Starting in 2025, traveling to Europe will no longer be the same as before. With the introduction of new migration management systems, the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), the processes for entering and staying in Schengen Area countries will undergo significant changes. These changes promise to impact not only tourists, but also students, workers, and those planning to move to the European continent. In this blog post, we will explore these new rules in detail and how they affect you.
What is the EES and how does it work?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) came into operation in October 2025 and represents a revolution in migration control in the Schengen Area. Previously, travelers' entries and exits were marked with a traditional stamp in their passports. Now, each movement is recorded digitally. Upon their first visit after implementation, travelers undergo mandatory biometric collection, which includes fingerprinting and facial scanning. This change aims to optimize security, reduce fraud, and ensure that the length of stay does not exceed the permitted limits.
The EES system is an attempt to modernize and streamline border monitoring. It ensures that each traveler's entry and exit data is accurate and updated in real time, making it easier to track stays. For Brazilians, the visa waiver for short stays remains in place, but monitoring is now under strict digital scrutiny.
Preparing for ETIAS and its future implications
Although the EES system is already in place, ETIAS is scheduled to become operational in 2026. This system will be a vital addition, creating an additional layer of security and immigration control. With ETIAS, all citizens of countries that currently do not require a visa—including Brazilians—will be required to obtain an online travel authorization before traveling to Europe. The intention is similar to that of the ESTA system applied in the United States.
The process for obtaining ETIAS will be conducted entirely online, requiring a detailed form covering personal information, criminal history, and details about the planned trip. The response to the authorization request is usually quick, but if there are questions or inconsistencies, the process may become more complex and time-consuming. This new requirement highlights the need for advance preparation and understanding of the new requirements.
Impacts on tourism, work, and study
The changes brought about by the EES and ETIAS directly affect tourists, professionals, and students. For tourists, the travel experience may become more fluid and secure, with less practical bureaucracy at borders, but greater rigor in complying with stay deadlines. For workers and students, planning and understanding these systems is essential. Any relocation or business trip project will require extra attention, as inaccuracies in entry and exit records can lead to uncomfortable questions at immigration.
Companies that manage employee mobility will also need to adapt to the changes, ensuring that all travel complies with the new rules, thus avoiding legal or administrative problems.
Conclusion: Prepare for the new rules
By 2025, the way we travel to Europe will have changed substantially, requiring travelers and those involved in their journeys to adapt. With the implementation of the EES and the future introduction of ETIAS, it is crucial that both individuals and companies stay informed and prepared to adapt to these new developments. Plan your trips in advance, ensure that all data and authorizations are correct and valid, and avoid unpleasant surprises at immigration. Share this post with friends and colleagues so that everyone can benefit from this essential information and enjoy their trips to the fullest.
