TICK TOCK! The new rules for visiting Europe are just weeks away, are you ready?

Written By Krystyana Greaves

Just as we all were getting used to the ETA program required to gain entrance to the United Kingdom, here comes the rollout of another border security program that all non EU-nationals, (that means Americans over the age of 12) must comply with, aptly called the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) .

The countries that are rolling out this program are know collectively as the  Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area is comprised of 25 European Union member states (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden) and 4 non-European Union countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland).

 

Here is what is launching on October 12, 2025 and this will be a rolling launch with a completion date of April 2026.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

  • Purpose: To improve border control, manage migration, and enhance security by replacing the manual stamping of passports. 

  • Who it affects: All non-EU nationals who travel to the Schengen Area for short stays (under 90 days). 

  • What it does:

    • Records personal data, including name, passport details, date and place of entry/exit, and biometric data (fingerprints and facial image). 

    • Electronically monitors the length of stay to prevent overstays. 

    • Identifies and prevents those who have overstayed their time limit. 

  • Where it happens: At the external border crossing into the Schengen Area.

  • Implementation: Begins October 12, 2025. 

It is important to note, that even if you have a biometric  passport (which you probably do as all US passports issued since August 2007 are), you ARE STILL REQUIRED to have your fingerprints and photo taken the first time you enter the Schengen area after the launch of the program. 

 

However, the entry will become easier on subsequent trips to the Schengen area for the next 3 years as that information is saved and a quick scan of your passport will allow immigration officials to bring up your recorded information.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns we are happy to help, email Travel@BellaAdventures.com.

 

For the most up-to-date information on the EES rollout, visit the European Union’s Travel to Europe website.

Krystyana Greaves
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