Europe is introducing new travel systems, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will significantly change how UAE residents travel to Europe. These systems will require pre-approval and biometric checks, enhancing security and streamlining the travel process for visitors. Although these changes are not immediate, understanding them now will help ensure smoother future travels.

ETIAS is a new requirement for travelers who currently do not need a visa to visit 30 European countries, including the 29 countries in the Schengen Area and Cyprus. Unlike a traditional visa, ETIAS is an electronic pre-approval that travelers must apply for online before their trip. While it does not alter the visa-free status for eligible travelers, it adds an essential security layer by screening travelers prior to their arrival in Europe.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an electronic process that will track the entry and exit of all travelers at the external borders of the Schengen Area. Travelers will not need to apply in advance for EES. Instead, when they arrive or depart from any of the 29 participating countries, they will be automatically registered. The EES will replace traditional passport stamps with the collection of biometric data, such as facial recognition and fingerprints, which enhances both security and efficiency at border crossings.

When applying for ETIAS, travelers must provide personal information, including their passport number, address, current occupation, and any history of traveling to conflict zones or having criminal convictions. However, ETIAS will not collect biometric data like fingerprints or facial images. In contrast, the EES will gather biometric information, including facial photos and fingerprints, to verify travelers’ identities at the border, along with information from travel documents, such as passport details and the dates and locations of entry and exit.

The implementation of these systems will occur in stages. The EES is expected to launch first in October 2025, allowing for electronic processing of all travelers entering or exiting the Schengen Area, thereby eliminating manual passport stamping. ETIAS will follow a few months later, with the anticipated launch in the final quarter of 2026. UAE travelers will need to apply for ETIAS approval well before their travel dates, as it will be mandatory for entry into participating European countries. Exact launch dates will be confirmed by the EU later this year.

These changes indicate a move towards improved border security and a more efficient entry process for UAE residents traveling to Europe. While the ETIAS adds an extra step before traveling, it does not affect the visa-free privileges of eligible travelers. Instead, it enhances safety and security through additional screening. The EES is designed to modernize border crossing procedures by speeding up entry and exit times, allowing travelers to move more efficiently through borders.

UAE travelers planning trips to Europe should stay informed about the new travel systems, including how to apply for ETIAS and what to expect during border entry and exit. Being proactive will ensure compliant and smoother travel under the updated European regulations.