Denmark Travel: Responses to Common Inquiries Regarding EES and ETIAS

Denmark Travel: Responses to Common Inquiries Regarding EES and ETIAS

The European Union (EU) is introducing two new travel regulations, the Entry & Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS), which will affect non-EU (third-country) nationals traveling to Schengen countries, including Denmark, for short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Starting from October 12, 2025, the EES will be implemented in a phased manner over six months, with full implementation aimed for spring 2027. The EES requires all non-EU citizens to provide biometrics—fingerprints and a facial image—at the border upon arrival, replacing passport stamping and enabling automated, secure tracking at borders. However, prior online pre-registration is not required for EES itself.

On the other hand, ETIAS, expected to start in the final quarter of 2026, is a separate system with different requirements and procedures. ETIAS is required for all tourists and visitors to the Schengen zone, regardless of the duration of their stay. To obtain ETIAS, travellers must go online in advance of their trip, fill in a form, and pay a €20 fee to receive the travel authorization.

Non-EU citizens who are residents of an EU country are not covered by EES and do not have to complete pre-registration or provide biometrics. Similarly, non-EU citizens who live in an EU, EEA, or Schengen zone country with a visa or residency permit are exempt from ETIAS.

For third-country nationals visiting for short stays (e.g., tourists), EES will collect data on refusals of entry and overstays, helping prevent visa overstays, including for non-EU residents who might travel within Schengen but are still bound by their visa/residence terms.

When it comes to visa holders or foreign residents who legally reside in an EU/Schengen country, EES typically does not apply to their lawful stays. EES is mainly for short-term visitors crossing external Schengen borders (up to 90 days). If they live in Denmark or another Schengen country as a legal resident, their residence permit is used for border and identity checks rather than EES registration.

There is no reported requirement for visa holders or residents to complete EES pre-registration prior to travel; biometric details are collected at border crossing when entering the Schengen area. The ETIAS website is not yet up and running, and any websites claiming to process ETIAS applications are scams.

It's important to note that ETIAS travel authorization lasts three years or until a new passport is issued. For those traveling without an ETIAS during the education phase, they will be informed of the new requirements but will not be blocked from entering the EU. Dual nationals traveling on a non-EU passport will need EES.

In conclusion, all non-EU tourists and short-stay visitors to Denmark/Schengen must provide biometrics on entry/exit via EES, but non-EU citizens with valid visas or residence permits living in Denmark are generally not subject to EES pre-registration and rely on their residence status for border formalities rather than EES checks. This system aims to enhance border security, reduce overstays, and speed up processing at external EU borders.

1. For art enthusiasts planning a trip to Denmark, it's essential to know that the European Travel Authorisation and Information System (ETIAS) will be mandatory for all tourists starting from the last quarter of 2026.
2. Sports fans, who might be interested in visiting different Schengen countries, should prepare for ETIAS requirements before their trips as they need to fill in a form online, pay a fee, and obtain the travel authorization to visit.
3. Travelers interested in experiencing the lifestyle of various European countries should keep in mind that from October 12, 2025, the Entry & Exit System (EES) will be implemented and require biometrics from all non-EU citizens upon arrival at the border, facilitating automated and secure tracking at borders. However, prior online pre-registration is not required for EES itself.

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