EU confirms ETIAS launch in late 2026 as EES records 60 million border crossings

The annual State of Schengen report reviews digital border tools, visa strategy, and internal border controls

The European Commission has confirmed that ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, will launch in the final quarter of 2026, following the successful rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) across all Schengen border crossing points.

According to the annual State of Schengen report published by the European Commission on May 18, 2026, the document reviews how the Schengen area is functioning and sets priorities for the 2026-2027 cycle, in a context shaped by the modernization of border controls, migration pressure, security concerns, and preparations for ETIAS.

EES records 60 million border crossings

The report confirms that EES has been fully deployed at all Schengen border crossing points since April 10, 2026. Schengen states began gradually rolling out the system in mid-October 2025, and during this six-month launch phase, EES recorded more than 60 million entries and exits by third-country nationals.

According to the Commission, 32,000 people who had no right to enter the European Union were refused entry. Among these cases, nearly 800 people were considered to pose a threat to internal security, while almost 7,000 travelers were refused entry for overstaying their authorized period of stay in the Schengen area.

Brussels says EES is already delivering visible security benefits, particularly by helping detect fraudulent documents, identity fraud, and travelers who have exceeded their authorized stay.

The Commission nevertheless acknowledges that some states faced practical difficulties during the rollout phase, particularly with the operation of self-service kiosks, the ability to properly register biometric data, and the management of traveler flows during peak periods.

ETIAS launch approaching

The report confirms that ETIAS will be the next major step in the pre-screening of visa-exempt travelers. The system will apply to travelers from third countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area, allowing European authorities to assess certain risks before departure while keeping travel procedures streamlined for most visitors.

According to the EU's official ETIAS portal, the system is set to become operational in the last quarter of 2026. For now, travelers do not need to take any action.

The Commission stresses that early involvement from the travel sector will be essential for a smooth rollout. Airlines, travel agencies, booking platforms, and travelers will all need to incorporate this new formality before boarding.

New EU visa strategy

The report also looks back at the adoption, in January 2026, of the first EU visa strategy. This strategy aims to make the EU's common visa policy a tool for security, attractiveness, and cooperation with partner countries.

The Commission announces the preparation of a new evaluation framework for visa-exempt countries, with the goal of better defining the criteria used to grant or maintain visa-free access to the Schengen area.

Brussels is also planning a targeted revision of the Visa Code to strengthen EU security. This development could affect the rules governing Schengen visa applications, although the report does not yet detail the measures under consideration.

The report notes that in 2025, the Schengen area remained the world's most visited destination, with more than 790 million travelers. Schengen states issued 10 million visas, while more than 60 countries enjoyed visa-free access.

Internal border controls remain sensitive

The Commission devotes part of the report to the situation at internal borders. In 2025, ten Schengen states extended or maintained controls at their internal borders, mainly for reasons linked to migration and security.

Brussels considers that these controls may address certain national concerns but recalls that alternatives exist, including targeted police checks, cross-border cooperation, information sharing, and mobile biometric tools.

The Commission says EES and the new instruments under the Pact on Migration and Asylum should gradually help reduce the use of internal border controls by strengthening the management of external borders and efforts to combat unauthorized movements within the Schengen area.

Schengen expansion continues

The report also mentions the continued integration of certain states into the Schengen framework. The Commission says it wants to complete Cyprus's full accession to the Schengen area, following what it describes as substantial progress in 2025.

Ireland, which is not part of the Schengen area for the free movement of people, is meanwhile continuing its efforts to fully apply the parts of the Schengen framework related to internal security.