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June 7, 2025Ch-Ch-Ch Changes
EES, ETA, ETIAS – New Travel Requirements for Travel to Europe
Before your next trip to Europe, you need to be aware of these changes and how it will affect your travels.
Entry Exit System (EES) – 25 EU Nations plus Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein
Commencing on October 12, 2025, 25 of the EU nations together with Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein are now requiring Entry Exit System (EES) for improved security and to track how many days you are in the EES countries. The EES rollout is planned to be active at border crossing points in all 29 participating countries by April 10, 2026. 
Travelers from outside these nations will be required to provide biometric data (facial image and finger print) as well as registering their passport. You may also be quizzed on your trip itinerary including proof of accommodations, sufficient funds for the trip (no idea how they determine that) and if you have a return ticket (although not mandatory). This information will be gathered most likely upon arrival at the airport or border crossing before proceeding to immigration. If you refuse, you will be denied entry.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – United Kingdom
For many, traveling to the United Kingdom, as of April 2, 2025, permission to enter the UK is required via an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). As of September 2025, it costs £16 to apply through the UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website; BEWARE of other sites charging more.
We recently applied for ETA by downloading the UK ETA app from the Apple Store. The process was quick and simple … well, maybe not as quick as it could have been as we are woefully inept at taking a selfie. We had to retake the facial scan at least a dozen times! Despite that, our applications were approved in less than a minute.
To apply you will need your passport, an email address and a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You will need to upload a photo of your passport in addition to taking a photo. Similar to requirements for a passport photo, the picture needs to be taken against a white background, nothing on your head or face (hat, glasses, scarf, etc.), and don’t smile. You are not allowed to proceed with the application until an acceptable photo is taken. I received numerous denials because my eyes were closed, I was smiling, or my face was not in the center of the photo.
ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. UNLESS you renew your passport early (which you definitely should) then you will have to reapply because there will be a different passport number.
And coming in late-2026 …. European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) – Schengen Area Countries
Beginning in the last quarter of 2026, visa-exempt travelers will need to apply for European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to travel to “… countries that are in the Schengen Area, those where Schengen visa policy applies de facto, and nations in the process of joining Schengen.” What are the Schengen countries? As of September 2025, there are 30 European countries that require visa-exempt travelers to have ETIAS:
Who needs an ETIAS Authorization?
U.S. citizens need to apply before traveling to Europe. ETIAS will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. UNLESS you renew your passport early then you will have to reapply because there will be a different passport number.
Speaking of passports, per the EU website:
“Your travel document should not expire in less than three months and it should not be older than 10 years…. A travel document which does not comply with international standards may be rejected during the application process. It may also pose problems when a carrier verifies your travel authorisation prior to boarding…”
“When filling out the application, you will be asked to provide the following information:
“Personal information including your name(s), surname, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address and phone number;
“Travel document details;
“Details about your level of education and current occupation;
“Details about your intended travel and stay in any of the countries requiring ETIAS;
“Details about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been subject of a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country. “
Also from the EU website, there will be a 20 Euro fee to apply (as of September 2025). Applicants under 18 and over 70 are exempt from payment.
YOWSA! There are lots of rules and something may change by the time this rolls out in late 2026. Check the websites BEFORE you leave on vacation!
Attitude Is Everything! Enjoy the Journey!
