Planning a trip to Europe in 2025? In this article I’m breaking down ETIAS Visa & EES. Explained: Essential things you need to know, because this year marks the biggest shift in travel visa regulations in decades.
From Europe’s new ETIAS requirements and digital border revolution to the new UK ETA system, Schengen Zone expansion, increased tourist taxes, and changes to insurance requirements for international travelers, here’s everything you need to know. Don’t get caught off guard at the airport! everything ETIAS, UK ETA, and more for seamless Europe travel in 2025!
Read More: Europe’s Schengen Visa Changes I ETIAS -What You Need to Know
1. Digital Border System (EES) – No More Passport Stamps
One of the biggest changes in 2025 is the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) across Schengen Zone countries.
What Is EES?
- The EES replaces traditional passport stamps with a biometric tracking system that will automatically record:
- Your entry and exit from the Schengen Area
- Your total time spent in Europe
- Your visa status to prevent overstaying
How Does It Work?
- Instead of border officers stamping passports, biometric facial recognition and fingerprint scans will be used at immigration checkpoints.
- The system automatically tracks overstays, making it nearly impossible to stay beyond the 90-day limit for visa-free travelers.
Who Is Affected?
- All non-EU travelers visiting Schengen countries, including those from the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
💡 Key Tip: Make sure your passport details match your travel documents exactly, as the EES system will flag any inconsistencies.
2. ETIAS: New Travel Authorization for Visa-Exempt Travelers
What Is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new pre-screening system for travelers from visa-exempt countries.
Who Needs ETIAS?
- Citizens from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, UK, and Australia.
How to Apply for ETIAS
- Apply online at the official ETIAS website: etias.com
- Provide passport details, personal information, and travel plans.
- Pay a €7 fee (free for travelers under 18 and over 70).
- Get approval within minutes (though delays can occur, so apply at least 96 hours before travel).
- Once approved, ETIAS is valid for 3 years (or until your passport expires).
When Does ETIAS Start?
- Mid-2025: Soft launch with a 6-month grace period.
- 2026: Full enforcement begins – ETIAS will be mandatory for entry into the Schengen Area.
💡 Key Tip: Apply for ETIAS well in advance to avoid travel delays, as system hiccups are expected in the first few months.
3. UK’s New ETA System for Non-EU Travelers
What Is the UK ETA?
Since leaving the EU, the UK has introduced its own Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, similar to ETIAS.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
- Travelers from visa-exempt countries, including USA, Canada, Australia, and EU nations.
- Exceptions: British and Irish passport holders do not need an ETA.
How to Apply for a UK ETA
- Apply via the UK ETA app or online portal.
- Submit passport details and background information.
- Pay a £10 fee.
- Receive approval (usually same day, but may take up to 3 business days).
- The UK ETA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries for up to 6 months per visit.
When Does It Start?
- January 2025 – UK ETA is mandatory for travelers from visa-exempt countries.
- April 2025 – EU citizens will also require a UK ETA to enter the country.
💡 Key Tip: Since the ETA is digitally linked to your passport, make sure you apply with the passport you will travel with.
4. Bulgaria and Romania Join the Schengen Area
In January 2025, Bulgaria and Romania will officially join the Schengen Zone, making travel within these countries easier.
What Changes?
- No more border checks between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen countries.
- Faster travel by car, train, and air within Europe.
- Tourism boost with more direct flights and train routes.
💡 Key Tip: If you’re traveling through Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria, your journey will now be border-free, just like traveling from France to Germany.
5. Mandatory Travel Insurance for Non-EU Travelers
Starting in 2025, many European countries will require proof of travel health insurance for visitors from non-EU countries (including Americans).
What’s Required?
- Minimum €30,000 in medical coverage.
- Coverage for emergency medical treatment and repatriation.
- Must be valid for the entire duration of your trip.
Which Countries Will Enforce This?
- France, Spain, Italy, and more EU nations are expected to follow.
💡 Key Tip: Check your existing insurance before traveling or purchase a policy that meets these requirements to avoid entry issues.
6. Tourist Taxes Are Increasing
Several European destinations are introducing higher tourist taxes to manage over-tourism and fund infrastructure.
New & Increased Tourist Taxes
- Venice, Italy – A new dynamic day-tripper tax up to €10 starting April 2025.
- Greece – The Climate Crisis Resilience Fee increases up to €8 per night in peak season.
- Madeira, Portugal – A new €3 per person hiking trail fee for scenic locations.
💡 Key Tip: Check local city websites for up-to-date tourist tax information before booking accommodation.
7. Stricter Carry-On Baggage Rules
European airlines are cracking down on carry-on baggage allowances.
Key Changes
- No universal baggage size rule, but European airlines generally allow smaller carry-ons than U.S. carriers.
- Weight limits now range between 7-10 kg (15-22 lbs).
- Budget airlines are enforcing stricter size checks at boarding gates and charging extra fees if bags exceed limits.
💡 Key Tip: Check your airline’s carry-on rules before flying to avoid surprise fees.
Helpful Links for 2025 Travel
- Apply for ETIAS: etias.com
- Apply for UK ETA: gov.uk/eta
Conclusion
With the EES, ETIAS, UK ETA, and new travel taxes, 2025 brings some of the biggest travel rule changes in decades. By staying informed, you’ll avoid travel disruptions and enjoy a smooth European vacation in 2025 and beyond! 🚀✈️
Key Takeaways
✅ Biometric border controls (EES) replace passport stamps
✅ ETIAS is mandatory for visa-exempt travelers entering Schengen countries
✅ UK ETA required for visa-free visitors (including EU travelers)
✅ Bulgaria & Romania join the Schengen Zone (no more border checks)
✅ Mandatory travel insurance for non-EU travelers
✅ Higher tourist taxes in Italy, Greece, and Portugal
✅ Stricter carry-on baggage rules on European airlines