ETIAS is the European Travel Information and Authorisation system. For more information go to the article on the ETIAS on this site

EES is the Entry/Exit system about to be implemented at all Schengen border points. For more information go to the article on the EES on this site

HOW DOES THE EES DIFFER FROM THE ETIAS FOR EUROPE? (information source, ETIAS website)

The EES will record the entrance and exit of all third-country nationals travelling to Europe, replacing manual passport stamping. This will facilitate border crossing control for border guards and quicken entry for non-EU nationals who will be able to access self-service kiosks similar to those available currently for EU citizens at Schengen entry ports.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver for Europe is a travel authorisation. It only applies to visa-exempt third-country nationals travelling to Europe.

ETIAS is similar to the US ESTA and will allow Europe to maintain a more efficient control of who travels to the EU and requests entry. It is a visa waiver system for Europe which will permit eligible citizens to obtain the appropriate European travel by filling out a simple online form.

ETIAS AND THE EES GATHER DIFFERENT INFORMATION

Another of the differences between the EES and ETIAS for Europe is the information collected through each process.

When applying for an ETIAS prior to visiting Europe, the traveller is required to complete an online ETIAS application form that requests personal data, contact details, passport information and asks some basic security questions.

On the other hand, the EES records biometric data including the facial image and fingerprints, of each traveller upon arrival and exit from the European Union.

ETIAS BEFORE TRAVEL, EES ON ARRIVAL AND EXIT

Finally, since it is a pre-travel requirement, the ETIAS will allow the EU to screen travellers before they arrive in Europe, against various security databases including the ETIAS Watchlist, Europol and Interpol to detect possible threats. ETIAS will only be granted to risk-free travellers.

In contrast, the EES will record information once the third-country national is entering or exiting the Schengen area. EES confirms that a traveller with a short-stay visa (single or double) has not already used the number of entries permitted.

ETIAS AND EES ARE QUERIED BEFORE BOARDING TRANSPORT

One similarity between the 2 systems is that carriers will query ETIAS and EES both before allowing a passenger to board. Airlines, sea carriers and coaches may only allow passengers to board if they are confirmed Ok to travel through the carrier interface.

Carriers will be responsible for ensuring the passengers they carry have a valid visa or travel authorisation.

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