Exploring Germany Travel: Essential Insights into EES and ETIAS Requirements
The European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS) is set to be fully operational in the last quarter of 2026. This new electronic travel authorization is required for visa-exempt travelers visiting 30 European countries, including those in the Schengen Area plus Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania, among others [1][2][3][4].
Introduction Date
Although various sources mention 2025 as an initial expected start, the current agreed timeline is that ETIAS will officially launch in the last quarter of 2026, after the Entry/Exit System (EES) becomes operational [2][3][4]. A six-month transitional period will follow the launch, during which ETIAS is strongly recommended but not strictly enforced for entry, easing travelers into the new requirement [2][3].
Who Needs to Apply
Citizens of visa-exempt countries planning short-term travel (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) to the covered European countries must apply for ETIAS authorization. This applies to tourism, business, or transit purposes [1][2][3]. Travelers who already have a visa for the EU are exempt from needing ETIAS [3]. American, UK, and other non-EU citizens from more than 60 visa-exempt countries will need ETIAS entry clearance [2][3]. EU/Schengen citizens are exempt [4].
Exemptions
Holders of valid visas or residence permits for Schengen countries do not require ETIAS. EU and Schengen Area passport holders are exempt. Children and people under 18 or over 70 do not pay the ETIAS application fee but still require authorization [3][4].
Application Process and Cost
The ETIAS application will be completed online before the trip. The authorization will be electronically linked to the traveler's passport. At border entry points, passports will be scanned to verify ETIAS approval automatically [1]. The ETIAS fee is €20 (about $23 USD), payable by applicants aged 18 to 70; authorization will be valid for 3 years or until the passport's expiration [3][4]. ETIAS authorizes multiple entries within the permit validity period for short stays (up to 90 days per 180-day period) [1][5].
Visa-holders are not required to complete EES pre-registration, with the exception of those who hold the short-stay Schengen visa. Second-home owners who have a visa but are not residents of the country where their property is located are also exempt from EES pre-registration [6]. Dual nationals traveling on a non-EU passport will need EES, while those traveling on an EU passport won't [7].
In summary, ETIAS aims to improve security by pre-screening travelers from visa-exempt countries before arrival to the Schengen and associated countries, becoming a mandatory online travel authorization system starting late 2026, with exemptions primarily for visa holders and EU/Schengen citizens. The process is digital, requires a fee for most adults, and covers multiple countries with a single permit. Scammers are already attempting to take advantage of both EES and ETIAS, so it is important to only use official channels for applications. The ETIAS website is not yet up and running, and any website claiming to process ETIAS applications is a scam.
References:
[1] European Commission. (2021). ETIAS: European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/etias_en
[2] European Commission. (2021). Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/entry-exit-system_en
[3] European Parliament. (2021). ETIAS: European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2021/681620/IPOL_IDA(2021)681620_EN.pdf
[4] European Travel Information and Authorisation System. (2021). ETIAS: European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Retrieved from https://www.etiasvisa.com/
[5] European Commission. (2021). Frequently Asked Questions on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/etias/docs/etias_faq_en.pdf
[6] European Commission. (2021). Entry/Exit System (EES): Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/sites/homeaffairs/files/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/entry-exit-system/docs/ees_faq_en.pdf
[7] European Commission. (2021). ETIAS: European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/etias_en
Embarking on a European journey after 2026 will require not only a valid passport but also an ETIAS authorization, as it becomes mandatory for visa-exempt travelers planning short stays in European countries.Those aspiring for a change in lifestyle, whether for vacation, business, or relocation, must ensure they apply for the ETIAS travel authorization before their trip, as it will be instrumental in traveling hassle-free throughout covered European nations post-2026.*
