Let's Be Friends
EES and
ETIAS
EES and ETIAS
EES and ETIAS: What Indian Travellers to Europe Must Know
Travelling to Europe has always been a dream for many Indians. The stunning landscapes, rich culture, and historical cities of the Schengen area attract thousands every year. However, from 2025, things are going to change.
The European Union is introducing new systems — the EES (Entry/Exit System) and the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System ).
Both systems aim to make European borders safer and more efficient. But they also bring new rules for travellers, including Indian nationals. If you are planning to visit Europe in the coming years, it's essential to understand what EES and ETIAS are and how they will affect your trip.
What is EES?
EES stands for Entry/Exit System. It is a new border control system for travellers from non-EU countries who visit the Schengen Area. This system will replace the manual passport stamping currently done at the borders.
Key Features of EES:
- Digital Record: It records the name, travel documents, photos, and fingerprints of every non-EU traveller.
- Automated System: Tracks the time and place of entry and exit from Schengen countries.
- Overstay Detection: Helps identify if someone has stayed longer than allowed.
- Border Security: Strengthens border control and reduces illegal immigration.
Instead of checking your passport for stamps, the system will automatically scan and record your data electronically.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a pre-travel authorisation required by travellers from visa-exempt countries.
Is India a visa-exempt country?
No. Indian citizens still need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen zone. However, ETIAS indirectly affects Indian nationals through stricter border checks and digital monitoring.
Although Indian passport holders will not apply for ETIAS, they will be recorded in the EES system when entering and leaving Schengen countries.
Why Are EES and ETIAS Being Introduced?
The European Union is focusing more on security, efficiency, and fraud prevention. With increasing global threats and the rising number of travellers, border officials need better tools.
The existing system of stamping passports is outdated. It does not keep accurate digital records. People can easily overstay or misuse the visa-free system without getting caught.
With EES and ETIAS, the goals are:
- Reduce border waiting time
- Prevent identity fraud
- Strengthen internal security
- Detect overstayers
- Modernise EU borders
These systems are similar to the U.S. ESTA or Canada's eTA, already known to many international travellers.
How EES Will Affect Indian Nationals
Indian citizens travelling to the Schengen Area will experience changes with the implementation of EES. Here's how it will impact you:
1. Digital Entry and Exit Tracking
Every time you enter or exit a Schengen country, your biometric data will be collected. This includes:
- Your photo
- Your fingerprints
- Passport details
This information will be stored securely for up to three years. It will be used to track the duration of your stay in Europe.
2. No More Passport Stamps
Previously, immigration officers used to stamp your passport. With EES, this will be entirely digital. You won't receive stamps anymore. Instead, your movements will be recorded electronically.
3. Overstaying Gets Detected Easily
Many Indian travellers unintentionally overstay in Schengen countries due to confusion about the 90/180 rule. The EES system automatically calculates your stay. It alerts border officials if you have overstayed, even by a single day.
4. Visa History Becomes Transparent
EES will make your travel history completely transparent. If you've overstayed or violated visa rules in the past, it could affect your chances of getting a Schengen visa in the future.
How ETIAS Will Affect Indian Nationals
Although Indians are not eligible for ETIAS due to visa requirements, ETIAS indirectly affects Indian travellers as well. Here's how:
1. Stricter Border Control
Although Indians are not eligible for ETIAS due to visa requirements, ETIAS indirectly affects Indian travellers as well. Here's how:
2. Shared Security Database
ETIAS and EES will work together. All data is shared across EU member states. If someone from a non-EU country overstays, commits crimes, or poses a risk, it gets recorded in the system.
3. Delayed Border Crossings
Initially, the new process might slow things down at border checkpoints. Until travellers and officers get used to it, expect some delays. Indian tourists should plan extra time during arrival or transit.
How ETIAS Will Affect Indian Nationals
Although Indians are not eligible for ETIAS due to visa requirements, ETIAS indirectly affects Indian travellers as well. Here's how:
1. Stricter Border Control
Although Indians are not eligible for ETIAS due to visa requirements, ETIAS indirectly affects Indian travellers as well. Here's how:
2. Shared Security Database
ETIAS and EES will work together. All data is shared across EU member states. If someone from a non-EU country overstays, commits crimes, or poses a risk, it gets recorded in the system.
