Entry Exit System and ETIAS Visa Waiver

PHASE-IN FROM 12 OCTOBER 2026

EES stands for Entry Exit System. This is a new system for non-EU nationals to electronically register their presence for a short stay in countries such as Switzerland. British passport holders are permitted to stay up to 90 days within any 180 day period.

A) When you arrive at a border crossing point for the first time from the start of the new process

Passport control officers will direct you to scanners which will record your face and your fingerprints. 

• Your record will be kept in a digital file
• Your passport will not be stamped
• You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border 
• There is no cost for the EES registration
• Children up to the age of 12 do not have their fingerprints scanned
• You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area

EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.

B) For subsequent border crossings

If you hold a biometric passport, you will be able to go straight to the self-service gates. If not, passport control officers will verify your fingerprints and photo. Data is held for 3 years. After that time - or if your passport expires during that time - you will need to provide new fingerprints and photo when you next cross the border.

Where are the border crossing points?

Travelling by air - at Zurich, Geneva or Basel airport

Travelling by Eurostar - at London St Pancras on the outward journey; at Paris Gare du Nord on the return

The EU official website advises who needs to use the EES, which INCLUDES British passport holders going to Switzerland. Other nationalities should check on the website for their own situation.   

The website has a tool to check if your intended trip would cause you to exceed the 90 days within 180 day rule.

STARTS LATE 2026

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, a visa waiver system similar to the one in place for entry to the USA.

ETIAS is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals of 60 countries (including the UK) travelling to any of 30 European countries including Switzerland. It is linked to a traveller’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.  

Other nationalities should check with the Swiss embassy if they need a visa: 0207 616 6000.

It is anticipated that the ETIAS will cost €20 (around £18) for travellers aged 18-70. Children and over 70s will still need to apply for the ETIAS but for them it is free.  

Once you have your ETIAS, you can enter any of the 30 European countries as often as you want for short stays - up to 90 days in any 180 day period. 

Be sure to carry the same passport used in your ETIAS application or you will not be allowed to travel or enter Switzerland.

Your passport should not expire in less than three months from your date of ETIAS application and it should not be more than 10 years old. 

The application system is not yet in operation. When it becomes available, the link will appear here.

We will offer a link ONLY to the EU official website. We would advise caution in using a 3rd party service as there are already many scam websites in existence.

The majority of applications are processed within minutes or at the latest within 96 hours.

However, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information which may delay the process by up to 30 days.