Timing of implementation and delays
For EES and ETIAS
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First phase of EES sees border authorities required to register a minimum of 10% of eligible travellers nationally.
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90 days after EES start: operational at ≥50% French Schengen borders; ≥35% non-EU/EEA/Swiss travellers registered.
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UK ETA requirement enforced: arrivals from France need ETA or valid UK/Irish passport.
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150 days: all French borders using EES; ≥50% relevant travellers registered.
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170 days: all relevant travellers registered.
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EES fully operational; passport stamping ends.
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Parafe e-gates adapted; France to decide on use of 'Travel to Europe' pre-registration app.
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ETIAS transitional period begins (≥6 months); travellers can enter without completing online formalities.
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Additional grace period for first-time Schengen entrants.
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EES & ETIAS fully operational and enforced.
When is the system expected to fully be in place?
Launch and ‘phasing in’ of the EES system started on October 12, 2025.
The ‘phased start’ allowed a six-month gradual launch with not all border points and/or passengers initially affected.
France gradually introduced EES at border checkpoints with full implementation from April 10, 2026.
Under the 'phased start', the system started for a limited number of eligible passengers at the ports of Dover (to France) and Calais (to England), for certain Eurostar and Eurotunnel users, and for some passengers at French airports.
During this period, all eligible people travelling into France from a non-Schengen country or who are leaving France/Schengen to go to a non-Schengen country had to be prepared for the EES - and be ready in case border formalities took longer. The advice was to arrive in good time and not be surprised if asked to have a facial image and fingerprint scan.
Travellers may be asked questions as well as to provide certain documents. It is preferable to have these to hand, such as Ghic/Ehic card (or other travel health insurance), hotel booking, French-home utility or property tax bill or an email/ letter from a host inviting you to stay. Note, though, that experience so far suggests that it is unlikely that you will be asked to show any of these.
ETIAS is now unlikely to launch before 2027. The European Commission has not officially stated if this is due to difficulties experienced with the full roll-out of EES.