Travel to Europe: Policy Changes & Updates
New Authorization Requirements
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
- Launch Date: Late 2026 (previously delayed from 2022, 2024, and 2025)
- Who Needs It: Americans, Canadians, UK nationals, and other visa-exempt travelers
- Cost: €20 per person (ages 18-70) — nearly tripled from the original €7 fee
- Validity: 3 years, allows multiple trips
- Coverage: Schengen zone countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.)
- Process: Online application with basic questions about travel plans and background
UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Status: Active since November 2023
- Who Needs It: Americans and other non-UK citizens
- Cost: £16 (increased from £10 in April 2025)
- Validity: 2 years, allows multiple trips
- Coverage: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- Exemption: Not required if staying airside during airport connections
Combined Cost: Approximately $40 per person for both authorizations
Border Control Changes
EES (Entry/Exit System)
- Launch Date: October 12, 2025
- What's New: Biometric checks replace passport stamps
- Requirements: Fingerprints and facial scans at every EU border crossing
- Who's Affected: All non-EU citizens, including US passport holders
- Rollout: Phased implementation over 6 months across member nations
- Expected Impact: Longer immigration lines during initial transition period
Baggage Policy Updates
Positive Changes
- EU Proposal: End extra fees for cabin bags under 7kg and 100cm
- Affected Airlines: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air
- Current Fees: €20-€50 for carry-on bags
- Status: Pending full approval by EU member states
- Potential Savings: Significant for budget travelers
Airline Pushback
- Ryanair's Response: Increased staff bonuses for catching oversized bags (€1.50 to €2.50 per bag, no monthly cap)
- Consequence: More aggressive enforcement of size limits
- Oversized Bag Fees: €60+ per bag
- Recommendation: Carefully check airline size requirements before traveling
Ryanair-Specific Changes
Paper Boarding Pass Elimination
- Effective: November 2025
- Requirement: Must use Ryanair app and smartphone to board
- Backup Plan: Free paper boarding pass reissue at airport if phone dies/lost (must have checked in online beforehand)
Liquid Rules at Airports
New Technology Airports
- Locations: Birmingham, Edinburgh, Milan, Rome, Berlin, Amsterdam
- New Rule: Liquids up to 2 liters allowed in cabin bags
- Technology: Advanced CT scanners
- Benefits: Can bring full-size bottles (shampoo, water, etc.)
Traditional Rules Still Apply
- US Airports: Still enforce 100ml liquid limits
- Most European Airports: Still use old 3-1-1 restrictions
- Recommendation: Check specific airport rules before packing
US Connection Improvements
TSA Pilot Program
- Launch: July 2025
- Benefit: Skip TSA re-screening for select connecting flights
- Eligible Routes:
- London Heathrow → Dallas-Fort Worth (American Airlines)
- London Heathrow → Atlanta (Delta)
- Time Saved: 30-60 minutes
- Future: May expand to other airports and airlines if successful
Overtourism Restrictions
City-Specific Measures
- Venice: €5 daytripper fee on peak days
- Barcelona: Phasing out thousands of short-term rentals
- Amsterdam: Raised tourist taxes to among highest in Europe
Potential Disruptions
Labor Disputes
- France Air Traffic Control: Strikes filed for September 2025 affecting thousands of flights
- Trend: Increasing labor disputes across European airlines and airports (similar to Canada and US)
Staying Informed
- Check official government websites of destination countries
- Monitor US State Department travel advisories
- Stay updated on developing situations
Key Takeaways
- Budget approximately $40 per person for travel authorizations (ETIAS + UK ETA)
- Expect longer immigration lines starting October 2025 due to biometric scanning
- Verify luggage size requirements carefully with your specific airline
- Check liquid rules for each airport you'll pass through
- Monitor strike schedules and travel advisories before departure