EU ENTRY REQUREMENTS

The European Union has introduced  a new entry system for travelers that went into effect Oct 12, 2025, designed to enhance the visitor experience and improve safety and security within the bloc. The new Entry/Exit System (ESS) uses a biometrics system, relying on fingerprints and digital photos for identification. This biometric system will replace passport stamps and applies to non-EU travelers visiting the 29 participating European countries for short stays defined as up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The next phase is for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to be rolled out. This will require travelers from the US, and more than 60 other visa-exempt countries, to link travel authorization to their passport to enter 30 European countries for short-term stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This authorization will be valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport expires, whichever occurs first. Since the authorization is attached to that passport, if it expires or anything happens that requires you get a new passport, you will need to get a new authorization attached to the new passport.

 

Currently, the start date for the ETIAS is slated for the last quarter of 2026. The most current information can be found at the official website https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en