The EES (Entry/Exit System) has been fully operational at all external Schengen borders since 10 April 2026, while ETIAS (electronic travel authorisation, €20) has not started yet and has no official date. Neither applies to Greek or other EU citizens. They do, however, affect your foreign customers, partners and visitors from non-EU countries.
What is the EES
The EES replaces passport stamping with electronic registration. On first entry, a third-country traveller gives fingerprints and a facial image, and the system records every entry and exit. This allows automatic checking of the 90 days in any 180-day period rule.
The phased roll-out started on 12/10/2025 and was completed on 10/04/2026. In summer 2026 long queues were reported at Schengen airports, mainly at first registration.
What is ETIAS
ETIAS is a pre-travel electronic authorisation for citizens of countries that do not need a visa for the EU (e.g. USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia). It will cover 30 European countries, including Greece.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cost | €20 (free for under-18s and over-70s) |
| Validity | 3 years or until the passport expires |
| Application | Only on the official site travel-europe.europa.eu/etias |
| Start | Not announced; the “last quarter of 2026” target was removed from the official website in July 2026 |
| Mandatory | About 6 months after launch (transition period), strictly after 12 months |
Sources: ABTA · Schengen Traveler
At the moment no ETIAS applications are being accepted. Any website asking for money for ETIAS today is most likely a scam.
What they mean for Greek travellers
As EU citizens, you are not registered in the EES and do not need ETIAS. You continue to use the EU lanes with your new ID card or passport. There may, however, be longer queues at airports, as border officers handle more checks.
By contrast, if you travel to the United Kingdom, you already need the British electronic travel authorisation ETA, which is separate from ETIAS.
What they mean for businesses and hotels
- Inbound tourism: advise customers from the USA, the UK and other third countries to allow extra time for passport control.
- Business visitors: partners from third countries who visit often must watch the 90/180-day limit, which the EES now checks automatically.
- Transfers: for airport transfers, allow flexibility in the driver’s waiting time.
Travel agency tip
For flights to non-Schengen countries or with a stopover, arrive at the airport earlier than usual. For ETIAS, do not rely on dates circulating online; check only the official EU website.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need ETIAS as a Greek citizen? No, ETIAS applies only to visa-exempt third-country nationals.
When does ETIAS start? There is no official date; the EU will announce it months in advance.
How much will ETIAS cost? €20 per application, valid for 3 years.
Sources: European Commission – EES fully operational · ABTA – Upcoming changes for travel to Europe · Schengen Traveler – ETIAS launch date · Official ETIAS website
Validity: This article reflects the sources as of 27/09/2026 (most recent source update). The ETIAS start date is yet to be announced; check the official website before republishing.
Photo: Skitter Photo / StockSnap.io, CC0 – free to use (source)