Accessing Switzerland Travel: A Comprehensive Guide to EES and ETIAS
Starting October 12, 2025, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be implemented across Schengen external borders, replacing manual passport stamping with biometric data collection for non-EU/Schengen third-country nationals [1][3][5]. This EU law, approved in July 2025, allows for a six-month rollout period, during which all non-EU travelers must complete biometric registration, with variation in implementation speed by country [1].
The EES will require short-stay visa holders, including second-home owners from outside the EU, to undergo biometric registration upon arrival at Schengen borders. This includes fingerprints and a facial scan [1][3]. Visa-holders are not required to complete EES pre-registration, including those with short-stay Schengen visas [1][3][5].
Regarding the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), it will be mandatory for visa-exempt third-country nationals, including UK passport holders, to obtain travel authorization prior to entering Schengen states [2][4]. UK citizens and others must apply online before travel, a process distinct from EES biometric registration at the border [2][4].
Procedures by group:
Residents (third-country nationals living in Schengen states):
Residents holding valid residence permits are typically not subject to EES or ETIAS for their legal stay. EES and ETIAS target short-stay visitors (usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period) rather than residents [1][3].
Visa holders for short stays:
Upon arrival at Schengen borders starting October 12, 2025, visa holders will undergo biometric registration under EES—fingerprints and photo will be collected electronically; this replaces passport stamping. No pre-registration is currently required for EES itself; it is done at border control [1][3][5].
Second-home owners (non-EU citizens owning property but not residents):
Owning property does not grant residence status or exempt from EES or ETIAS requirements. Unless holding a residence permit, second-home owners are treated as short-stay visitors and must:
- Apply for ETIAS travel authorization online before entry if exempt from visas.
- Undergo biometric registration via EES at entry points when arriving in the Schengen area [1][2][3].
Summary on pre-registration and application:
| Group | EES Requirement | ETIAS Requirement | Pre-registration Procedure | |----------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Residents (with permits) | No EES biometric registration at border for residence stay | Not required for residence stays | None for EES or ETIAS related to residence stays | | Visa holders (short stays) | Biometric registration at border (from Oct 12, 2025) | Visa application done via consulates or online | No EES pre-registration; biometric registration on arrival | | Visa-exempt travelers/ second-home owners | Biometric registration at border | ETIAS travel authorization pre-travel online | Must apply for ETIAS online before travel; biometric registration at border |
Travelers should expect longer border processing times initially due to biometric enrollment and should ensure ETIAS is approved before traveling if required [1][2][5]. No costs apply directly for the EES biometric registration, but ETIAS carries a small processing fee.
In short, EES applies at border entry for biometric registration for all short-stay non-EU visitors, including visa holders and second-home owners without residence permits, starting October 12, 2025, while ETIAS requires pre-travel online authorization for visa-exempt travelers. Residents with valid permits are generally exempt from these entry formalities related to short-stay systems [1][2][3][5].
[1] European Commission. (2025). Entry/Exit System (EES) Factsheet. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-library/factsheets/factsheet-entry-exit-system-ees_en
[2] European Commission. (2025). European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) Factsheet. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-library/factsheet-european-travel-information-and-authorization-system-etias_en
[3] European Commission. (2025). Questions and Answers: Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-library/questions-and-answers-entry-exit-system-ees_en
[4] European Commission. (2025). Questions and Answers: European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-library/questions-and-answers-european-travel-information-and-authorization-system-etias_en
[5] European Commission. (2025). Frequently Asked Questions: Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-library/frequently-asked-questions-entry-exit-system-ees_en
[6] European Commission. (2025). Frequently Asked Questions: European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/document-library/frequently-asked-questions-european-travel-information-and-authorization-system-etias_en
The EES biometric registration for short-stay non-EU visitors will impact both visa holders and second-home owners without residence permits, requiring fingerprints and facial scans upon arrival at Schengen borders starting October 12, 2025. On the other hand, visa-exempt travelers, including second-home owners, will need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization online before their journey.
Managing one's finances may become essential when considering the small processing fee associated with ETIAS, while maintaining a suitable lifestyle to afford travel and covering any additional expenses related to longer border processing times initially due to biometric enrollment could be vital considerations for some travelers.
