Planning a trip to Europe: The new border rules you need to know

Europe’s new border rules are causing confusion among travellers.

Two new systems have been making headlines: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

But much of the advice online is aimed at travellers from countries that don’t need a visa.

For South Africans, the rules are different.

Here’s the short answer: the EES applies to South Africans, but ETIAS doesn’t, since South Africans still need a Schengen visa.

WHAT IS THE EES?

The EES is the European Union’s new digital border system.

It records when non-EU travellers enter and leave the Schengen area for short stays, and replaces the stamps in your passport.

The system launched gradually from 12 October 2025, and has been fully operational across 29 European countriessince 10 April 2026.

DOES THE EES APPLY TO SOUTH AFRICANS?

Yes.

According to the European Union, the EES covers travellers who need a Schengen visa, as well as visa-free travellers.

Their entries and exits are registered electronically, and their photograph and fingerprints are stored in the system.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE BORDER

On your first trip to Europe since the system went live, expect border officials to take a facial image, scan your passport, and ask questions about your stay.

Because South Africans already give their fingerprints when applying for a Schengen visa, the system can use that existing record.

There’s no need to register in advance, and the EES is free.

Children under 12 don’t need to give fingerprints, but they’ll still have a facial image taken.

WHY THE EES MATTERS FOR YOUR STAY

Since the system records your exact entry and exit dates electronically, it can automatically track how long you’ve stayed in the Schengen area.

Schengen visa holders can generally stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, so it’s important to keep to the dates on your visa.

WHAT IS ETIAS?

ETIAS is a travel authorisation for people who don’t need a visa to visit Europe, such as travellers from the US, the UK and Australia.

It’s expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026, with an application fee of €20 (about R370).

DO SOUTH AFRICANS NEED ETIAS?

No.

South Africans need a Schengen visa to visit Europe, so they won’t need ETIAS as well.

However, South Africans who also hold a passport from a visa-free country, and travel on that passport, may need ETIAS once it launches.

TIPS FOR SOUTH AFRICANS TRAVELLING TO EUROPE

• Apply for your Schengen visa early, especially ahead of busy travel periods.
• Allow extra time at the border, since first-time EES registration can take longer.
• Make sure each child has their own passport.
• Keep to the dates on your visa, since the EES makes overstays easier to detect.
• Only use official websites for visa and travel information, to avoid scams.