Reports about the introduction of a paid entry to the European Union regularly raise questions among international travelers. In reality, it involves two separate digital control systems: the free entry-exit registration system EES (Entry/Exit System) and the ETIAS travel authorization, which requires a fee of 20 euros.
Below is a breakdown of how both systems work, the timing of their implementation, and practical details for citizens of visa-free countries.
1. EES System: biometric control at no extra cost
EES (Entry/Exit System) is an automated EU system for registering non-EU citizens every time they cross the external borders of the Schengen area.
Key features of EES:
- Free of charge: no fee is charged for undergoing the EES procedure.
- Abolition of stamps: paper stamps in passports are replaced by a digital record in a central database.
- Biometrics: upon the first border crossing after the system launches, travelers will provide fingerprints and facial scans.
- Automatic day count: the system automatically calculates the remaining allowed stay in the EU (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
2. ETIAS System: electronic authorization with a 20 euro fee
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a pre-authorization system for citizens of visa-free countries. It is not a visa, but an electronic travel authorization linked to the passport.
Main ETIAS parameters:
- Cost: 20 euros per application submission.
- Validity: 3 years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first).
- Format: an online form filled out on the official portal or via a mobile app before the trip.
- Processing time: most applications are processed automatically within minutes, but in some cases, verification can take up to 14–30 days.
3. Comparison of EES and ETIAS
| Parameter | EES (Entry/Exit System) | ETIAS (Travel Authorization) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Recording entry/exit facts and remaining stay days | Pre-travel security check |
| Financial Cost | Free | 20 euros (one-time for 3 years) |
| Where it is issued | Directly at the border checkpoint | In advance online (before departure) |
| Required data | Facial photo, fingerprints, passport details | Completed online form, passport details |
| Validity | Updated with each border crossing | Up to 3 years (or until passport replacement) |
| Mandatory for | All third-country nationals | Visa-free nationals aged 18–70 |
4. Who is exempt from the ETIAS fee
EU legislation defines clear categories of citizens who are exempt from paying the 20 euro fee (however, they are still required to obtain authorization):
- Minors: children and teenagers under 18 (authorization is free).
- Elderly persons: citizens aged 70 and over (authorization is free).
- Family members of EU citizens: close relatives of citizens of Member States or Schengen countries (with supporting documents).
- Holders of residence permits and temporary protection: individuals who already have official resident status or temporary protection in an EU country do not need ETIAS authorization to enter the country that granted such status.
5. Practical changes at external border crossings
The introduction of the new rules will directly affect the crossing of the EU's land, air, and sea borders.
- At the first stage of the EES launch: an increase in border control processing time is possible due to the need to initially enter the biometric data (facial scans and fingerprints) of each traveler.
- After the ETIAS launch: border guards will check for a valid authorization in the electronic system. The absence of a completed and paid ETIAS authorization will be grounds for denial of entry before control even begins.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay 20 euros every time I cross the border?
No. The 20 euro fee is paid once when submitting the ETIAS application. The issued authorization is valid for 3 years for an unlimited number of border crossings (within the 90/180-day rule).
Can I pay the 20 euros directly to the border guard?
No. Payment is made exclusively online via the official website or the ETIAS app while filling out the form. It is impossible to pay the fee or issue the authorization at the checkpoint.
What should travelers with a residence permit in EU countries do?
Travelers holding a valid residence permit or temporary protection document in an EU country cross that country's border based on their existing status. They do not need to apply for ETIAS or pay the fee.
Is ETIAS required if I have a biometric passport?
Yes. ETIAS is designed specifically for citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with the EU and travel with biometric passports. A biometric passport is a requirement for obtaining ETIAS, not a ground for exemption from it.