The European Union is making major changes to its visa and border control systems, which will affect millions of travelers, businesses, and families. These updates include the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), and the expansion of the Schengen Area. While there have been rumors about a new phased multi-entry system for Schengen visas for certain countries, as of July 20, 2025, there is no official confirmation of such a policy for any specific nation. Instead, the focus is on broader changes that will impact all non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area.
This update explains what is changing, who will be affected, when these changes will happen, what actions travelers and businesses need to take, and what these changes mean for anyone with pending or future Schengen visa applications.
Summary of What’s Changing
The EU is rolling out several new systems and rules to modernize border management and improve security. The most important changes include:
- Entry/Exit System (EES): A new digital system that will replace manual passport stamping for non-EU travelers. It will record entries and exits electronically and collect biometric data.
- European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): An online travel authorization for visitors from visa-exempt countries, similar to the United States 🇺🇸 ESTA program.
- Schengen Area Expansion: Romania and Bulgaria will join the Schengen Area for air and sea travel, removing internal border checks for these types of travel.
- No New Phased Multi-Entry Schengen Visa System: Despite some reports, there is no official announcement of a new phased multi-entry system for Schengen visas for any specific country as of this date.
Let’s break down each of these changes in detail.
Entry/Exit System (EES): What Is It and When Does It Start?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border control system for the Schengen Area. It is expected to start operating in October 2025 and will be introduced gradually over six months.
How EES Works:
– When non-EU travelers arrive at a Schengen border, their passport details will be scanned and stored electronically.
– The system will also collect biometric data, such as fingerprints and a facial image.
– EES will automatically record the date and place of entry and exit for each traveler.
– This replaces the old method of stamping passports by hand.
Why EES Is Important:
– Better Security: By tracking entries and exits electronically, the EU can spot people who overstay their visas more easily.
– Faster Border Checks: Once travelers are used to the system, border crossings should become quicker and more efficient.
– Accurate Records: The system reduces errors and makes it easier for authorities to check travel histories.
Who Is Affected by EES?
– All non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area, whether they need a Schengen visa or not.
– Visa-exempt travelers (for example, citizens of the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia, and Japan) will also be included.
– Travelers with Schengen visas will have their visa details linked to their EES record.
What Should Travelers Do?
– Be ready to provide fingerprints and have your photo taken at the border.
– Make sure your passport is valid and in good condition.
– Allow extra time for border checks, especially during the first months of EES operation.
Implications for Pending Schengen Visa Applications:
– The EES does not change the Schengen visa application process itself.
– However, once EES is live, travelers with new or existing Schengen visas will have their movements tracked electronically.
– Overstaying a visa will be much easier for authorities to detect, so it is important to follow visa rules closely.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): What Is It and When Does It Start?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new requirement for travelers from over 60 countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area. ETIAS is expected to start six months after EES becomes operational, which means it will likely begin in the last quarter of 2026.
How ETIAS Works:
– Travelers from visa-exempt countries must apply online for travel authorization before coming to the Schengen Area.
– The application process is simple and takes only a few minutes.
– Applicants pay a small fee of €7.
– ETIAS authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Who Needs ETIAS?
– Citizens of countries that do not need a Schengen visa, such as the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others.
– Children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from the fee but still need to apply.
What Should Travelers Do?
– Check if your country is on the ETIAS-required list.
– Apply for ETIAS online before your trip. You can find the official application portal and more information on the European Commission’s ETIAS page.
– Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
– Print or save a copy of your ETIAS approval to show at the border if asked.
Implications for Pending and Future Travel:
– If you are planning to travel to the Schengen Area after ETIAS starts, you must have an approved ETIAS before boarding your flight or crossing a land border.
– ETIAS is not a visa, but it is a mandatory pre-travel authorization.
– Travelers who already hold a valid Schengen visa do not need ETIAS.
Schengen Area Expansion: Romania and Bulgaria
Starting January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria will become full Schengen Member States for air and sea travel. This means:
- No more border checks for flights and sea travel between these countries and other Schengen states.
- Land border checks will remain in place for now, but may be removed in the future.
Who Is Affected?
– Travelers flying or taking ferries between Romania, Bulgaria, and other Schengen countries will enjoy smoother, faster journeys.
– Businesses involved in shipping and logistics will benefit from less paperwork and fewer delays.
What Should Travelers Do?
– If you are traveling by air or sea between Romania, Bulgaria, and other Schengen countries after January 1, 2025, you will not need to go through border checks.
– Make sure you still meet all entry requirements for the Schengen Area, including having a valid Schengen visa or ETIAS authorization if needed.
