06/15/2026
✈️ Traveling to Europe? EES and ETIAS are not the same thing.
Here’s the difference:
EES is the European Union’s biometric border system. Eligible non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area may have their fingerprints and facial image collected at the border. There is no fee, online application, or pre-registration required.
ETIAS is a separate paid travel authorization that travelers will eventually complete online before departure. It is not currently active, so be cautious of websites attempting to sell ETIAS applications now.
Travelers entering through Ireland or Cyprus are not processed through EES, while EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens are exempt. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection, although a facial image may still be required.
European entry requirements continue to evolve, so planning ahead and working with an experienced travel advisorcan help prevent confusion before your trip.
Ready to plan your European getaway? Let the Allen Samuels House of Travel team help you prepare every step of the way.
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