Are there recent changes to EES exemption policies?
Executive summary
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) began a phased rollout on 12 October 2025 with full implementation scheduled by 10 April 2026; biometrics (facial images and fingerprints) are being introduced progressively and some groups remain exempt, including EU nationals and certain residents [1] [2] [3]. Reporting shows delays and phased approaches across 2025–2026, with ETIAS pushed back to late 2026 and some national/sectoral exemptions or temporary extensions (e.g., Korea’s K‑ETA exemption through 31 Dec 2025) noted in separate contexts [4] [5] [6].
1. Phased launch — why “not everything turns on at once”
The European Commission and member states opted for a gradual EES roll‑out that started 12 October 2025 and will phase in different border points and functions over six months, reaching all external border crossing points by 10 April 2026; that means passport stamps and partial procedures will persist during the transition and travellers’ experience will vary by port and date [1] [2] [6].
2. Biometrics arrive later in the process
Several outlets emphasise that biometric data collection — a facial image and fingerprints for non‑EU short‑stay travellers — is being introduced gradually, with borders that are operating EES starting biometric checks in December 2025 and wider biometrics capture completed under the six‑month phased timetable [1] [2] [3].
3. Who is explicitly exempt from EES right now
Available reporting identifies specific exemptions: EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, legal residents and long‑stay visa holders in member states, certain micro‑state nationals, and travellers covered by specific rail or local border regimes will not be captured by EES; Ireland and holders of residence rights under the Withdrawal Agreement (for the UK) are also treated specially in different contexts [2] [3] [7].
4. Practical consequences at key crossings — uneven implementation
Ground reporting and guidance for travellers note practical delays and staged application of checks at busy entry points (Eurotunnel, Port of Dover, coach and freight lanes) — some vehicle and private car checks were deferred to avoid congestion — illustrating that exemption status and whether you’ll be biometrically processed can depend on the crossing and timing [7] [8].
5. ETIAS timing affects exemptions and traveller obligations
Multiple sources show ETIAS — the linked travel‑authorisation system for visa‑exempt nationals — was delayed and is expected to launch after EES is operational (now projected late 2026). That delay means some visa‑exempt travellers who will later need ETIAS can enter without pre‑authorisation until ETIAS goes live, but EES entry/exit recording and biometrics are already being phased in [4] [9] [6].
6. Variations, fee changes and politics — watch for lawmaking updates
Parliamentary and policy briefs report that legislation was amended in 2025 to enable phased roll‑out and that some fee decisions (ETIAS fee increase from the originally planned €7) and other negotiations were ongoing; those political decisions can change who is effectively exempt or how systems are enforced [7] [8].
7. Non‑EU examples and other travel‑authorization exemptions
Not all recent “exemption” items refer to EES — for instance, Korea extended a temporary K‑ETA exemption for nationals of 22 jurisdictions until 31 December 2025; local or national travel‑authorization policies can create parallel exemptions that are unrelated to the EU EES framework [5].
8. What this means for travellers now
Travellers should assume EES entry/exit recording and biometrics may apply on or after 12 October 2025 at many external borders, but specific exemptions (EU nationals, residents, certain rail or transit arrangements) and the phased rollout mean you may or may not be processed at your chosen port on a given date; ETIAS requirements for visa‑exempt visitors come later in 2026 [1] [2] [6].
9. Limitations of current reporting and next steps
Available sources describe phased implementation, lists of exempt categories, and ETIAS timing, but they do not provide a single exhaustive list of every specific exemption at every border point or real‑time operational status for each crossing; travellers should check official national border authority pages or the Commission’s EES pages for the latest, location‑specific rules [2] [7].