EU Travel Changes: What UK & US Citizens Need for 2025 & 2026 (EES & ETIAS).
Last Updated: July 5, 2025
For UK, US, and other visa-exempt non-EU nationals planning trips to Europe, significant changes are on the horizon. While the existing 90/180-day rule for visa-free stays in the Schengen Area remains, two new digital systems are being phased in: the Entry/Exit System (EES), set for a phased rollout starting October 2025, and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026.
It's crucial to understand that ETIAS is a travel authorization, not a traditional visa, and will become mandatory for entry for eligible travelers. This article breaks down these new requirements, their timelines, and what they mean for your future European travels.
Europe's 90/180-Day Rule: How Long Can You Stay Visa-Free in the Schengen Area?
The Entry/Exit System (EES): Launching October 2025
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated IT system designed to modernize and strengthen external border management across the Schengen Area. Expected to begin its phased rollout in October 2025, the EES will apply to all non-EU citizens (including those from the UK and US) who are traveling for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) in the Schengen Zone.
Key features of the EES:
- Replaces Passport Stamps: Instead of physical stamps in your passport, your entry and exit dates will be digitally recorded.
- Biometric Data Collection: Upon your first entry into the Schengen Area under the EES, you will be required to provide biometric data, including fingerprint scans and a facial image. This data will be securely stored for a period (typically three years or until your passport expires) for subsequent trips.
- Automated Tracking: The system will automatically calculate and track your permitted length of stay, helping to identify overstayers and ensure compliance with the 90/180-day rule.
Travelers should be prepared for potential delays at border crossings during the initial implementation phase of the EES. Allowing extra time at airports, train stations, and other points of entry will be advisable, especially during peak travel periods, as procedures adjust and travelers undergo initial biometric registration.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS): Launching Late 2026
The ETIAS is a new electronic travel authorization that will be required for visa-exempt non-EU nationals, including UK and US citizens, planning short stays in most European countries. While initially anticipated earlier, ETIAS is now projected to launch in the last quarter of 2026.
Important points about ETIAS:
- It is not a Visa: ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization, similar to the ESTA system in the United States or Canada's eTA. It is designed to enhance security by pre-screening travelers before their arrival in Europe.
- Mandatory Requirement: Once operational, eligible travelers will need to apply for and receive an approved ETIAS online before their trip to the Schengen Area.
- Cost and Validity: The ETIAS application will involve a fee, currently set at €7. While travelers under 18 and over 70 will be exempt from the fee, they will still need to complete the application process. An approved ETIAS will typically be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you obtain a new passport, a new ETIAS will be required.
Planning Your 2025 and 2026 Holidays
These upcoming changes represent a significant modernization of EU border control for non-EU travelers. While the introduction of biometric entry systems (EES) and the travel authorization (ETIAS) may require new steps for travelers, they are part of the EU's broader efforts to enhance security and manage traveler flow more effectively.
It will be essential to apply for your ETIAS well in advance of any planned travel once the system launches in late 2026 to avoid last-minute complications. Always ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.
If your travel plans also include frequent or extended stays in the United Kingdom, you may also be interested in our detailed guide on obtaining a 10-Year Standard Visitor Visa for the UK.
