Phone Icon white CALL NOW (630) 837-7295 Christine & Gary Pappin
Bars Icon
Christine & Gary Pappin
(630) 837-7295
Streamwood, IL
Associate's Avatar
GET IN TOUCH

Requirements To Travel To Europe Changing

March 26, 2025 by Christine Pappin |
Last updated on October 24, 2025
Travel to Europe

Overview

There are two new requirements for travel to Europe. The Entry/Exit System (EES) and the ETIAS. These programs were scheduled to launch in late 2024 or early 2025, but they have been pushed back. Here is the latest update (October 12, 2025):

ETIAS is currently not in operation and will not start in the first half of 2025.
ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026.
No action is required from travelers at this point.
The European Union will inform about the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.
Entry/Exit System is currently in gradual operation. 
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) started to be operational on 12 October 2025. European countries using the EES are introducing the system gradually at their external borders. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026. For more information – see What does progressive start of the EES mean?
Travel to Europe Mobile App

Travel to Europe Mobile app

The Travel to Europe mobile application is designed for non-EU travellers who are subject to EES registration. It allows people to pre-register their passport data and facial image before reaching a border crossing point where the EES is in use. Through the app travellers can also fill in the entry conditions questionnaire in advance.

Non-EU nationals can use the app to pre-register their data within 72 hours prior to entering or leaving a European country using the app.

The app does not replace border checks but makes border crossing smoother and faster and more efficient.

 
 

The Difference Between The Two Programs

Both systems aim to strengthen European security and security of those who travel.

  1. The EES will register visa-free and visa-required travelers entering Europe for a short stay. No action will be required from travelers before they start their trip, as registration will be done at the external border of any of the 29 European countries using the system. Registration on the EES will be done every time travelers cross external borders and will replace the manual stamping of passports.
  2. ETIAS is a new entry requirement for travelers who do not need a visa to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. With ETIAS, visa-free travelers will need to apply for a travel authorization before starting their trip. ETIAS is not a visa, and its introduction does not modify the visa-free status of travelers. 

 Resources