As of August 17, 2026, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational, while ETIAS hasn’t started yet. EES became fully operational at the external borders of participating European countries on April 10, 2026. The EU currently expects ETIAS to start in the last quarter of 2026, although it hasn’t announced the exact launch date yet.
EES vs. ETIAS: The Difference in One Minute
- EES is a border-recording system. It records when many non-EU nationals enter and leave participating European countries for short stays.
- ETIAS will be a pre-travel authorisation. It will apply to eligible visa-exempt travellers once the system launches.
- EES is already live. ETIAS isn’t, so you don’t currently need to submit an ETIAS application for a trip to Spain.
- Neither system changes the basic Schengen short-stay rule. For travellers covered by that rule, a typical short stay remains up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
What EES Records at the Border
EES applies to many non-EU nationals travelling to a European country for a short stay, where that country uses the system. It creates a digital record from travel-document details and border-crossing data, and may also include a facial image and fingerprints.
The system records entries, exits and refusals of entry. Since its full deployment on April 10, 2026, it has replaced routine manual passport stamping for travellers covered by EES at participating countries’ external border crossing points.
Does EES Change the 90/180-Day Rule?
No. EES helps border authorities record and calculate short stays, but it doesn’t give travellers extra days in the Schengen Area. If the 90-days-in-180 rule applies to you, keep planning around that limit. EES registration isn’t a new visa or residence permission.
ETIAS Isn’t Live Yet
The European Union currently says that ETIAS will begin operating in the last quarter of 2026. Travellers don’t need to take any action yet, and the EU says it will announce the specific launch date several months before the system starts.
So, the previous version of this guide was wrong to say ETIAS had been delayed until 2027. The official timetable now points to late 2026, although the exact date hasn’t been confirmed.
What ETIAS Will Cost When It Launches
The official ETIAS application fee is currently set at €20, rather than €7. Applicants under 18 and over 70 don’t have to pay the application fee, although they may still need valid ETIAS authorisation if the requirement applies to them.
ETIAS authorisation will generally link to the traveller’s passport. It can remain valid for up to three years, or until the travel document expires, whichever comes first.
However, an authorisation doesn’t guarantee admission at the border.
Do UK, US and Canadian Travellers Need ETIAS Today?
No, not as of August 17, 2026. ETIAS isn’t accepting applications yet. Once the system launches, it’s expected to apply to eligible visa-exempt non-EU nationals travelling to participating European countries for short stays.
Avoid ETIAS Application Scams Before Launch
ETIAS isn’t operating yet, so don’t pay any website claiming it can get you a live ETIAS authorisation now. Once applications open, use the official European Union ETIAS website or the official ETIAS mobile app.
Staying in Spain Longer Than 90 Days
EES and ETIAS cover short stays at the border. They don’t replace Spanish residence permission. If you plan to live or work in Spain for longer, review the right residence route, such as our Spain Digital Nomad Visa guide or Non-Lucrative Visa guide.
Before You Travel
- Check the official EU EES and ETIAS sites again before you leave, especially if you’re travelling in late 2026, when ETIAS may launch.
- If you’re close to the 90/180-day limit, use the EU’s official short-stay calculator or check its official guidance.
- Make sure your passport meets the entry requirements for your nationality and itinerary.
- For airport security rules rather than border-control requirements, see our Spain airport liquid rules guide.
Last verified: August 17, 2026. We checked the EES operational status and ETIAS timing, fee, and application status against the European Union’s official Travel Europe portals. If you’re travelling in late 2026, check the official ETIAS page again because the exact launch date hasn’t been announced yet.