The EU's New Travel Rules: What to Expect
Published 10th Sep. 2025
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From the 12th October 2025, the EU is introducing a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU travellers visiting Europe for short stays. This applies whether you need a visa or can already visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180 days.
So, what does it mean for you?
(Don't worry, it's nothing to lose sleep over)
- At passport control, your facial image will be taken and – the first time – your fingerprints scanned.
- Your information will be stored digitally and used for future trips to the EU.
- There’s no need to do anything in advance (unlike, for example, with an ESTA to the USA).
- Some airports will have self-service kiosks or mobile apps (for biometric passports) to speed things up.
- The rollout will take about six months, so not every passport control will initiate the new system right away.
In short, you might notice an extra step on arrival, but it won’t affect your travel plans too much. Just allow a little extra time and you’ll be on your way in arguably the greatest continent on the planet.
Now for the fun part...
Image by Mati Kose/Wirestock/AdobeStock.
Image by Pia Riverola.
Image by Andrane de Barry.
Written by Evie Buller | Header image by Pia Riverola.
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