Australia · Last checked 5 November 2026
ETIAS and EES for Australians (2026 guide)
Australian passport holders visit Europe visa-free. EES now registers you on arrival; ETIAS comes later.
EES: what happens at the border now
- 1PrepareHave your passport ready. Some countries offer an official app to enter passport data in advance. No online registration or payment is needed.
- 2Kiosk or deskAt many airports you start at a self-service kiosk: scan your passport and follow the screen. Elsewhere a border officer does this at the desk.
- 3Face and fingerprintsLook into the camera, then place four fingers on the scanner. Remove glasses and hats; clean, dry fingers scan faster.
- 4Short checkAn officer may ask about the purpose and length of your stay, where you sleep and your return ticket. Then you can enter.
ETIAS: not yet
You will need ETIAS once it launches, expected in 2027 but not confirmed. The planned fee is €20, it is valid for three years, and the first months after launch are a transition period. You cannot apply anywhere today — ignore sites that say otherwise.
Passport and stay
- Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area
- Passport valid at least 3 months after you leave and issued within the last 10 years
- Return ticket, accommodation details and enough funds
Your next trips
Your first registration is the slow one. On later trips within three years, the system already knows you: you mostly confirm your identity with your face or fingerprints. When you leave, your exit is recorded the same way.
Tips for your trip
EES and ETIAS side by side
| EES | ETIAS | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Digital border register of entries and exits | Online travel authorisation before you travel |
| Status | Live since 10 April 2026 | Not live, expected 2027 |
| Who | All non-EU short-stay visitors | Only visa-exempt nationals |
| Where you do it | At the border, on arrival | Online, before departure |
| Cost | Free | €20 planned (under 18 and over 70 free) |
| Valid | Record kept 3 years | 3 years or until your passport expires |
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FAQ
Do I need to register for EES before I travel?
No. Registration happens at the border on your first entry. It is free and there is no application.
Does EES cost anything?
No. EES is free. Any site that asks you to pay for EES is not official.
Is EES the same as ETIAS?
No. EES records your crossings at the border. ETIAS will be an online authorisation for visa-exempt travellers before departure, expected in 2027.
Can I apply for ETIAS now?
No. ETIAS is not live and no applications are accepted. Any site taking money for ETIAS today is not the EU.
When will ETIAS start?
There is no official date. 2027 is expected but not confirmed. The EU will announce it several months in advance.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The planned fee is €20. Under-18s and over-70s are expected to pay nothing.
Sources
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