Originally Posted by
jayer
Rereading this thread this morning, after reading the "official" website last night.
The online "official" information states EES will not be required till later in 2026, and seemingly discourage signing up now.
But, this thread would indicate at least some airports in the Schengen Zone are going through the same process and populating the database at arrival.
So, specifically what is happening at Amsterdam? (Entering there--expect to be leaving out of Zurich).
If there is some probability it will happen on arrival, it isn't that much money and I might as well pre-register. But if the Dutch aren't going there yet I suppose I would just be wasting money.
You’re confusing the EES with ETIAS, an electronic authorization that will enter in force in October 2026.
EES entered in force on October 12th, 2025 with a progressive rollout that will end on April 9th, 2026.
Most ports of entry have started the registration of non-EU visitors, especially upon arrival.
You don’t have to do anything before your arrival. The registration will be done upon arrival via either a self service kiosk or a border agent. You may be allowed to use an eGate after the self service kiosk registration, depending on your profile.