The EU has confirmed the start date of its new biometric border rules, the EU Entry-Exit System (EES), while the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver price is set to increase.
EES will come into force on October 12 and will require all non-EU citizens to submit fingerprints and facial biometrics when they enter the region for the first time after the launch.
The system will be phased in progressively over a six-month period through to early April 2026. From April 10, 2026, EES will be fully operational at all external EU border crossings.
Additionally, the European Commission proposed an increase in the fee for ETIAS, its visa waiver for travellers who can travel visa-free within the region, from the original €7 (R144) to €20 (R411). The Commission cited inflation and increased costs caused by repeated delays to the scheme’s roll-out as the reason for the price hike.
