With the clock ticking toward the phased introduction of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) in April 2026 and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) later the same year, Irish employers are beginning to map out how the twin systems will affect staff mobility. A consumer explainer published this morning highlights key operational differences: EES will record biometric data (fingerprints and a facial scan) of non-EU nationals each time they cross a Schengen external border, while ETIAS will operate as a pre-travel authorisation—effectively a €20 visa-waiver valid for three years.
Although Ireland is outside the Schengen Area, the changes matter for two large cohorts. First, the many non-EU assignees who live and work in Ireland but travel frequently into Schengen for meetings will need both an ETIAS authorisation and an initial EES biometric enrolment. Second, British and other visa-exempt employees based in Irish offices will face the same requirements when entering continental Europe after launch.
For employers seeking hands-on assistance with the new systems, VisaHQ’s Ireland office can streamline the entire process—handling bulk ETIAS applications, tracking approvals, and scheduling EES biometric appointments for frequent travellers. Learn more about tailored corporate solutions at https://www.visahq.com/ireland/
![EU Entry/Exit System and ETIAS: what Irish-based travellers need to know before 2026 roll-out]()
For mobility managers, the biggest operational shift will be timing. ETIAS applications must be submitted online before travel, with EU authorities advising applicants to allow up to 96 hours for approval in edge-case security checks. High-volume travel programmes will therefore need new workflows to ensure authorisations are in place before tickets are issued. Carriers will be legally obliged to deny boarding to passengers lacking valid ETIAS clearance once enforcement begins.
Meanwhile, the fee increase from the originally planned €7 to €20—confirmed by the European Commission last July—has budget implications for companies that operate shuttle-style travel to client sites in the EU. Finance teams may wish to reimburse staff or cover the cost centrally to avoid resistance.
Action points: build ETIAS status checks into TMC approval systems by Q4 2025; inform UK passport-holding staff that ETIAS applies even though they can still travel visa-free today; schedule awareness sessions on biometric registration for frequent travellers well ahead of the April 2026 EES ‘go-live’.
Although Ireland is outside the Schengen Area, the changes matter for two large cohorts. First, the many non-EU assignees who live and work in Ireland but travel frequently into Schengen for meetings will need both an ETIAS authorisation and an initial EES biometric enrolment. Second, British and other visa-exempt employees based in Irish offices will face the same requirements when entering continental Europe after launch.
For employers seeking hands-on assistance with the new systems, VisaHQ’s Ireland office can streamline the entire process—handling bulk ETIAS applications, tracking approvals, and scheduling EES biometric appointments for frequent travellers. Learn more about tailored corporate solutions at https://www.visahq.com/ireland/
For mobility managers, the biggest operational shift will be timing. ETIAS applications must be submitted online before travel, with EU authorities advising applicants to allow up to 96 hours for approval in edge-case security checks. High-volume travel programmes will therefore need new workflows to ensure authorisations are in place before tickets are issued. Carriers will be legally obliged to deny boarding to passengers lacking valid ETIAS clearance once enforcement begins.
Meanwhile, the fee increase from the originally planned €7 to €20—confirmed by the European Commission last July—has budget implications for companies that operate shuttle-style travel to client sites in the EU. Finance teams may wish to reimburse staff or cover the cost centrally to avoid resistance.
Action points: build ETIAS status checks into TMC approval systems by Q4 2025; inform UK passport-holding staff that ETIAS applies even though they can still travel visa-free today; schedule awareness sessions on biometric registration for frequent travellers well ahead of the April 2026 EES ‘go-live’.
