Planning that dream trip to Europe in mid-2025 or perhaps looking further ahead? Europe remains a top destination, but the landscape of travel regulations is evolving. Staying informed about the latest entry requirements and systems is crucial for a hassle-free journey.
While some anticipated changes have been rescheduled, others are rolling out right now or are just around the corner. Here’s a breakdown of what travelers need to know about the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the EU Blue Card for skilled workers, and the classic Schengen Visa.
1# Major Change Coming Soon: The Entry/Exit System (EES) – Expected October 2025
This is the most significant change affecting border crossings into the Schengen Area in the near future.
- What is EES? The Entry/Exit System is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for short stays each time they cross the external borders 1 of the Schengen Area. It will replace the manual stamping of passports.
- Who does it affect? ALL third-country nationals (those who are not EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) visiting the Schengen Area for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). This includes both travelers who need a Schengen visa AND those who are visa-exempt.
- What’s the process? Upon your first entry into the Schengen Area after EES launches, you will need to register your biometric data – specifically, your fingerprints and a facial image – at the border. This creates a secure digital record linked to your passport, recording your entry and exit times to automatically calculate your permitted stay duration. For subsequent trips within 3 years, the process should be quicker.
- Timeline: The EES is currently expected to become operational in October 2025. Travelers visiting before this date will not encounter the EES process, but those arriving from October 2025 onwards should be prepared.
2# ETIAS Update: Launch Postponed to Late 2026
You may have heard about ETIAS, a new requirement for visa-exempt travelers. The good news for those planning trips soon is that its implementation has been delayed.
- What is ETIAS? The European Travel Information and Authorization System is a pre-travel authorization system, similar to the US ESTA. It is not a visa but an electronic screening for security purposes.
- Who will need it? Once launched, it will be mandatory for nationals from around 60 visa-exempt countries (like the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, etc.) planning short stays in the 30 European countries requiring ETIAS (Schengen Area plus Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus).
- Current Status: The launch of ETIAS is now projected for the last quarter of 2026. Therefore, travelers visiting Europe in mid-2025 will not need an ETIAS authorization.
- Future Process: When active, applications will be made online via an official website or mobile app, likely costing €7 (with exemptions for under-18s/over-70s), and will be valid for up to three years or until the linked passport expires.
3# Travelling to the UK? The ETA System is in Place
Remember, the UK is not part of the EU or the Schengen Area and has its own separate system: the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This system is already being actively rolled out.
- What is ETA? A digital permission to travel to the UK for those who do not need a visa for short stays. It is not a visa itself.
- Who needs it? It’s required for nationals of visa-exempt countries. This already includes travelers from Gulf states, Jordan, and as of April 2, 2025, eligible European nationals. Nationals from countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia also require an ETA now. Always check the official GOV.UK website for the list of required nationalities, as the rollout continues. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
- How to Apply: Applications are made online via the official ‘UK ETA’ app or the GOV.UK website. Do not use third-party sites which may charge significantly more.
- Cost & Validity: The application fee is £16 (as of April 9, 2025). An approved ETA allows multiple entries to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time (or 3 months for Creative Workers) over a two-year period, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications receive a decision within 3 working days, often much faster via the app.
- Transit: Currently, passengers transiting airside (not passing through UK border control) are temporarily exempt. Check with your airline. Those transiting landside (passing border control) need an ETA if required for their nationality.
4# Working in Europe? EU Blue Card Reforms Make it Easier (2025)
For highly skilled non-EU nationals looking to work in Europe, the EU Blue Card program has seen significant updates aimed at attracting global talent.
- What is it? A work and residence permit available in 25 EU countries (Denmark and Ireland do not participate) for highly qualified non-EU citizens.
New 2025 Changes:
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- Lower Salary Thresholds: Requirements have been made more accessible (though specific amounts still vary by country and profession – e.g., Germany’s 2025 threshold is €48,300/year for regular roles, €43,759.80 for shortage occupations/new entrants/IT specialists).
- Shorter Contract Minimum: A job offer or contract of just 6 months may now suffice.
- Experience Over Degree: In certain fields, like IT, proven professional experience (e.g., 3+ years) may substitute for a university degree.
- Enhanced Mobility: Easier to move and work in another participating EU country after holding a Blue Card for just 12 months in the first country.
- Simpler Job Changes: Rules for changing employers within the same country have been relaxed in many member states.
- Eligibility: Generally requires a recognized higher education qualification OR relevant professional experience (in applicable fields), a binding job offer meeting the salary threshold, and valid health insurance.
5# Schengen Visa Process: New Points & EES Integration
For nationals who do require a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area, the fundamental process remains, but be aware of the upcoming EES integration.
- Who needs it? Citizens of countries without a visa-liberalization agreement with the Schengen states.
- EES Impact: From October 2025, Schengen visa holders will also be subject to EES registration (fingerprints and photo) upon first entry.
- Digitalization: The EU is moving towards fully digital visa applications and issuance, potentially by late 2025/2026, but currently, in-person submission of the application and biometrics at a consulate or visa centre is still required.
- Core Requirements: A completed application form, valid passport (valid 3+ months beyond stay, <10 years old, 2+ blank pages), recent passport photos, proof of travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage valid across Schengen), proof of accommodation, flight itinerary/reservation, proof of sufficient funds, and potentially documents related to the purpose of visit (e.g., invitation letter, employment details).
- Where to Apply: At the consulate/embassy of your main destination (where you’ll spend most time) or your first point of entry if spending equal time in multiple countries. Apply well in advance (processing usually takes ~14 days but can be longer).
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