ETIAS vs EES: Differences Every Traveler 2026 Should Know

Travel to Europe is changing, and two major systems – EES and ETIAS  are at the center of these updates. The EU began rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, and it plans to make it fully active by April 10, 2026. ETIAS, the new travel authorization system, will launch later in the last quarter of 2026.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System(ETIAS) is a pre-travel authorization that you must apply for online before your trip, while EES is a new border control system that records your entry and exit using biometrics such as facial scans and fingerprints. 

The EU wants a faster and smarter way to check travelers. With ETIAS, officials can review your information before you fly instead of waiting until you reach the border. It helps them spot risks early and move people through immigration more quickly. The goal is to make travel safer and easier without complicating visa-free entry.

If you are planning to visit European countries and want to know what these systems are for, how to apply, and who needs to apply, this blog will be your guide. 

Yes, you get an opportunity to understand the verified and latest information about ETIAS and EES in detail.

Are you ready to explore the details further? 

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a required travel authorization for people who do not need a visa and want to visit any of the 29 Schengen countries or Cyprus for a short stay. 

It helps increase security by checking travelers before they arrive, makes border checks faster by preparing information in advance, and supports better management of travel and migration.

Before traveling, you must fill out an online form on the official website to get your ETIAS approval. 

The application costs 7 euros or 8 US dollars, but it is free for children and people over 70. You will need to provide your personal details, your past travel information, and your passport details.

The system will compare your information with European and international security databases such as Interpol and Europol. If no problems appear, you will receive your authorization within minutes, and it will stay valid for up to three years.

What is EES?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital system that will replace the manual passport stamping at Schengen borders. 

It will record the entry and exit of short-stay travelers from non-EU countries who can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within 180 days. 

The EES aims to reduce illegal immigration by identifying people who stay longer than allowed, making border checks faster for regular travelers, and improving security by helping authorities recognize suspicious or wanted individuals.

When travelers cross an external Schengen border, the system will record their full name, passport number, the date and place of entry or exit, and their biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial photo. 

The EES will apply to travelers from non-EU countries who enter without a visa, as well as those who hold a short-stay visa. 

EES and ETIAS vary in several ways, including their cost, the type of data they collect, and their purpose. Here is how they are not the same.

ETIAS vs EES: Key Differences Explained

Feature	ETIAS	EES
Type of system	Electronic travel authorization	Entry / Exit register
Applies to	Visa-exempt non-EU travelers (around 60 countries)	All non-EU short-stay travelers (visa and visa-free)
Main purpose	Pre-arrival screening to flag security or migration risks	Track entries and exits, detect overstayers, and improve border control
Data collected	Personal info, travel history, passport details.	Passport number, facial photo, fingerprints, entry and exit dates/places.
Cost	~ €7 per application (free for under-18s and over-70s)	Free
Validity	Up to 3 years or until the passport expires.	Biometrics are retained; each crossing is recorded individually
Launch date	Expected in the last quarter of 2026.	12 October 2025 start; rollout over ~6 months
Who needs to do it / when	You apply before your trip, online, via the ETIAS portal	You register at the border, only on your first entry (fingerprint and photo), and your data is then recognized later.
Consequence of not having it / being denied	If your ETIAS application is denied, you cannot board (no authorization)	If your biometric or identity check fails, you may be denied entry or flagged; authorities monitor overstayers

As a traveler from Saudi Arabia to European countries, you may wonder whether you need ETIAS and EES. If you have this confusion, here are the verified details you need.

Who Needs ETIAS and EES?

Traveler Type	ETIAS Required	EES Applies
EU Citizens	No, they do not need ETIAS.	No, EES does not apply because they have free movement rights.
Schengen Visa Holders (e.g., India, Philippines)	No, they need a valid visa instead.	Yes, EES records their entry and exit. Their fingerprints are already taken during the visa application.
Visa-Free Travelers (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, UK, Canada)	Yes, they will need an ETIAS for short stays once it starts in late 2026.	Yes, EES records their entry, exit, and biometrics.
GCC Residents with Non-Visa-Free Passports	No, they must follow normal visa rules.	Yes, EES records their movements at the border.

