Frequently asked questions

No. As of the last check, ETIAS is not running and no applications are collected. A start in 2027 is expected but not confirmed. Anyone asking you to pay for ETIAS today is not the EU.

No. EES registration happens at the border itself, the first time you enter one of the 29 EES countries. It is free. Some countries offer self-service kiosks or an app to speed it up, but you never pay for EES.

Your name, passport details, a facial image and (from age 12) four fingerprints, plus the date and place of every entry and exit. The data is kept for three years, longer if you overstay.

No. The rule stays the same: at most 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. EES just counts your days automatically instead of relying on passport stamps.

The planned fee is €20 per application. Travellers under 18 or over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee. One authorisation is planned to be valid for three years or until your passport expires.

No. ETIAS is only for nationals who can travel visa-free. You keep applying for a Schengen visa as before. EES does apply to you: you are registered at the border.

Yes. Since Brexit, UK nationals are non-EU visitors. EES applies now; ETIAS will apply once it launches. Juxtaposed controls, such as Eurostar in London and the Port of Dover, register you before departure.

Usually not. Holders of an EU residence permit or long-stay visa are generally exempt from EES and ETIAS. Always carry the permit with your passport.

EES runs in 29 countries: the Schengen area (25 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). Cyprus and Ireland do not use EES. ETIAS is planned for 30 countries: the same 29 plus Cyprus.

The only official sites end in europa.eu. Lookalike sites often charge extra “processing fees”, take applications before ETIAS exists or use the EU flag. Always start from travel-europe.europa.eu.