Soon, the implementation of new rules for entering the Schengen zone countries for passengers from Serbia, Macedonia, and other non-EU countries is about to begin. These new systems, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), aim to enhance security and expedite border crossings as the ultimate goal, but they also bring changes in the way passengers from outside the EU plan and organize their travels.

What is the EES and how does it work?

The EES is a new automated system set to start operating on October 12, 2025 (as officially announced). European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossings, and full implementation is scheduled by April 10, 2026.
Official Page EES

The system is intended to record data on the entry and exit of passengers from the Schengen area at the border itself. What does this entail:
- No actions are required before the journey itself, as passenger registration will be carried out at the border.
- When crossing the border, passengers will scan their passports at designated machines and provide biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans.
- There is no fee (it’s free).
- This data will be stored for three years.

The system aims to:
- Monitor how long passengers stay within the Schengen area (maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period),
- as well as reduce the possibility of illegal stays.
Registration in the EES will be done every time passengers travel to Schengen area countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus, replacing manual passport stamping.

Although the EES was originally planned to start operating in 2022, its introduction has been postponed several times due to alignment and the establishment of adequate infrastructure at the borders of all countries.

How will the EES work at the border?

Self-service machines will be installed at the borders where passengers will scan their passports and provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans) themselves. After registration at the machine, they will proceed to the officer who already has all the necessary data about the passenger in their system, including the ETIAS permit (discussed later in the text). With a sufficient number of machines, this system should significantly expedite border crossings.

How will the EES affect passengers?

The implementation of the EES system may cause longer waiting times at borders, especially in countries with high tourist traffic, such as Greece. Although the system is expected to facilitate control in the long run and expedite the border crossing process, there are concerns about potential issues during the initial implementation period. That is why the start date for the implementation of the EES system has been set for October 12, 2025, after the tourist season.

What is the purpose of the EES?

  • Modernizes border management
  • Electronically records the entries and exits of third-country nationals or the 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;
  • Assists in the fight against terrorism and serious organized crime by acting as an identity verification tool.

For most third-country nationals, the EES:

  • Provides precise information on the maximum duration of their authorized stay in the territory of all European countries using the EES;
  • Replaces the need for passport stamping
  • Gradually reduces waiting times in passport control lines by introducing automated border crossings

The EES also facilitates the identification of individuals:

  • Who have stayed longer than allowed (overstayers);
  • Who use false identities or passports;
  • Who do not have the right to enter European countries using the EES.

As a result, the 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 wrongful arrest of innocent individuals.
  • Assisting in the fight against serious crime and terrorism

However, the introduction of the EES system is not the end of the updates that the EU is implementing for citizens of third countries.

ETIAS - European Travel Information and Authorization System - the next step in border control

The ETIAS system is an additional layer of control that will become mandatory by the end of 2026.
Official information from the website:
“Starting from the last quarter of 2026, around 1.4 billion people from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories will need a travel authorization to enter 30 European countries for short stays.”

This system requires all passengers from visa-exempt countries to obtain electronic 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 the EES, the ETIAS will not require biometric data.

The ETIAS will not function as a visa but as a precondition for entry into the EU, conducting basic passenger checks to identify potential security risks in advance.
Official ETIAS Page

What do these changes mean for passengers?

For passengers, these systems bring changes in the way travel is planned. Although visas will still not be required, mandatory registration and travel authorization become the new standards. Registration via the EES system will be compulsory upon each entry into the Schengen zone, while the ETIAS authorization will be required in advance, before planning the trip.

What is required to obtain travel authorization in the EU?

Who needs to apply for ETIAS travel authorization?

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

  • you are not a citizen of the EU;
  • you are from 59 countries that does not require visa for EU;
  • 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 the expiry of your passport, whichever comes first. You can come and go as you please, as long as you respect the total limit of your authorized stay (90 days out of 180).

How do I apply for ETIAS?

You can apply for ETIAS travel authorization by filling out and submitting the application 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 fee of 7 euros for the application.

When should I apply?

It is advisable to obtain ETIAS travel authorization before purchasing tickets and booking hotels. Most applications will be processed within a few minutes, and no later than 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 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 European countries requiring ETIAS and must 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 is about to expire.
Although 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 denied entry at the border unless you have very justified 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 details, including your name, date and place of birth, gender, nationality, residential address, email address, and phone number;
  • Parents’ names;
  • Travel document information;
  • Your level of education and current occupation;
  • The country of your first planned stay and destination address;
  • Information on any previous criminal convictions, travel to war or conflict zones, as well as whether you have recently been subject to a deportation decision.

Can I 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 these 30 European countries requiring ETIAS.

Will I be informed of the outcome of my application?

Yes, you will receive an email as soon as your application is processed.

Can I include family members in my application?

No. The ETIAS travel authorization is issued to one person only and is linked to their travel document. Other individuals, including family members, must have their own ETIAS travel authorization.

I need to urgently travel 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 on time.

How much does an ETIAS permit cost?

When applying 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 cases can my EU travel application be rejected?

An ETIAS application may be rejected if:

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

An application may also be rejected if there are reasonable doubts about the reliability and accuracy of the data, statements, or documents provided 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 process to follow if you wish to appeal that decision will also be included.

Conclusion

The introduction 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 introduction of the ETIAS system will be launched by the end of 2026, with a six-month transitional period. The transitional period means that there will be a six-month period 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 the 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 system implementation.

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