Fingerprints, fees, 90-day nightmare – explained the shakeup of the new EU visa. Credit: Daniel Gilbay Photography – My portfolio, shutterstock.
Tighten yourself – Europe’s The rules may be closed and there may be more deficits on the next holiday in Christmas wrapping.
From rejection of surprise borders to rejection of face scan booths at train stations, there’s something every holiday maker should know before flying into Europe.
if you I booked a flight later this year and suddenly got a mysterious message from the airline or the travel app. you I’m not alone. There are thousands of tourists It’s left Scratch your head (and bite your nails) over the whispers of something new “visa” Rules for entering Europe.
So, do you do that? Really You need a visa to drink wine in Spain take Soak in the Greek infinity pool?
Simple answer: Not that – but you Intention Digital permission slip is required. and the It’s coming sooner than you think.
what When will it change?
let’s It cuts through the bureaucracy. from April 2nd2025Swiss citizens traveling to the EU, EEA and the UK require an electronic travel approval (ETA). The only exception? Ireland. As always, they get a free pass.
For British people heading to the EU, there are two big The change is On the way: Entry/Exit System (EES) and Etias Visa exemption. together, They’ll do that We will reconstruct the way we travel to Europe forever.
EU Entry/Exit System (EES): Your face is your passport
Start date: October 2025 (or they say)
After years of delay, EU New entry/exit system is finally getting green light – And that It means a passport do not It is the only one that is scanned.
All UK travelers You need to Give up their names, passport information, face photos and fingerprints.
this It only happens once, but when you first move to the EU After October 2025prepare for the queue. Especially in cases you Take Eurostar, drive Dover, or fly from Heathrow.
The French believe this could add about 10 minutes per person at the car’s border. That may not sound much until then you Stuck Behind a coach full of tourists all You’re trying to figure out which fingers go where.
St. Pancras, a special kiosk I’m expecting In It will be installed Collect biometric data before passing security. these do not It is run by EuroStar – and so far, there is This is not a solid announcement about registering from home or via App.
Passport Panic: Why expiration dates aren’t important
this My own I’ve already caught a lot of people.
You will find that your passport will expire in 2026, but if it was issued more than 10 years ago it may already be invalid for EU travel.
This is Rules: Passports must be less than You must be 10 years old on the day you enter the EU and have at least 3 month The validity that remained on the day you left.
If your passport is issued August 1st2015, the Considered The expiration date has expired August 1st 2025 – Even if the expired date is not listed. Book your return flight for August 15th In 2025, you may not be going anywhere.
People were driven to boarding gates and refused entry upon arrival. the Not worth the risk – check it out now.
and Please don’t Forget to check your passport status. Torn pages, frayed covers, flood damage – even minor scuffs can lead to rejection. if you Suspiciously, replace it.
90/180 Rules: One Rule to Make them all the timing
Since Brexit, British people can only stay in Schengenzone for up to 90 days in a rolling period of 180 days. that’s right Not 90 days per country – the total.
Pier between Spain, France and Italy? Every day is important. Long weekend, city break, you mother Put it in the Algarve – they all add up.
You know the overstay and the EU. EES checks that. You could face a fine, a ban, or a bad thing. if you MED regulars, start maintaining count. Some people use cocky legal loopholes to dodge Spain’s 90-day rules. More details about this at the end of the article.
Last boarding call: What now?
Good news? These changes it’s not design To ruin your holidays. But they make travel more fafi – especially you The type that makes it into a wing.
Please sort your passport. Beware of Etias updates. Spend extra time at the first EES intersection. and Please don’t get caught Outside Due to these post-Brexit time limits.
The sun, the sea, and the documents may not be a dream combo a bit Preparation, your vacation It’s not necessary It will change to staying at the departure gate.
next:
Cheeky loophole British and Americans use it to dodge Spanish 90-day rules
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