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Since October 2025, the EES has been electronically recording the arrivals and departures of non-European travellers. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), an online travel authorization, will soon be required prior to departure. This article explains these two systems in detail and tells you what you need to know for a smooth trip to Paris.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) has replaced the manual stamping of passports with an electronic registration system. Introduced on 12 October 2025, this system modernizes border controls within the Schengen Area. The objective? To enhance security while streamlining the flow of travellers.
Essentially, the system collects several types of information: a facial photo, a passport scan, and fingerprints for travellers aged 12 and older. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting; only a photo may be taken. This data makes it possible to track entries into and exits from the Schengen Area and to automatically calculate the duration of stay.
The EES applies to third-country nationals, namely travellers who are not nationals of a country in the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland. This system applies only to short stays, i.e. visits of less than 90 days.
Holders of a long-stay visa or a residence permit issued by France or another Member State are not registered in the EES system. Similarly, EU citizens and residents of the Schengen Area are not subject to this regulation.
The rule remains the same: non-EU/EEA citizens may stay in the Schengen Area for a short period of visits. It permits a maximum of 90 days of stay within any 180-day period. It is calculated over a rolling period: each day, the system checks the number of days spent in the Schengen Area over the preceding 180 days.
The EES automatically calculates the duration of stays, which makes it easier for the authorities and travellers to track.
Before the EES / With the EES
| Criteria | Before the EES | With the EES |
|---|---|---|
| Registration method | Manual stamp on passport | Automatic electronic registration |
| Monitoring of length of stay | No automatic calculation | Automatic calculation of 90 days out of 180 days |
| Procedure for each entry | Same procedure at each entry | First entry in depth, subsequent entries rapid |
Once the EES formalities have been completed, find out how to get to the centre of Paris easily from Paris airports and optimize your travel with tips on getting around by transport .
See also our practical information for a smooth stay in the French capital.
Make sure that you:
Some companies or airports offer guides or prior registration information to make your arrival easier.
The procedure for re-entry is faster:
During the roll-out phase, the process may take longer, particularly at busy times. Advice:
The ETIAS is not a visa. It is a mandatory electronic pre-travel authorization that must be obtained online before entering the Schengen Area. This system applies to travellers who are currently exempt from visa requirements for short stays but who will now have to comply with these new regulations.
Applicants must submit their application via a dedicated platform, and a decision is usually sent within 96 hours. This authorization costs €20 and remains valid for three years or until the passport used for the application expires.
The ETIAS system is not yet operational: it is expected to be implemented in late 2026.
The ETIAS is required for entry into 30 European countries, including the 29 Schengen Area members plus Cyprus.
European countries concerned:
Important: the ETIAS authorization is valid for three years and allows multiple entries into all these countries, subject to the rule of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Notable exceptions: Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and applies its own entry rules.
The ETIAS applies to nationals of countries exempt from visa requirements for short stays within the Schengen Area. These travellers, who are currently able to enter freely for stays of less than 90 days, must obtain this electronic authorization prior to departure.
Exemptions: Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican are not subject to the ETIAS, even though they are not part of the European Union. European citizens, and holders of Schengen visas or residence permits for the Schengen Area, are not concerned by the ETIAS authorization.
To cross borders in the Schengen area, travellers from European Union member states and the Schengen Area simply need to present a valid identity card or passport.
Third-country nationals, however, must provide several documents: a valid passport (with an expiry date at least three months after the planned date of departure), an ETIAS authorization if applicable once the system is in place, and, where necessary, an entry visa depending on their nationality. On arrival, registration in the EES system takes place at the border control point.
Remember to check the validity or your passport before departure to avoid any complications.
After you have completed the EES formalities, make getting around Paris easy with our transport tickets. Pass Paris Visite for unlimited travel on public transport and to the airports, or Navigo Easy for single journeys.
See also our practical advice to make the most of your stay and enjoy exploring Paris
To help you with these procedures and obtain the latest information, several official sources provide detailed information on the EES and the ETIAS. These platforms offer practical guides, mobile applications and regular updates to facilitate your travel in the Schengen Area.
Paris can be reached by train in a matter of hours from elsewhere in France and all major European cities
