Travel Tips & Trends:
New EU Requirements

If you’re heading to any of the European Union (EU) / Schengen Area countries, here are the key points to keep in mind:

If you’re heading to any of the European Union (EU) / Schengen Area countries, here are the key points to keep in mind:

You will need a valid passport (typically issued in the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen/Schengen-area).
For many nationals of visa-exempt countries, you can enter for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or engage in work or study, you’ll need the appropriate visa or residence permit.
Important upcoming change – biometric entry/exit system: Beginning 12 October 2025, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start roll-out. Under this system, non-EU travellers (including UK nationals) will be required to register biometric data—fingerprints and a facial image—when entering (or leaving) the Schengen external border.
The EES will eventually replace the traditional passport stamp with an electronic record of entries, exits and refusals.
The new European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) (a travel pre-authorisation scheme) will follow once the EES is fully operational — currently scheduled for late 2026.
What this means for you: On your first entry under the new system you may be asked for fingerprints and a facial scan; subsequent crossings from the same document may require only a facial scan. Allow extra time at border control.

For travel into the United Kingdom:

Visitors from many countries who do not need a full visa for short stays may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or equivalent.
Typically you must apply online ahead of departure, provide passport details, upload or provide a valid photo, and pay a fee.
As with the EU rules, the ETA/authorisation approval does not guarantee entry — final decision rests with UK border officials.
Make sure you travel on the same passport you used for your ETA application.
Although the primary biometric change (fingerprints/facial recognition) isn’t flagged as a new UK-arrival requirement in the same way as the EES for the EU, the UK is moving increasingly toward digital/biometric immigration systems (e.g., eVisa, digital records).

If you’re planning a trip that covers both the UK and the EU/Schengen countries, you’ll need to check both sets of rules — they differ.
The biometric EES change for the EU kicks in October 2025 — don’t wait until the last minute to factor it into your travel plans: e.g., slightly longer border-processing time, ensure passport is eligible, etc.
For the UK, if your nationality or travel category triggers the ETA requirement, apply before booking transport to avoid surprise delays or denied boarding.
Always check the official government or embassy websites just before you travel — because entry rules and authorisation/biometric schemes may change.