and train stations). The biometric data will be collected when travelers first arrive at any EU entry point.

Requirements for Travelers

Unlike ETIAS, there is no pre-travel application process for the EES. All biometric data will be collected at the border itself, eliminating the need for any online application or pre-registration. Non-EU travelers will simply need to provide the required biometrics upon their arrival.

Key Summary for Travelers in 2026

The 30 Countries Requiring ETIAS

The ETIAS system will be applicable in 30 European countries, primarily members of the Schengen Area. The following countries will require travelers from visa-exempt nations to have an ETIAS authorization once the system becomes fully operational in late 2026:

• Austria
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Greece
• Norway
• Bulgaria
• Hungary
• Poland
• Croatia
• Iceland
• Portugal
• Cyprus
• Italy
• Romania
• Czech Republic
• Latvia
• Slovakia
• Denmark
• Liechtenstein
• Slovenia
• Estonia
• Lithuania
• Spain
• Finland
• Luxembourg
• Sweden
• France
• Malta
• Switzerland

Key Details About EES and ETIAS

These two systems, EES and ETIAS, will work together to enhance border security across Europe. While EES automates the entry and exit process, recording biometric data and the entry/exit time of travelers, ETIAS provides a pre-travel screening measure for travelers from visa-exempt countries.

EES will be operational across 29 of the 30 countries (Cyprus will continue using manual passport stamping for a short period), and will fully replace the traditional stamping process by April 2026. Meanwhile, ETIAS will help identify potential security risks before travelers even set foot on European soil.

Ireland and Microstates

Although Ireland is a member of the EU, it has maintained its own visa policy and will not require ETIAS nor use the EES. Additionally, microstates like Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, while not officially part of the 30-country ETIAS list, will effectively require ETIAS for entry, as travelers must first pass through a Schengen member state.

Official Advice for Travelers

Travelers planning to visit the European Union in the coming years should be mindful of the changes. The EU has urged travelers to be cautious of unofficial ETIAS websites that may try to charge for applications prematurely. As ETIAS is not yet operational, travelers should only apply via the official website.

Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Travelers?

In summary, while the ETIAS system has been delayed until late 2026, the EES system is already in effect and will become fully operational by April 2026. Travelers from non-EU countries, including the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia, will need to comply with these new border security measures. ETIAS will be a mandatory pre-travel authorization beginning in late 2026, while EES will immediately affect travelers’ entry into the EU.

For now, travelers should focus on ensuring they comply with the EES biometric data collection process when arriving at European borders. Looking ahead, preparing for the launch of ETIAS in late 2026 will be essential for all visa-exempt visitors planning to enter the EU.

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