BAKU, Aug. 16, 2025 — Heading to Europe soon? Several Schengen rule changes are coming that will affect how travelers enter and move across the bloc over the next 12–18 months.
Biometrics at the border (EES) from October 2025.
The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will register fingerprints and a facial image for most non-EU travelers the first time they cross an external Schengen border. That initial border check will take longer, but subsequent crossings should be faster. EU home affairs ministers have confirmed a progressive start in October 2025—plan a little extra time at airports and land crossings when it goes live.
ETIAS pre-travel clearance moves to late 2026—and will cost more.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)—a quick online pre-screening for visa-exempt visitors—has been pushed to the last quarter of 2026. In parallel, the fee is set to rise from €7 to €20, according to reporting on the latest EU proposal; exemptions will still apply for minors and older travelers. Expect an ESTA-style form you complete before flying, with approval typically issued within minutes.
Visa applications are going digital.
If you’re from a country that needs a Schengen visa, the EU is phasing in an online portal to replace in-person sticker applications. You’ll apply and upload documents digitally and receive an electronic visa instead of a passport sticker, with limited in-person visits reserved mainly for first-time applicants or biometrics. Rollout will be gradual, country by country.
Temporary border checks may still pop up inside Schengen.
Schengen is about free movement, but some states continue to reintroduce internal checks temporarily for security or migration reasons. That can mean spot controls on roads or at train stations along internal borders—so carry your passport/ID even for intra-Schengen trips.
What this means for travelers from Azerbaijan and beyond
If you’re visa-exempt for specific Schengen territories, you’ll need ETIAS once it launches.
If you require a Schengen visa, watch your destination embassy’s notices as the digital visa system rolls out.
For all non-EU travelers, the EES biometric capture at the border starts October 2025—arrive early for that first trip on or after the switch.
We’ll keep tracking official updates as the EU finalizes timelines and national rollouts.
