ETIAS & 90-Day rule: What travellers to France need to know

The 90-day limit, ETIAS and EES – what do travellers need to know for 2025? Fabien Pelissier reports…

Travelling to Europe is becoming a little different, thanks to two major updates: ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) and EES (Entry/Exit System). For those frequently travelling to France, or other EU countries, it’s important to understand these new systems, especially when it comes to the 90/180-day rule.

You probably already know this, but it is a regulation that has long dictated how long non-EU citizens can stay within the Schengen Area. With automated controls now in place, overstaying is more trackable, and the consequences could be severe, ranging from fines to <a href=”https://www.completefrance.com/living-in-france/work-and-retirement/long-stay-working-visas-for-france-8606218/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>visa application</a> denials. Here’s everything you need to know about how ETIAS and EES will affect trips to France and beyond, particularly regarding the 90-day limit and the consequences of overstaying.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System also known as ETIAS is not a visa, it is a travel authorisation designed for visa exempt visitors from countries like the UK, the US and Canada.

From mid-2025 (the date has not yet been confirmed), anyone who plans to travel to France or other Schengen countries for short stays will need to obtain ETIAS approval before entering. Think of it as an additional layer of security, similar to the ESTA system for entering the United States.

ETIAS is primarily an online process, designed to be quick and efficient, where travellers will submit their passport details, answer a few questions regarding security. The cost of ETIAS is €7 and the authorisation is valid for three years, or until your passport expiry, whichever comes first.

What’s crucial to remember here is that ETIAS is not a green light for an unlimited stay in Europe. It permits travellers to stay within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, commonly referred to as the 90/180-day rule. The challenge now is that overstaying this 90-day limit will be much easier to track under the new EES system, and the consequences for breaking this rule can be serious.

The Entry/Exit System or EES is the second piece of the puzzle (due to start November 2024 although this may be delayed) and will be implemented alongside ETIAS. The EES is an automated border control system that will digitally track when non-EU citizens enter and exit the Schengen Area. This system will replace the old method of manually stamping passports at border crossings.

What does this mean for travellers? It means the days of relying on passport stamps to calculate your 90-day limit are over. With EES, your entry and exit dates will be recorded digitally, providing EU authorities with precise information about your time spent in the Schengen Area.

Overstaying by even a day will be flagged immediately, and authorities will be able to track whether you’ve complied with the 90/180-day rule acroSS all member states, not just in the country where you entered or exited.

This level of automation means that individuals who previously slipped under the radar by overstaying in certain countries will now face stricter enforcement if you overstay, there’s nowhere to hide.

Overstaying your 90-day limit in France or any other Schengen country can have significant consequences. Under the new automated system, overstaying will be flagged up and can lead to various penalties, including:

• Fines: Travellers who overstay may face financial penalties that vary depending on the length of the overstay and the country in question.
• Visa denials: One of the more serious consequences is that if authorities find that you overstayed your welcome on a previous trip, they may deny new visa applications, making it more difficult to obtain a long-stay visa or residency permit in the future.
• Entry bans: In extreme cases, overstaying can lead to temporary or even permanent bans from the Schengen Area. You could be barred from returning to France and other EU countries for several years.

Given these risks, it’s essential to keep track of your time spent in Europe and ensure that you don’t accidentally overstay.

With the implementation of ETIAS and EES, the best way to avoid overstaying is to plan your travels carefully. Keep a close eye on your time in the Schengen Area and ensure you don’t exceed the 90-day limit.

If you need to stay in France for longer than 90 days then make sure you apply for the appropriate visa, whether it’s a long-stay visa, a work visa or a student visa.
For those who frequently visit Europe, using tools like travel apps or a simple calendar to track your days in the Schengen Area can help ensure you don’t accidentally breach the 90-day rule.

If you’re struggling to wrap your head around the 90/180-day rule and the new ETIAS and EES systems, think of it this way: the 90-day rule is like a Netflix free trial! You can enjoy everything Europe has to offer for up to 90 days, but after that, you either need to sign up for the full package (a long-stay visa) or stop watching (leave the Schengen Area).

There are no more chances to sneak in an extra episode or an extra day automated systems will track every move. So, whether you’re planning a short trip or considering a longer stay, make sure you’re playing by the rules to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Fabien Pelissier is a relocation expert who can advise on all your visa questions fabexpat.com

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