The way we travel across Europe is changing—and for UK citizens and other visa-exempt travellers, the changes are significant. If you’re planning European flights in 2025 or beyond, it’s crucial to understand the new EU border rules, including the Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS travel authorisation.
On 5 March 2025, EU Home Affairs Ministers endorsed a revised timeline for these systems, reshaping how non-EU nationals enter and exit the Schengen Area. For those booking Avios reward flights or planning BA redemptions, knowing what to expect can save time, money, and stress.
What is the entry/exit system (EES)?
The EES is an automated IT system designed to register and track non-EU nationals entering and leaving the Schengen Area for short stays. It will replace manual passport stamping and create a digital log of each traveller’s movements.
Key features of the EES:
- Records your name, travel documents, biometric data (facial image and fingerprints), and dates of entry and exit.
- Applies to non-EU travellers who do not require a visa, including UK, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens.
- Will be in operation across 29 European countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and Germany.
When will EES come into effect?
The EES is scheduled to launch in October 2025, streamlining border processes and helping prevent identity fraud.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is often compared to the US ESTA. It’s not a visa, but rather a visa waiver programme. It requires eligible, visa-exempt travellers to complete an online application before arrival in the EU.
You’ll need ETIAS if:
- You’re a UK citizen or another non-EU national who can travel to Europe visa-free.
- You’re planning to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Your purpose of travel includes tourism, business, medical treatment, family visits, or short-term study.
ETIAS at a glance:
- ETIAS application: Completed online, takes about 10 minutes.
- ETIAS fee: €7 for adults; free for under-18s and over-70s.
- ETIAS validity: Three years (or until your passport expires).
- ETIAS approval time: Typically within minutes, though up to 96 hours may be required.
The ETIAS start date is projected for late 2026. Although this gives you time, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the ETIAS application process now.
ETIAS requirements: What will you need?
To complete your ETIAS application form, you’ll need:
- A valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay).
- An email address and a debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS fee.
- Basic personal and travel details, including intended point of entry into the EU.
Once approved, the ETIAS travel authorisation allows you multiple entries into the EU—ideal for frequent flyers, digital nomads, and anyone booking multiple European flights using Avios.
Who needs to apply for ETIAS?
The ETIAS system affects:
- UK citizens
- US citizens, Australians, Canadians, and New Zealand citizens
- visa-exempt travellers, including many from Latin America and parts of Asia
ETIAS is required for those entering the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries and four non-EU states (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein).
This includes travellers visiting for:
- Tourism
- Business travel
- Family visits
- Medical treatment
- Study purposes
- Transit
And you must apply in advance.
Travelling in Europe with Reward Flight Finder (RFF)
If you're planning BA redemptions or searching for Avios reward flights, it's crucial to factor ETIAS and EES into your plans. The RFF tool helps users track British Airways availability and set alerts for routes across Europe—perfect for those looking to book trips in advance and avoid the rush.
With multiple entries available under ETIAS and long validity periods, you can plan several reward trips without reapplying. Just make sure your ETIAS approval time aligns with your travel dates.
How will the new EU Border rules work in practice?
Once EES and ETIAS are in place:
- When you arrive at a Schengen border, your biometric data and entry/exit history will be logged digitally.
- ETIAS approval will be checked before boarding flights to the EU.
- You won’t need passport stamps, and queues should eventually be reduced—especially for those using eGates.
This modernised system should ultimately improve security and border control while simplifying documentation for eligible travellers.
Will these rules apply to all of Europe?
No—but almost all.
The ETIAS countries currently include most of the Schengen Area and a few EU neighbours. It will not apply to Ireland, which maintains a separate visa policy. ETIAS for Schengen Area travel is only needed if your destination falls within the 29 participating states.
Keep in mind that ETIAS for non-EU citizens, even those from visa-free countries, is still a requirement—so don't assume previous access rules still apply.
Planning tips for 2025 and beyond
- Check ETIAS requirements early in your travel planning—especially if combining reward flights or multiple destinations.
- Pencil in the ETIAS start date, expected in late 2026, though delays are possible.
- Know your ETIAS validity period and ensure your passport is up to date.
- Save time at the airport by ensuring all documents are pre-approved before departure.
- If you're booking BA reward flights, be strategic with timing, layovers, and destinations to avoid unnecessary complications.
Final thoughts
The introduction of the ETIAS visa waiver and EES digital border system marks a significant change in how non-EU citizens travel across Europe. While these systems aim to streamline and modernise border security, they also introduce new steps in the travel process.
For UK travellers, especially those using Avios reward flights or planning short stays, it’s important to stay ahead of these requirements. Submitting your ETIAS application on time, understanding the application process, and checking ETIAS countries relevant to your itinerary will help avoid any last-minute surprises.
As these new systems roll out, RFF remains a valuable tool in your planning arsenal—especially if you're navigating BA availability across multiple cities, or planning for ETIAS multiple entries across the year.
Stay informed, plan early, and enjoy Europe with confidence.