New European Travel Rules: 2025-2026 Guide
Overview
Major changes are coming to European travel starting October 12, 2025, affecting border checks, entry requirements, and airport procedures. These changes will impact travelers from the US, Canada, UK, and other non-EU countries.
1. Entry/Exit System (EES)
Effective Date: October 12, 2025
What's Changing
- Traditional passport stamps are being eliminated
- Replaced with biometric system: fingerprint scans and facial recognition
- All entries and exits logged in central EU database
- Applies to travelers entering/exiting the Schengen Zone
Key Rules
- 90 days in any 180-day period (strictly enforced)
- System tracks every single day with precision
- Overstaying by even one day triggers immediate flags
- Burden of proof: Keep all boarding passes, train tickets, and ferry receipts as backup
Practical Tips
- Arrive at airports earlier than normal, especially at busy hubs (Schiphol, Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt)
- For UK travelers: EES registration happens before leaving Britain (Dover, Euro Tunnel, Eurostar)
- Moisturize or warm hands before scanning to improve fingerprint detection
- Use self-service biometric kiosks when available (often faster)
- Expect potential delays: machines may freeze, kiosks may stall, older passengers may struggle
2. European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
Effective Date: Late 2026
What It Is
- Digital travel permit required before boarding flights to Europe
- Similar to US ESTA system
- Pre-clearance form submitted online
Who Needs It
- Americans, Canadians, British citizens
- Approximately 60 visa-free nationalities
- Ages 18-70 must pay fee
Key Details
- Cost: €20 (originally proposed at €7)
- Validity: 3 years, multiple trips allowed
- Still subject to: 90 days in 180 rule
- Not required for: EU passport holders or valid residency card holders
Application Tips
- Apply weeks before travel, not days
- Simple online form with basic personal details and passport number
- No visa interview required
- Early glitches expected at launch—don't wait until last minute
3. UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Effective Date: Already live (expanded April 2025)
Who Needs It
- Already applies to: Americans, Canadians, Australians
- Starting April 2025: Most European travelers
- Exception: British and Irish passport holders
Key Details
- Cost: £16 (increased from £10)
- Validity: 2 years, multiple entries
- Stay duration: Up to 6 months per visit
- Processing time: Usually 24 hours, can take up to 3 business days
Important Notes
- Tied directly to passport
- Checked automatically by airlines before boarding
- Cannot board without approved ETA
- No exceptions—cannot "talk your way around it"
Application Tips
- Don't wait until last minute
- When using mobile app to scan passport chip, remove phone case (improves NFC reader performance)
4. Carry-On Baggage Rules
Proposed EU Rule (Not Yet Enforced)
- One small cabin bag free across all airlines
- Up to 7 kilos, within 100 cm total
- Plus one personal item
- Status: Still just a proposal—not legally binding yet
Current Reality
- Airlines continue enforcing their own strict policies
- Gate checks are common, especially with budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air, Frontier)
- Oversized bag fees often cost more than the ticket itself
Practical Tips
- Always double-check your specific airline's rules
- Carry a tape measure to verify bag dimensions
- Know your bag's exact size
- Consider bags small enough to fit under the seat
- Airlines may reward staff for catching oversized bags
5. Ryanair: No More Paper Boarding Passes
Effective Date: November 12, 2025
What's Changing
- Complete elimination of paper boarding passes
- No printouts at home
- No counter pickup slips
- Smartphone with Ryanair app required
Concerns
- Older passengers may struggle with technology
- Phone battery death = boarding stress
- Some travelers refuse smartphone-only travel
Preparation Tips
- Download the app in advance
- Keep portable charger handy
- Check if airport can reprint passes at check-in
6. Liquid Restrictions: New CT Scanner Rules
Where Relaxed Rules Apply
- Airports with new CT scanners: Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam, Milan, Edinburgh
- New limit: Up to 2 liters in cabin bags
- No more 100ml restriction at these locations
Important Caveats
- Not uniform: Rollout varies by terminal
- Some fast lanes keep old 100ml rule
- US connections: TSA still enforces 3-1-1 rule (100ml maximum)
Safest Approach
- Check rules for every airport on your itinerary
- If even one leg uses old system, pack to old limits
- Don't risk losing expensive items at security
7. Tourist Taxes
Venice
- Day visitor entry fee: €5-€10 (higher on peak days)
- First city in world to charge day visitors
- Funds go toward managing over-tourism and infrastructure
Greece
- Climate Crisis Resilience Fee: €0.50-€15 per night
- Varies by season and hotel star rating
- Added to hotel bill nightly
- Lower for budget accommodations, higher for luxury resorts in peak season
Madeira
- Trail access fee: €3 per hiking trail
- Stay tax: €2 per night
- 30 trails = €90 in fees alone
Planning Tip
- Build these fees into budget from the start
- Funds help preserve destinations and maintain infrastructure
8. One-Stop Security (US Trial Program)
How It Works
- Full security screening completed in Europe
- Skip second security screening upon landing in US
- No shoes off, no laptops out at US airport
- Checked luggage automatically transferred (no customs reclaim)
Current Status
- Limited trial: Only certain routes and airlines
- Participating airlines: British Airways, American Airlines, Delta
- Primary hub: Heathrow
- Can save up to 2 hours on connection time
Future Outlook
- More European airports may join in 2026 if successful
- Currently a "lucky bonus," not a guarantee
Summary: Key Takeaways
What's Required:
- EES biometric registration (October 2025)
- ETIAS permit (late 2026)
- UK ETA if visiting Britain (now)
- Smartphone for Ryanair (November 2025)
What Costs Money:
- ETIAS: €20
- UK ETA: £16
- Various tourist taxes: €0.50-€15+ per night depending on destination
What Makes Travel Easier:
- Relaxed liquid rules at some airports
- Potential one-stop security on select routes
What to Remember:
- Arrive earlier at airports
- Apply for permits weeks in advance
- Keep all travel receipts as proof
- Double-check airline-specific rules
- Budget for tourist taxes upfront
Bottom Line
European travel in 2025-2026 requires more preparation, but it's not impossible. The key is planning ahead, understanding the new requirements, and giving yourself extra time. Europe is still welcoming travelers—just with more forms and digital requirements than before.