How ETIAS and EES Work Together

ETIAS and EES work together to create a smoother and more secure border system for visa-free travelers. 

ETIAS checks travelers before they start their trip, while EES records their actual entry and exit when they reach the border. When a traveler arrives, the EES system first checks if they have a valid ETIAS approval and then records their details to track how long they stay in the Schengen area.

Before the trip, visa-free travelers must apply for ETIAS online. 

The system reviews their information by checking several security databases to spot any possible risks. If the application is approved, the traveler can fly to the Schengen area, although final entry is still decided by border guards.

When the traveler reaches the border, officers scan their passport. The EES system confirms that the traveler has a valid ETIAS approval and then records their entry. It also stores their facial image and fingerprints. 

The same process happens every time the traveler enters or leaves the Schengen area. This helps authorities make sure the traveler follows rules such as the 90-day stay limit within 180 days.

ETIAS checks travelers before they travel, and EES tracks what happens once they arrive. Together, they give authorities a complete view of the traveler’s journey, from the first security check to their final exit.

Why did the EU introduce ETIAS and EES? Have you ever thought about it? If yes, here is the answer – the advantages of ETIAS and EES.

Benefits of ETIAS:

• Screens travelers for security risks by checking information against security databases.
• Checks for public health risks.
• Pre-approves travelers, making border crossing faster and smoother.

Benefits of EES:

• Replaces manual passport stamps with digital records, speeding up border procedures.
• Provides real-time information to authorities on who enters and leaves the EU.
• Helps detect overstayers, identity fraud, and other crimes.
• Uses biometric data like fingerprints and facial images to enhance security.
• Reduces queues through automated processes and self-service kiosks.

So, let’s see what steps you should follow for ETIAS and EES from KSA.

How to Prepare for ETIAS and EES from Saudi Arabia 

To get ready for ETIAS and EES from Saudi Arabia, make sure your passport is valid ( expiring at least three months after your trip), gather your personal and travel information, and be ready to provide biometric data at the border for EES. You will need to complete an online ETIAS application once it launches.

Preparing for ETIAS:

• Apply online: When ETIAS launches, submit your travel authorization through the official ETIAS website or mobile app.
• Gather information: Have your valid passport, personal details (name, date of birth, nationality), contact information (email and phone), travel plans (first point of entry into the Schengen area), and details about your education and current job.
• Pay the fee: Keep a payment card ready for the small ETIAS fee.
  

Preparing for EES:

• Provide biometric data: At the border, your fingerprints and facial image will be scanned instead of using passport stamps.
• Carry extra documents: Bring proof of accommodation, travel insurance, enough funds, and a return ticket.
• Be patient: Allow extra time at the border, especially the first few times, as the process may take longer.

General Travel Tips:

• Stay informed: ETIAS will start in the last quarter of 2026, and the EU will announce the exact date in advance.
• Apply early: Submit your ETIAS application well before your trip.
• Check your passport: Make sure your passport details match your ETIAS authorization to avoid problems at the border.
• Keep records: Track your stay to follow the 90-day limit within 180 days.

ETIAS and EES bring a new way of managing borders in Europe. ETIAS checks travelers before they travel, while EES records their entry and exit at the border. Together, these systems make Schengen travel safer, faster, and more transparent. Whether you hold a Saudi passport, live in the GCC, or travel to Europe often, staying informed and preparing early will help you enter smoothly when these systems start in 2026.

FAQ

How long will an ETIAS approval be valid?

ETIAS approval will be valid for up to 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

When will ETIAS and EES officially start?

EES will start on 12 October 2025, and ETIAS is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026.

Do travelers with a Schengen visa need ETIAS?

No, travelers who already need a Schengen visa do not need ETIAS.

Will EES replace traditional passport stamps?

Yes, EES will replace manual passport stamps with digital records and biometric scans.

Do I need both ETIAS and EES to travel to Europe?

Visa-free travelers need an ETIAS before traveling and an EES at the border. Schengen visa holders only go through EES.

How long can I stay in Europe with ETIAS?

You can stay up to 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen area with ETIAS.