Non-EU Residents with Long-Stay Visas or Residency Permits in EU Countries Exempt from EES and ETIAS Requirements
Information about visiting Germany: Clarifying aspects of EES and ETIAS travel requirements
The European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area have introduced two new systems to enhance border security and manage travel within the region: the Entry & Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS). However, for non-EU citizens who are residents of an EU country with a long-stay visa or residency permit, these systems have different requirements.
EES (Entry/Exit System)
The EES digitizes border crossing data for non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). It records biometric data (fingerprints, facial images) and travel document details, replacing manual passport stamps and improving border management by tracking entries and exits and preventing overstays. However, EES primarily applies to short-stay travelers, not to those holding long-stay visas or residence permits.
ETIAS (European Travel Authorisation and Information System)
ETIAS is a pre-travel electronic authorization required for third-country nationals from visa-exempt countries traveling to the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Importantly, those holding a valid long-stay visa or residence permit issued by an EU member state are exempt from needing ETIAS when traveling within the Schengen area.
In summary:
| System | Applies to | Requirement for Non-EU Citizens with Long-Stay Visa or Residency Permit | |--------|------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | EES | Non-EU nationals entering Schengen for short stays (≤90 days in 180) | Applicable if entering for a short stay; biometric registration required at entry/exit. For long-stay residents, EES is not applicable for their residence status; entries/exits under that status tracked differently. | | ETIAS | Visa-exempt non-EU nationals for short stays | Not required if holding a valid long-stay visa or residence permit issued by an EU member state. |
Therefore, a non-EU resident with a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by an EU country does not need to apply for ETIAS and is typically not subject to the EES when entering under that long-stay status. The EES focuses on short stays and temporary visits.
Upcoming Implementation and Phased Introduction
The EES is scheduled to start on October 12th, 2025, with a six-month phased introduction. During this period, each country will choose which ports/airports/stations to enforce EES, with a certain percentage of entry points using the system. The European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS) is expected to begin in the final quarter of 2026, with a six-month phased introduction as well.
In some airports and ports, live testing of their EES systems is already underway. During the introduction phase, there will be the option for ports to pause EES checks in the event of long queues.
For dual nationals, those traveling on the non-EU passport will need EES, while those traveling on the EU passport won't. After completing the EES pre-registration, details will not need to be provided again until a new passport is issued. The pre-registration for EES involves filling out a questionnaire with personal details, providing fingerprints, and a facial scan.
It's important to note that any website offering to complete EES for a fee is a scam site. There is no fee for EES, but ETIAS has a cost.
Sources:
- European Commission
- European Parliament
- European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL)
- The Guardian
In the context of Non-EU residents with long-stay visas or residency permits, they are exempt from the Entry & Exit System (EES) requirements when entering the Schengen Area for longer periods. On the other hand, they are also exempt from needing the European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS) when traveling within the Schengen area.
