A long-running uncertainty over Europe's next border systems narrowed in mid-2025 when the EU set a firm EES start date and confirmed a higher ETIAS fee. For UK travellers, the change meant more clarity on timing, but not a simpler border process.
Cruise guests are among the travellers most confused by the EU's new border system. The key point is simple: most sailings that begin and end outside Schengen are generally exempt, but there are important exceptions to understand before departure.
The EU's ETIAS system has been pushed back again and is now expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026. For visa-exempt travellers, that means more time before the new pre-travel authorisation becomes part of entering the Schengen Area.
The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) has sparked widespread confusion among travellers. From insurance requirements to visa myths and data privacy concerns — here is what you really need to know before crossing EU borders.
Travel in Europe is changing in 2026. From digital border checks and new entry permits to rising tourist taxes and stricter rules on visitor behavior, travelers should prepare for a more regulated and more expensive experience across the continent.
The European Union has delayed the long-awaited ETIAS travel authorisation system once again, pushing its expected launch to the final quarter of 2026.