New rules are being prepared for entry into Schengen zone countries for travelers from Serbia, Macedonia, as well as other non-EU countries. These new systems, known as EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), aim to improve security and speed up border crossing as the ultimate goal, but also bring changes in the way travelers from outside the EU plan and organize their trips. If it’s any consolation, the new systems will not only apply to us, but also to citizens of Great Britain, as well as to South and North America.

What is EES and How Does It Work?

EES is a new automated system that was supposed to be introduced on November 10, but it has been POSTPONED until further notice.

The system should record data on the entry and exit of passengers from the Schengen zone, but at the border itself. No actions are required before the trip itself, as passenger registration will be done at the border itself. When crossing the border, passengers will scan their passports at the installed machines and provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial scan. This data will be stored for three years.
The purpose of the system is to monitor how long travelers stay within the Schengen zone (a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period), as well as to reduce the possibility of illegal stays. EES registration will be done every time travelers travel to Schengen countries including Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus and will replace manual stamping of passports.

Why Was the Implementation of the EES System Delayed?

Although the EES was originally planned to start operating in 2022, its introduction was repeatedly delayed due to problems with providing adequate infrastructure at the borders. Although it has been officially confirmed that the system will be in operation at the end of 2024, the implementation has been postponed.
Setting up self-service machines where you would scan your passports and leave your fingerprints would make crossing the border much faster. In the event that a sufficient number of machines are installed that travelers would use themselves, immediately after scanning they would go to the officer who already has everything necessary about the traveler in his system, including the ETIAS permit, which we will write about later in the text.

How Will the EES Affect Passengers?
The implementation of the EES system may cause long waiting times at the borders, especially in countries with high tourist flows, such as Greece. Although the system is expected to facilitate border control in the long run and speed up the border crossing process, there are concerns about potential issues during the initial implementation period. Therefore, the start of the EES system application has been set after the end of the summer tourist season.
However, the introduction of the EES system is not the end of the changes that the EU is implementing for third-country nationals.

ETIAS – The Next Step in Border Control

The ETIAS system is an additional layer of control that will become mandatory from mid-2025, with a transitional period of 6 months. This system requires that all passengers from third countries obtain an electronic travel authorization before traveling. The process of applying for authorization will be simple, costing 7 euros, and the authorization will be valid for three years or until the passport expires. Unlike EES, ETIAS will not require biometric data.
ETIAS will not function as a visa but as a prerequisite for entry into the EU, conducting basic passenger checks to identify potential security risks in advance.

What Do These Changes Mean for Passengers From Serbia?

For passengers from Serbia, these systems bring changes in the way travel is planned. Although visas will still not be required, mandatory registration and travel authorization are becoming new standards. Registration through the EES system will be mandatory each time entering the Schengen zone, while the ETIAS authorization will be required in advance, before planning the trip.

Conclusion

The implementation of the EES and ETIAS systems represents a significant step in modernizing border controls in the EU, but it also requires passengers to adapt to new rules. While the goal is to enhance security and expedite the border crossing process, the transitional period may bring certain challenges or slower border crossings.
The implementation of the ETIAS system will be launched in mid-2025, with a transitional period of 6 months. The transitional period means that, even though the ETIAS system officially starts its implementation in the middle of next year, there will be a period of six months during which the new system will not be strictly enforced. This means that during that period, it will not be mandatory for all passengers to have an ETIAS authorization immediately, allowing for gradual adaptation and system testing under real conditions. This period is used to identify and resolve any technical difficulties or challenges in implementing the system.

What is the Purpose of EES?

  • Modernizes border management
  • Electronically records entries and exits of third-country nationals or refusal of entry
  • Makes border checks more efficient, gradually improving the passenger experience
  • Effectively combats identity theft by collecting biometric data
  • Enhances security within the EU
  • Helps in the fight against terrorism and serious organized crime by acting as an identity verification tool.

For most third-country nationals, EES:

  • Provides accurate information on the maximum duration of their authorized stay in the territories of all European countries using EES
  • Replaces the need for passport stamping
  • Gradually reduces waiting times at passport controls by introducing automated border crossings

EES also facilitates the identification of individuals:

  • Who have stayed longer than permitted (overstayers)
  • Who use false identities or passports
  • Who are not entitled to enter European countries using EES.

