EU border overhaul: EES is live, ETIAS remains on hold for travelers

Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully operational across Schengen borders, using biometric scans to speed entry and exit data tracking after a rollout that logged nearly 90 million entries; some travelers have faced longer lines during the transition. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), by contrast, is still not in effect as of Aug. 17, 2026, after delays since 2022. ETIAS would pre-screen visa-exempt travelers (e.g., Americans) for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, cost about €20, and would not be a visa; its launch has been pushed to late 2026 with no required application today. For faster processing, Sweden and Portugal offer a Travel to Europe app to pre-register passport data and facial images within 72 hours of entry or exit. Travelers should stay tuned for ETIAS timing updates while preparing for biometric checks under EES.