Understanding ETIAS, EES, and ETA: What Schools and Travelers Need to Know

Note: This information is current as of September 2025. Travel regulations can change, so always check the latest requirements before your trip or with your Kairos Tour travel advisor.

Travel regulations are changing and if you’re planning a trip to Europe or beyond, you may have seen acronyms like ETIAS, EES, or ETA popping up. They sound complicated, but don’t worry because we are breaking down and explaining what they mean for your travel experience.

1. What is ETIAS?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. Beginning in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries (like the U.S.) will need to apply for this authorization before entering most European countries.

Think of it as a quick security check before you travel:

It’s not a visa. It’s a simple online application.
It will be valid for multiple trips over several years.
The goal is to increase safety and streamline entry into Europe.

⚠️ Heads-up: For your first trip using ETIAS, the process may take a bit longer since everyone in the group will need to set it up. Once done, it becomes much quicker for future travel.

2. What is EES?

EES is the Entry/Exit System being introduced across the European Union. Instead of passport stamps, travelers’ entries and exits will be recorded electronically.

Why does this matter?

It helps avoid overstays by tracking time spent in Europe.
It speeds up border crossings with more efficient, automated checks.
For students, it means less waiting in line and more time enjoying the destination.

⚠️ Heads-up: Early on, some borders may experience slower lines as officers and travelers adjust to the new technology. Planning extra time is wise.

3. What about ETA?

ETA (sometimes called “Electronic Travel Authorization”) is used in countries outside Europe, such as the UK and Canada. Like ETIAS, it’s a quick online approval process before you travel.

The UK has recently begun phasing in its own ETA system.
Canada has had one for years.
Each one is country-specific, so travelers should check requirements for their exact destination.

⚠️ Heads-up: As with ETIAS, the first application for an ETA may take longer. After that, renewals are typically much faster.

Why This Matters for Schools and Groups

All of these systems (ETIAS, EES, ETA) share a common purpose: to make travel safer and more seamless. They may feel like one more thing on the checklist, but with the right guidance, they’re simple to manage.

In the end, these changes are just part of the evolving landscape of international travel. What remains the same is the heart of the journey: discovering new places, engaging with new cultures, and creating moments that last long after the trip is over.