As a result, EES supports the identification of terrorists, criminals, suspects, and victims of crime.
Biometric data can enhance security in European countries in the following ways:

  • Preventing children from disappearing or becoming victims of human trafficking
  • Reducing the risk of wrongfully arresting innocent individuals
  • Assisting in the fight against serious crime and terrorism

Read below for everything you need to know about the travel authorization for Schengen countries (ETIAS).

Who Needs to Apply for an ETIAS Travel Authorization?

You will need an ETIAS travel authorization if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • You are not an EU citizen
  • You do not have a residence permit/card/document issued by any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Do I Need to Apply for a New ETIAS Travel Authorization Every Time I Travel to European Countries Requiring ETIAS?
No. Your ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can travel back and forth as you wish, as long as you respect the total limit of your authorized stay (90 days out of 180).

How to Apply for ETIAS?
You can apply for an ETIAS travel authorization yourself by filling out and submitting the form through the website or application, or you can authorize someone else to do it for you, such as a friend, family member, or travel agency. You will need a valid travel document and a payment of 7 euros for the application.

When Should I Apply?
It is advised to obtain your ETIAS travel authorization before buying tickets and booking hotels. Most applications will be processed within a few minutes, and at the latest within 96 hours. However, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documentation or participate in an interview with national authorities, which may take up to an additional 30 days.

What Type of Travel Documents Can I Use to Apply for ETIAS?
You need to have a biometric passport.
Your travel document should be valid for more than three months after the planned departure date from the territories of European countries that require ETIAS and should not be older than 10 years. This requirement does not apply to family members of EU citizens or to those who are not EU citizens but have the right to free movement within the European Union.

My travel document expires in less than three months - can I still apply and travel?
It is recommended not to travel with a document that expires soon.
While it is possible to submit an ETIAS application using a travel document valid for less than three months from the date of application, you should be aware that you may be refused entry at the border unless you have very justifiable reasons that would be accepted (for example, humanitarian reasons).
This requirement does not apply to family members of EU citizens or to those who are not EU citizens but have the right to free movement within the European Union.

What Information Will I Need to Provide in My Application?
The ETIAS application will require the following information:

  • Personal data, including your name, date and place of birth, gender, nationality, address, email, and phone number;
  • Parents’ names;
  • Travel document information;
  • Your level of education and current occupation;
  • Country of first planned stay and destination address;
  • Information about any previous criminal convictions, travels to war or conflict zones, as well as whether you have recently been subject to deportation decisions.

Is it Possible to Apply Without Confirmed Travel Plans?
When applying for ETIAS travel authorization, you need to specify the first country where you plan to stay. This information is used to process your application. However, once you receive approval, you can change plans and travel to any of the 30 European countries for which ETIAS is required.

Will I Be Informed of the Outcome of My Application?
Yes, you will receive an email once your application is processed.

Can I Include Family Members in My Application?
No. The ETIAS travel authorization is issued to only one person and is linked to their travel document. Other individuals, including family members, must have their own ETIAS travel authorization.

I Need to Travel Urgently to One of the European Countries Requiring ETIAS - What Should I Do?
Even if you need to travel urgently, you must have a valid ETIAS travel authorization. While it is recommended to apply in advance, most applications are processed within a few minutes, so last-minute applications are likely to be processed in time.

How Much Does an ETIAS Permit Cost?
When submitting the application through the official ETIAS website, a fee of 7 euros will be charged. Those under 18 or over 70 years old do not pay. Family members of EU citizens and family members of non-EU citizens who have the right to free movement within the European Union are also exempt.

In What Case Can My EU Travel Application Be Rejected?
An ETIAS application may be rejected if:

  • A travel document reported as lost, stolen, or invalidated was used;
  • The person is considered a security, illegal immigration, or high-level health risk;
  • The applicant does not respond to requests for additional information or documentation within the specified period or does not attend a scheduled interview;
  • The applicant has already been denied entry and stay, with an alert recorded in the relevant information system.

The application may also be rejected if there are reasonable doubts about the reliability and truthfulness of the data, statements, or documents submitted by the applicant.

Can I Find Out the Exact Reason Why My Application Was Rejected?
Yes, you can find out the specific reason why your ETIAS application was rejected. If you receive a decision that your ETIAS application has been rejected, the reasons for rejection will be stated in the decision. Information on the procedure to follow if you wish to appeal that decision will also be included.