Traveling to Europe is changing. If you are planning a trip to Paris, Rome, or Berlin soon, you need to know about two new systems: EES and ETIAS. At The Urban Magazine, we want to make sure your next adventure is smooth and stress-free.

Here is everything you need to know about the new EU travel rules in simple English.

What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new way for Europe to keep track of visitors. It officially started its phased rollout in October 2025.

In the past, border officers would stamp your passport by hand. Now, that is going away. The EES is a digital system that records your name, your travel dates, and where you enter or leave the "Schengen Area" (the zone of 29 European countries with no border checks between them).

What happens at the border? The first time you enter Europe under these rules, you will need to provide biometric data. This includes:

• A quick facial scan (a digital photo).

• Your fingerprints.

The good news? Once your data is in the system, it stays there for three years. On your next trip, you won’t have to do the full registration again, making your way through the airport much faster.

What is ETIAS? (Coming in 2026)

The second big change is ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). While the EES tracks how you enter, ETIAS is a digital permission you must get before you fly.

Currently, if you are from a "visa-exempt" country like the USA, Canada, or the UK, you can just show up with your passport. Starting in late 2026, you will need to apply for ETIAS online before you leave home.

Key Facts about ETIAS:

• Cost: It will cost €7 (about $8 USD). It is free for children under 18 and seniors over 70.

• Validity: It lasts for three years or until your passport expires.

• Process: Most people will be approved in minutes via email.

Note from The Urban Magazine: ETIAS is not a visa. It is a quick security check, similar to the "ESTA" system used in the United States.

3 Simple Steps to Prepare for Your Trip

To make your travel easy, follow these tips from our experts:

1. Check Your Passport Expiry

European rules are strict. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave Europe. If your passport is about to expire, renew it now. Remember, if you get a new passport, you will eventually need a new ETIAS too.

2. Use the "Travel to Europe" App

The EU has launched an official mobile app. You can use it to "pre-register" some of your information up to 72 hours before you arrive at the border. This can save you a lot of time in the airport queue.

3. Track Your Days (The 90/180 Rule)

You can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The new EES digital system will track this automatically. To avoid fines or being banned from returning, use a "Schengen Calculator" online to make sure you aren't overstaying.

Why the Changes?

The EU is doing this to make travel safer and more organized. By using digital records instead of ink stamps, they can stop identity fraud and easily see who has stayed too long. For you, it means shorter lines in the long run and a more modern travel experience.

Final Thoughts

Don't let the new rules worry you. As long as you have a valid passport and check for the latest updates before you book, navigating the new EU visa rules is easy.