Flying in Europe? What the New EU Border Rules Mean for You

For European trips, keep two separate border systems in mind. EES is already operating in participating countries. As at 21 September 2026, ETIAS is not operating and applications are not open, so you do not need to apply now. This guide explains the EES checks in use and what to prepare for once ETIAS opens.

On 5 March 2025, EU Home Affairs Ministers endorsed a revised timeline for these systems, reshaping how non-EU nationals enter and exit the Schengen Area. For those booking Avios reward flights or planning BA redemptions, knowing what to expect can save time, money, and stress.

What is the entry/exit system (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) electronically records entry and exit details for non-EU nationals travelling for short stays in participating European countries, with exceptions. It has replaced manual passport stamping for travellers registered in the system.

Key features of the EES:

• Records covered travellers’ personal and travel-document details, entry and exit dates, and biometric data. EES stores a facial image for short-stay visa holders, whose fingerprints were already registered during the visa application; for visa-exempt travellers, it stores a facial image and fingerprints. Children under 12 do not have their fingerprints scanned.
• Generally applies to non-EU nationals travelling for short stays, including both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt visitors, with exceptions.
• Operates at the external borders of 29 participating European countries.

When Did EES Become Fully Operational?

Following a phased rollout, the EES has been fully operational at all external border crossing points in participating countries since 10 April 2026.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is a travel authorisation rather than a visa. Once it starts, eligible visa-exempt travellers visiting participating European countries for short stays will need to apply before travelling. Applications are not open as at 21 September 2026.

ETIAS Eligibility Once It Starts:

• Check whether your nationality and travel document require ETIAS for your destination.
• ETIAS is for short stays in participating countries, normally up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays in Cyprus are counted separately from stays in the other participating countries.
• Check the entry conditions for your planned activities as well; ETIAS does not guarantee entry.

ETIAS at a glance:

• ETIAS application: Once applications open, use the official ETIAS website or mobile app.
• ETIAS fee: €20 once applications open. Applicants under 18 or over 70, and qualifying family members of EU nationals, will be exempt from the fee.
• ETIAS validity: Up to three years, or until the passport used for your application expires, whichever comes first.
  
  
• ETIAS processing time once applications open: Most applications are expected to be processed within minutes, but some may take four days. This period can be extended by up to 14 days if additional information or documents are requested, or by up to 30 days if an interview is required.

ETIAS is not yet operating and applications are not open. The EU says it will announce the specific start date several months before launch, so check the official ETIAS website before you travel.

ETIAS requirements: What will you need?

To complete your ETIAS application form, you’ll need:

• A valid passport, no older than 10 years when you apply for ETIAS. It must also be valid for at least three months after your intended departure from the participating European countries, unless an exception applies.
• An email address and a debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS fee.
  
  
• Personal details requested in the official ETIAS application form.
  
  

Once ETIAS starts, a valid authorisation will cover repeat short visits to participating countries, normally up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It does not guarantee entry, so check the conditions for your destination and planned activities.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS?

Once ETIAS starts, it will apply to eligible visa-exempt travellers, including:

• UK citizens
  
  
• US citizens, Australians, Canadians, and New Zealand citizens
  
  
• visa-exempt travellers, including many from Latin America and parts of Asia
  
  

When ETIAS starts, check whether your nationality, travel document and destination require this authorisation. It will cover 30 participating European countries, including Cyprus, rather than the Schengen Area alone.

Check the rules for your particular trip, including any study plans or airport connections, rather than assuming every visit or transit requires ETIAS. The authorisation is for short stays, normally up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and does not guarantee entry.

Once ETIAS applications open, apply well before you travel if you need this authorisation.

Travelling in Europe with Reward Flight Finder (RFF)

If you're planning BA redemptions or searching for Avios reward flights, it's crucial to factor ETIAS and EES into your plans. The RFF tool helps users track British Airways availability and set alerts for routes across Europe—perfect for those looking to book trips in advance and avoid the rush.

Once ETIAS starts, an approved authorisation will normally cover multiple short visits for up to three years or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever comes first. Apply well before travelling once applications open, and remember that an authorisation does not guarantee entry.

How will the new EU Border rules work in practice?

EES is already operating. Once ETIAS starts, the two systems will work alongside each other:

• If EES applies to you, your entry and exit details are recorded electronically when you cross the external border of a participating country.
• Once ETIAS starts, if you need this authorisation, your carrier will check it before boarding a flight to a participating country. Travel with the passport you used for your application.
• For travellers registered in EES, electronic entry and exit records have replaced manual passport stamping.

The records help border authorities identify overstays and check who has entered and left participating countries.

Will these rules apply to all of Europe?

No. Check whether your destination takes part in EES or ETIAS, as their country lists differ.

When ETIAS starts, eligible visa-exempt travellers will need travel authorisation for visits to 30 participating European countries, including Cyprus. Check the official ETIAS country list for your destination rather than assuming it covers only the Schengen Area.

As at 21 September 2026, ETIAS is not operating and applications are not open, so you do not need to apply now. Check official EU announcements before you travel.

Planning Tips for EES and ETIAS

• Check ETIAS requirements early in your travel planning—especially if combining reward flights or multiple destinations.
  
  
• Check the official ETIAS launch announcement before making application plans. Applications are not open yet.
• Know your ETIAS validity period and ensure your passport is up to date.
  
  
• Check your passport and any required travel documents before departure. ETIAS approval, once available, will not replace border checks or guarantee entry.
• If you're booking BA reward flights, be strategic with timing, layovers, and destinations to avoid unnecessary complications.

Final thoughts

EES is operating now, while ETIAS applications are not yet open. Together, these systems change how covered non-EU travellers prepare for and cross external borders in participating European countries.

For UK travellers planning short stays, check which entry rules apply to your destination before booking. Once ETIAS applications open, allow enough time for a decision and check the participating countries for your itinerary.

RFF can help you find reward-seat availability for your European trip. Check the official EU travel guidance separately for entry requirements.

Stay informed, plan early, and enjoy Europe with confidence.