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From the third quarter of 2026, international participants travelling to Paris for a conference, convention or any other professional event will have to comply with new rules for entering the Schengen area.
Two major systems will gradually transform the arrival experience: the EES (Entry/Exit System), already being rolled out, and the ETIAS travel authorisation, expected by the end of 2026. Together, they will modernise border controls while enhancing security.
Since October 2025, the EES has been gradually replacing the traditional manual stamp. When a non-European traveller crosses a Schengen external border for a short stay, their entries and exits are now recorded electronically. This involves taking a photo, scanning the passport and collecting fingerprints. From April 2026, all access points in France—whether international airports, railway stations or border posts—will operate exclusively with this system. Citizens of the European Union and the Schengen area are not affected by this change.
The second change, the ETIAS authorisation, will apply to nationals of countries that are currently exempt from visa requirements. Their trip to Paris will require a preliminary online application, to be completed before departure. This authorisation, which is generally validated within 96 hours, will allow for multiple short stays over a period of three years, within the limits of the rules imposed by Schengen. A modest fee will be charged, with several categories of exemption depending on the age or situation of the applicant.
For convention and MICE event organisers, these new rules require clear communication with international participants. It is recommended that these formalities be highlighted at the time of registration and then in practical materials or travel guides. Visitors will need to anticipate the ETIAS application if it applies to them and allow for a short wait at the EES biometric check upon arrival in France.
By incorporating this information into your participant itineraries, you will facilitate the travel experience to the capital and contribute to a smoother welcome. Paris remains a major destination for professional meetings, and the introduction of the EES and ETIAS is part of a European drive towards modernisation and security for travellers.
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