3. Delayed Border Crossings
Initially, the new process might slow things down at border checkpoints. Until travellers and officers get used to it, expect some delays. Indian tourists should plan extra time during arrival or transit.
When Will EES and ETIAS Be Launched?
The European Union has been preparing these systems for several years. Initially planned for 2022, the launch has been postponed a few times.
As of now:
- EES is expected to go live in late 2025.
- ETIAS is likely to be introduced shortly after EES, possibly in 2026.
The systems will be tested first before full implementation.
Schengen Countries Covered by EES and ETIAS
These systems will apply to all Schengen countries, including:
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- Austria
- Belgium
- Sweden
- Portugal
- Greece
- And others (Total of 29 countries)
Even if you are visiting multiple countries on the same trip, your data will be shared across the Schengen zone.
What Indian Travellers Should Do to Prepare
With these systems coming soon, here's how Indian citizens can prepare:
1. Understand Your Visa Duration
Know your visa validity and the number of days allowed in the Schengen area. Don't confuse visa validity with the actual stay permitted.
2. Keep Travel Records
Maintain a record of your previous Schengen visits. This includes entry and exit dates, purpose of travel, and visa copies.
3. Avoid Overstaying
Plan your trip carefully. Even one extra day can be flagged by the EES system. Overstaying can result in a ban from future EU travel.
4. Follow Rules Strictly
Provide the correct documents at the time of visa application. Declare the actual purpose of travel. Follow all immigration rules during your stay.
Schengen Countries Covered by EES and ETIAS
These systems will apply to all Schengen countries, including:
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- Austria
- Belgium
- Sweden
- Portugal
- Greece
- And others (Total of 29 countries)
Even if you are visiting multiple countries on the same trip, your data will be shared across the Schengen zone.
What Indian Travellers Should Do to Prepare
With these systems coming soon, here's how Indian citizens can prepare:
1. Understand Your Visa Duration
Know your visa validity and the number of days allowed in the Schengen area. Don't confuse visa validity with the actual stay permitted.
2. Keep Travel Records
Maintain a record of your previous Schengen visits. This includes entry and exit dates, purpose of travel, and visa copies.
3. Avoid Overstaying
Plan your trip carefully. Even one extra day can be flagged by the EES system. Overstaying can result in a ban from future EU travel.
4. Follow Rules Strictly
Provide the correct documents at the time of visa application. Declare the actual purpose of travel. Follow all immigration rules during your stay.
Impact on Indian Students and Professionals
Indian students, researchers, and professionals moving to Schengen countries for long-term stays should also be aware of EES and ETIAS.
- You will be enrolled in EES upon your first entry.
- If you leave and re-enter the Schengen zone, each entry will be recorded.
- Your residence permit or visa must remain valid throughout.
Overstays or previous violations may impact renewals or future travel opportunities.
Benefits of EES and ETIAS for Indians
Despite the new rules, there are some clear benefits:
- Faster border checks once the system stabilises
- Greater transparency in travel records
- Better visa decisions due to a clean travel history
- Stronger security for all visitors
Genuine tourists and students who follow the rules will face fewer problems over time.
Common Questions by Indian Travellers
Indian citizens still need a Schengen visa. ETIAS is only for visa-free travellers.
These systems are not a replacement for the Schengen visa. They are used for better monitoring and control.
These systems are not a replacement for the Schengen visa. They are used for better monitoring and control.
ETIAS comes with a small fee (for visa-free travellers). Indian nationals already pay a visa fee, so no extra ETIAS fee is required.
Final Thoughts
The launch of EES and ETIAS marks a significant shift in how Europe handles border security. For Indian travellers, it means better preparation, strict compliance, and digital tracking. If you plan and follow the rules, travelling to Europe will remain smooth and enjoyable.
Make sure that you stay updated with official announcements and always check with your travel advisor or visa consultant.
We are here to help you!
Open from 8am - 8pm Monday - SATURDAY
Fill out the form below to receive expert advice and guidance.