Reader Question: I am confused about the EES and ETA systems, as well as ETIAS (although I have not heard as much about it). As a British person living in France on a Brexit card, am I impacted? Is there anything I need to do?
There is a fair amount of confusion regarding these similarly-titled systems, not least because of their names.
All of these terms relate to different border digitisation schemes across the EU and the UK.
It is best to look at each one individually.
Below is an overview of each of the systems, and a link to further information where applicable.
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
What is it: The ETA is the UK’s digital border scheme. It is the latest in a series of similar schemes worldwide, including the US ‘Esta’ and EU’s incoming ETIAS (more on this below).
What does it do: Travellers who need an ETA must apply in advance for authorisation before visiting the UK.
Currently, it costs £16 for an ETA, with applications made through the UK government website or dedicated app.
Once accepted, access is digitally attached to the person’s passport, granting them the right to enter the UK for up to six months at a time for tourist or leisure purposes. Nothing has to be physically done with the passport.
This authorisation lasts for up to two years or until the passport it is digitally attached to expires, at which point a new application must be made.
Who does it apply to: It applies to citizens of all countries who do not need a visa to enter the UK for short-term leisure or travel.
This includes all EU citizens (except Irish citizens who are not affected), Americans, Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, etc.
You do not need an ETA if:
You are a British or Irish citizen
Or you already have the right to visit, live, or work in the UK (for example through a long-stay visa or indefinite leave to remain)
Or you are the citizen of a country without visa-free access, such as China, Bangladesh, Albania, Vietnam, etc (in which case you will need a short-stay visa instead). A list is available
Or you are traveller transitioning between international flights in the UK
Additional information: As a Briton in France, you should not be affected, but do note that the UK authorities say they will, from February 25, be stricter in enforcing rules around attempts to enter the UK without a valid ETA.
This led to calls for Britons and Irish people abroad to check they have a valid passport, as they may have difficulties travelling to the UK if they do not have a valid UK or Irish passport to prove they are exempt from ETA.
The UK says these nationals should not apply for an ETA even if they also have another country’s nationality (such as French).
You can read our extended FAQ on the ETA here, answering questions about family member travel and how the application works.
EES (Entry/Exit System)
What is it: The EES is the first part of an updated digital border security system across the EU’s Schengen area and is designed to track non-EU/EEA/Swiss visitors’ entries and exits from this area.
Eventually aimed at replacing physical passport stamping, it digitises checks on all Schengen Area border crossings – all land/road, air, rail, and maritime entry points to the bloc – with information held about people passing into and out of the area.
Launched on October 12, 2025 after several years of delays, it is being gradually rolled out until April 2026, when it should be fully operational at all border points.
What does it do: Travellers affected by EES will need to register upon their first entry to the bloc (currently this is not the case at all crossings, but it will be fully in place everywhere by April 10, 2026).
This includes providing biometric information such as fingerprints and a facial photo.
In some cases, most of the information is collected at a self-service kiosk and there are eventually plans for an official app to launch that will allow travellers to undergo most of the required steps prior to travelling, aimed at cutting queues.
A traveller’s entries and exits to/from the bloc are then tracked automatically, as is the number of days they spend visa-free in the Schengen area.
This will make it easier to track people who overstay on visits to the bloc and help identify potential security threats.
On subsequent entries, procedures are promised to be faster than on first registration.
It does not cost anything.
Who does it apply to: The system applies to most non-EU nationals visiting the EU for short-stays.
This includes those who need a visa to enter for a short-stay for up to 90-days, as well as those who have visa-free access for a rolling 90/180 day period.
People exempt from registering include EU/EEA citizens and holders of valid French or other EU residency permits and long-stay visas, as well as certain other groups such as diplomats.
So, holders of Brexit WA cards are generally not affected by EES, but should make sure they carry the card with them when travelling, as proof of this status. They may also find that in some places they get caught up in longer queues, and it may be advisable to allow a little extra time when travelling.
One other impact, is that on launch of EES in France, it was announced that people such as Britons and Americans living in France would no longer be able to use Parafe automatic passport e-gates, where these exist, but that a solution was being sought to allow them to continue to have a quick route through passport control where possible.
Additional Information: Registration for EES is carried out upon entering the Schengen area border (so, on arrival at an airport, port, etc), not prior to arrival such as for an ETA or ETIAS application.
In certain cases, including the Port of Dover, Folkestone Channel Tunnel Shuttle entrance, and London St Pancras Eurostar terminal, registration takes place at French border controls on UK soil.
As of December 2025, many locations are yet to fully introduce EES, with the phased approach leading to cautious implementation.
Despite initially increased queue times for some travellers, over time the system is expected to be less impactful once most travellers are in the system.
Alongside the digitisation providing increased security, automation of border crossings and the end to stamping may even reduce waiting times in the long run.
The Connexion has covered EES extensively in recent months. We have an FAQ page for those impacted by EES, a section of our website dedicated to all EES-related stories, and a guide about the border system.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
What is it: ETIAS is an electronic authorisation to enter the EU’s Schengen area for travellers who have a visa waiver. It is similar to the ETA or US ‘Esta’.
It has not yet been rolled out but is designed to work in conjunction with EES.
The latest reports suggest it will be phased in six months after EES is fully operational, with a grace period for travellers to get accustomed to the system. By April 2027, it should be fully in place with no exceptions.
What does it do: ETIAS will act as a travel authorisation for travellers who benefit from visa-free short-stay access to the EU.
Such as with the UK’s ETA, travellers will need to apply in advance before entering the EU and this will cost €20, although under 18s, over 70s, and family members of EU citizens will be exempt from payments (yet must still apply).
Full details will be revealed closer to the launch date.
The EU has previously said that while third-parties may be given authorisation to make requests on behalf of travellers, all requests will eventually pass through a dedicated website or app, which travellers will be advised to use so as to reduce the risk of fraud or increased costs.
Travellers will need to provide certain personal details and answer questions about their travel plans as part of the application.
In most cases, authorisation is expected to be granted within minutes, and will last for three years or until a person’s passport it is linked to expires. However, travellers are advised to apply well in advance as in some cases it may take up to 30 days for authorisation to be granted.
Who does it apply to: Travellers who benefit from visa-free short-stay access to the EU across a rolling 90-180 day period will need to apply for ETIAS authorisation.
This includes Americans, Britons, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, Brazilians, and many others. A full list is found .
Groups who do not need it include:
EU citizens
People with a valid EU residency card or long-stay visa
Citizens from non-EU countries who do not benefit from visa-free short-stay access and must therefore apply for a short-stay tourist visa to enter the EU
As such, holders of Brexit WA cards will not be required to show ETIAS authorisation but (as with EES) should travel with their residency card as proof of exemption.
Additional information: Further information on the rollout of ETIAS is expected in 2026, closer to the time of the system being rolled out.
