EES, ETIAS, ETA & ESTA Explained

Keeping up with changing travel rules can be challenging — especially when different schemes apply depending on your destination. For business travellers, the introduction of new systems like EES and ETIAS, alongside the already-live UK ETA and ESTA, means there are now more steps to consider before you go. Whether you’re managing frequent business travel or planning a one-off trip, understanding these changes now can help you avoid delays, denied entry, or unexpected admin later. With multiple schemes being introduced across the world, it’s important to know which rules apply, when they start, and what action you need to take before your journey.

UK ETA

The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme was introduced in early 2025 for visitors who do not require a visa for short stays. As of 25th February 2026, the transitional grace period has ended and enforcement is now fully in place.

From this date, all eligible travellers must hold a valid ETA before travelling to the UK — including those transiting landside. This applies to visitors who do not require a visa for short stays and who do not already hold UK immigration status. Travellers who arrive without an approved ETA will not be permitted to board transport to the UK and may be refused entry at the border.

Applications must be made in advance via the official UK ETA app or UK government website. The process is digital and typically straightforward. The fee, initially £10, increased to £16 in April 2025, with a further rise to £20 announced (implementation date to be confirmed).

Once approved, an ETA is valid for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires — whichever comes first — and permits multiple entries into the UK.

With full enforcement now in effect, it is essential that travellers secure approval before departure to avoid disruption to business or personal travel plans. For the full details and to submit an application, head to the UK government’s official site.

EES

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) launched on 12th October 2025 and is being introduced through a phased rollout, with full operation expected by April 2026. It is a new digital border system for non-EU nationals, including British passport holders, travelling to countries in the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

There is no cost for EES registration and no action is required before travel. On your first visit after implementation, you will register your biometric details – including fingerprints and a facial image – at the border, and during the phased rollout passports may still be stamped alongside EES registration. Once fully implemented, EES will replace manual passport stamping, and your digital EES record will remain valid for three years.

How EES Registration Works

How and where you complete EES checks depends on your point of departure. If travelling by air or via ferry ports other than Dover, registration takes place on arrival in your destination country within the Schengen Area. If travelling via Eurostar (London St Pancras), Eurotunnel (Folkestone) or the Port of Dover, EES checks are completed before departure from the UK. This is particularly important for business travellers working to tight schedules, and passengers should allow extra time during busy periods.

ETIAS – Coming Late 2026

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is the EU’s upcoming pre-travel requirement for non-EU nationals – including British citizens – visiting 30 European countries in the Schengen Area. It is not yet operational, but is expected to launch from Autumn 2026. No action is required from travellers at this stage.

Once live, ETIAS will be a quick, online application linked to your passport, costing €20. It will allow multiple short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) and remain valid for three years, or until your passport expires.

ETIAS is not a visa, but an electronic authorisation designed to assess security and immigration risks before travel. While most applications will be processed in minutes, some may take up to 30 days, so it’s recommended to apply well in advance of travel.

Travellers must carry the same passport used for their ETIAS application. A valid ETIAS does not guarantee entry — border officials will still verify eligibility on arrival.

Travellers should only apply via the official EU website once ETIAS is formally launched. Any website currently offering ETIAS applications is fraudulent.

 

ESTA

An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an online approval that allows eligible travellers to visit the United States of America. You are eligible to apply for an ESTA if you are a citizen of one of the Visa Waiver Program countries. Travellers must apply before arriving at a US border, and approval is required even for short stays.

The ESTA fee rose from $21 to $40 on the 30th September 2025.  Travellers planning a trip to the US should submit their application through the official ESTA website or mobile app.

 

See below for a side-by-side comparison of EES, ETA, ETIAS and ESTA:

Further Information

If you have any further questions you can speak to a member of our Business Travel team via:

Telephone: 0344 847 5504

Email:

 

Published: 5th August 2025

Updated: 24th February 2026

All information was accurate at the time of publication. However, timeframes and details may be subject to change as developments progress.