EES & ETIAS Are Coming: What Travelers Should Know Before a Winter Trip to the Canaries

EU's EES and ETIAS: What's Changing and When?

EES (Entry/Exit System)

The EU's new Entry/Exit System launches on 12 October 2025, introducing biometric data collection—fingerprint or facial scans—at external borders, replacing traditional passport stamps.

It will be deployed in phases over six months, reaching full implementation by 10 April 2026.
After full rollout, passport stamping will be phased out and non‑EU travelers must register biometric data each time they cross Schengen external borders.

Following EES, ETIAS will take effect in the last quarter of 2026

Travelers aged 18–70 will pay a €20 application fee, up from initial estimates of €7, and the authorization will be valid for three years or until passport expiry Wikipedia+11Wikipedia+11The Daily Telegraph+11.
There will likely be a transition period following launch—some flexibility before full enforcement—but ETIAS will become mandatory across the board for visa‑exempt third‑country nationals Travel Europe+11Wikipedia+11Wikipedia+11.
Why the Changes? Security, Data & Overstay Prevention
Both systems are part of the EU's “smart border” initiative, aiming to modernize and secure external border management:

EES replaces manual passport stamping with automated biometric tracking to detect overstays and irregular entry swiftly. 

ETIAS pre-screens travelers for security, irregular migration, and health risks—similar to the U.S. ESTA system—and improves preparedness for arrivals 

What Travellers Must Know with ETIAS & EES

With EES: On first arrival, non‑EU visitors will submit biometric data via kiosks/automated gates. Subsequent border crossings will be faster. However, during the rollout, expect delays and longer queues.

With ETIAS: Travelers will need to apply online in advance and pay the fee. Approval is often immediate but may take up to 30 days in certain cases Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2.
Visas and Exemptions: ETIAS doesn't replace visas. Nationals who already require a visa or have residence permits aren't required to apply. ETIAS applies only to visa‑exempt travelers.

Canary Islands: What will happen with ETIAS & EES

Why this matters more than ever
The Canary Islands—particularly Tenerife and Lanzarote—are known for peak winter tourism, often exceeding summer traffic. Airports there are compact and already operate at full capacity during high season.

Potential challenges include:

Overwhelmed infrastructure: Small airports may struggle with initial EES data collection amid winter surges.
Staffing stress: Rural staffing levels may be insufficient to handle new biometric checkpoints.
Winter bottlenecks: If EES rolls out October to April, it precisely coincides with the islands' busiest period.
Questions authorities should address:

Will additional kiosks and staff be deployed specifically for the winter wave?
Are priority lanes or pre-screening options being planned for peak months?
Can local airport authorities coordinate with central EU planning to reduce wait times and confusion?