No New Phased Multi-Entry Schengen Visa System
There have been reports about a new phased multi-entry system for Schengen visas, where travelers who follow visa rules would be given longer multiple-entry visas over time. As of July 20, 2025, there is no official confirmation of such a policy for any specific country. The current Schengen visa rules remain in place:
- Single-entry visas allow one entry into the Schengen Area.
- Multiple-entry visas allow several entries within the visa’s validity period, but travelers must still respect the 90 days in any 180-day rule.
- The decision to grant a multi-entry visa depends on the applicant’s travel history, reason for travel, and other factors.
If the EU announces a new phased multi-entry system in the future, updates will be provided on official EU immigration websites and through trusted sources like VisaVerge.com.
Practical Implications for Travelers and Businesses
The introduction of the EES and ETIAS, along with the expansion of the Schengen Area, will have several practical effects:
For Travelers:
– Be prepared for new digital systems at the border. You may need to provide fingerprints and a photo.
– Apply for ETIAS if you are from a visa-exempt country and plan to travel after the system starts.
– Check your travel documents to make sure they are valid and meet all requirements.
– Expect possible delays during the first months of EES and ETIAS as border officers and travelers adjust to the new systems.
For Businesses:
– Update travel policies to include ETIAS requirements for employees traveling to the Schengen Area.
– Plan for possible delays at borders, especially during the transition period.
– Stay informed about changes to visa and entry rules to avoid disruptions to business travel.
For People With Pending Schengen Visa Applications:
– The EES will not change the application process, but it will make it easier for authorities to track entries and exits.
– Make sure to follow all visa rules, including not overstaying, as violations will be recorded electronically.
– If you are applying for a multi-entry Schengen visa, provide clear evidence of your travel history and reasons for needing multiple entries.
What Actions Should You Take Now?
- Travelers: Check your passport’s expiration date and renew it if needed. If you are from a visa-exempt country, watch for updates on the ETIAS start date and be ready to apply online before your trip. If you need a Schengen visa, apply as early as possible and provide all required documents.
- Businesses: Inform your staff about the new requirements and update your travel planning systems. Make sure all travelers know about EES and ETIAS and what they need to do.
- Families and Students: If you are planning family visits or study trips to the Schengen Area, check if you need a visa or ETIAS and apply in advance.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always use official EU resources. The European Commission’s Migration and Home Affairs website provides detailed guides on Schengen visas, EES, ETIAS, and border policies.
If you need to apply for a Schengen visa, use the official Schengen visa application form and follow the instructions from the consulate or embassy of the country you plan to visit first.
For ETIAS, the official application portal will be available on the European Commission’s ETIAS page once the system is live.
Analysis and Outlook
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes show the EU’s commitment to making travel safer and more efficient. The EES and ETIAS will help authorities spot overstays and security risks while making it easier for most travelers to enter the Schengen Area. The expansion of the Schengen Area to include Romania and Bulgaria for air and sea travel is another step toward greater freedom of movement within Europe.
However, travelers and businesses should be ready for some confusion and delays during the first months of these new systems. It is important to stay informed, follow official instructions, and allow extra time for travel.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- EES starts in October 2025: All non-EU travelers will be recorded electronically at the border.
- ETIAS starts in late 2026: Visa-exempt travelers must apply online before visiting the Schengen Area.
- Romania and Bulgaria join Schengen for air and sea travel in January 2025: No more border checks for these routes.
- No new phased multi-entry Schengen visa system has been announced for any specific country as of July 20, 2025.
- Travelers and businesses should prepare now by checking documents, learning about new systems, and planning for possible delays.
By understanding these changes and taking the right steps, travelers can enjoy smoother journeys and avoid problems at the border. For more information, always check official EU websites and trusted sources before you travel.
Learn Today
Entry/Exit System (EES)
→ A digital border control system recording entries/exits and biometric data of non-EU travelers in the Schengen Area.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) → An online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt countries to enter the Schengen Area, similar to the US ESTA.
Schengen Area → A group of European countries allowing passport-free travel across internal borders for easier movement.
Multi-entry visa → A visa permitting multiple entries to the Schengen Area within its validity period, respecting stay limits.
Visa-exempt countries → Countries whose citizens do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area but may need ETIAS authorization.
This Article in a Nutshell
The EU updates border control with digital EES and ETIAS systems, improving security and traveler efficiency. Romania and Bulgaria join Schengen, enhancing free movement. No phased multi-entry Schengen visa system exists yet. These changes will impact millions of travelers and businesses starting in 2025 and 2026.
— By VisaVerge.com
