The Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully operational across all border crossing points in Norway and the Schengen Area, requiring non-EU nationals to register their biometric data upon arrival.
New requirements to travel to Europe
Two European border control systems affect most non-EU citizens travelling to Norway for short stays: the Entry/Exit System (EES), which is now fully operational, and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to begin operating in the last quarter of 2026.
What is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated data system for registering non-EU nationals who enter Europe for a short stay. For the purpose of the EES, a 'non-EU national' means a traveller who is not a national of any European Union country, or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
The EES replaces manual passport stamps for non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area. The EES applies to visitors with short-stay visas or visa-free entry for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
When a traveller enters the Schengen Area for the first time, their identity, travel document data, and biometric information (facial image and fingerprints) will be registered. On later entries, this information will be used to verify identity. The system will also log the time and place of entry and exit, and any refusals of entry.
The EES is now fully operational across all border crossing points in Norway and the Schengen Area.
More information on the EES is available on the European Union's EES website and Politiet.no.
What is ETIAS?
Another EU programme relating to border control is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
ETIAS is a required travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers visiting Europe/the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
ETIAS is not a visa, but rather a travel authorisation required before travelling to the border. It does not guarantee entry and travellers must still go through the usual border control upon arrival.
The authorisation is linked to the traveller’s passport and is valid for three years. If the passport expires before then, the authorisation is only valid until the passport expires.
When will ETIAS be introduced?
ETIAS is currently not in operation, and no applications for travel authorisations are being accepted at this point.
The European Commission will announce the exact start date several months in advance. This website will also be updated once the start date has been set.
You can learn more about ETIAS on the European Union's ETIAS website.
FAQs about the new rules
1. What are the new entry rules for Europe?
Once ETIAS is launched, visa-exempt travellers will need an ETIAS travel authorisation prior to travelling. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully operational and travellers are registered upon entry.
2. Do I need a visa to travel to Europe?
If you are a visa-exempt traveller, you do not need a visa for a short stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Once ETIAS is launched, you will need to obtain an ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling.
3. What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is a required travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry and travellers must still go through border control upon arrival.
4. How long is the ETIAS valid?
ETIAS is linked to your passport and is valid for three years. If your passport expires before then, the authorisation is only valid until your passport expires.
5. Which countries require ETIAS?
All Schengen Area countries, including Norway, Iceland and Switzerland will be introducing ETIAS.
6. When do the new rules come into effect?
EES is now fully operational across the Schengen Area. ETIAS is currently not in operation, and no applications for travel authorisations are being accepted at this point. The European Commission will announce the exact start date several months in advance.
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