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Trip Tip | October 2025 - Making an Entrance: The new EES (Entry Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
Trip Tip | October 2025 - Making an Entrance: The new EES (Entry Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
Are you traveling to Europe soon, and hoping to fill your passport with unique entry and exit stamps in foreign languages? Those days are soon to be gone, as most of Europe turns digital, beginning next week. Be prepared for these big changes for non-EU travelers. Here’s what you need to know.
EES
EES
Beginning Sunday, October 12, 2025, the EU will introduce the Entry Exit System (EES) – a new way to check travelers in and out of the Schengen Area. If you are a non-EU traveler (i.e., from the United Kingdom, the U.S., Asia, Australia, etc.), this applies to you. The type and length of your travel does not matter - the EES is for all travelers, short or long term, for all purposes, including tourism or business*.
The EES process will digitally record your name, arrival and departure dates, and biometric data, including fingerprints and a face scan. This means physical passport stamps will no longer be used.
During this time of transition and introduction of the new system, you should expect longer lines than usual, especially at land borders between European countries. Once you enter your data into the new system, future travel should be more streamlined, and lines should move more quickly.
Plan ahead and allow extra time during this transition phase!
*There are some exemptions, such as Irish citizens and diplomats. For full information, visit the EES Homepage: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees
ETIAS
ETIAS
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new, mandatory electronic pre-travel program from the EU for travelers from visa-exempt countries, such as the United States. The authorization is required for all short term travelers (stays less than 90 days) entering the European countries comprising the Schengen area.
While it will not become operational until late 2026, travelers should be prepared for the new requirement, as U.S. citizens must apply for ETIAS before traveling. Applicants will need to provide proof of a valid passport and pay a small application fee at least 96 hours prior to travel. Travelers under the age of 18 or over 70 are not required to participate. Once granted, the ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years.
The purpose of ETIAS is to enhance overall security and flag migration risks before travel takes place.
For complete information on ETIAS, visit the website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias##
What is Schengen?
What is Schengen?
The Schengen Area is a region in Europe where internal border controls have been abolished, allowing for free movement between member countries. It is different from the larger political/economic area known as the European Union (EU). Schengen was formed in 1985, and is named for the small town in Luxembourg where the agreement was signed.
Currently, the following 29 countries are part of Schengen:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
(Note that Cyprus and Ireland are not in the Schengen area.)
Related News
Related News
Implemented just this month, India is replacing physical immigration cards with digital “e-arrival” cards. The new process is applicable for all visitors to the country, including workers, students, tourists, and business professionals. All foreign nationals should submit the required digital information online prior to travel, including passport information, purpose for travel, local address, and contact details. The initiative aims to streamline national arrivals, reduce immigration delays, and phase out the traditional hand-written disembarkation cards submitted at entry.
Event: A Talk - Roman Provence, A Culinary & Cultural Journey
Event: A Talk - Roman Provence, A Culinary & Cultural Journey
Fancy a light evenings entertainment? Join us to learn about our trip to Provence in Spring 2026 as you sip and snack. Click here for more details. If you are booked that evening or live out of state, you can still join us remotely (or afterwards) via Facebook Live events feed.
Please RSVP for our catering #'s. Click here to respond.
When: Monday, October 13, 2025 at 7:00 pm MT
Where: Inkberry Books, Cottonwood Shopping Center, 7960 Niwot Rd, Niwot, CO
Trip Tip | September 2025 - Feverish Topic: Travel Vaccinations, Immunizations, and Medications
Trip Tip | September 2025 - Feverish Topic: Travel Vaccinations, Immunizations, and Medications
Did you know China is waging a war right now? It’s true - an all-out government attack is underway aimed at the current outbreak of the chikungunya virus. This has led some entities to recommend travel vaccines for travelers headed to certain areas in Asia. Read on ...
Trip Tip | August 2025 - Airport Security
Trip Tip | August 2025 - Airport Security
Not much about the airport security process is described as “exciting” or tends to fall in the “good news” column… but here are several positive updates straight from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Read on...
July 15, 2025 | Travel Documentation Requirements
July 15, 2025 | Travel Documentation Requirements
Understanding travel documentation requirements can be confusing. Always visit the official government website of the country you are visiting. There are lots of scams out there.
Travel to the United Kingdom - Update: Electronic Travel Authorization
A UK ETA now costs £16. If you are transiting through a UK airport but do not pass through border control, no ETA is required.
Travel to Europe - Update: European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
Starting in Q4 2026, US citizens traveling to France will need an ETIAS authorization for short stays. No action is required now.
Travel to Asia
Visa requirements for travel in Asia vary significantly by country. It is best to check your visa status by individual country.
US Domestic Travel - REAL ID
You now need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification to fly within the US. Good news! TSA is starting to roll-back the requirement to remove your shoes.
December 4, 2024 | US Travelers Need UK ETA in 2025
December 4, 2024 | US Travelers Need UK ETA in 2025
Starting on January 8, 2025 US travelers will be required to apply for permission to enter the UK through a new scheme known as Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
An ETA costs £10, permits multiple journeys, and lasts for two years or until the holder’s passport expires—whichever is sooner. Once granted, ETAs are digitally linked to a traveler’s passport and allow for stays of up to six months at a time—including both short trips and more extended stays.
While most applications are approved the same day, it can take take up to 72 hours—don't leave it until the last minute.
Will I need a visa to enter the UK?
An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorizes an individual to travel to the UK. You will need to apply for an ETA prior to arrival. If you haven't received permission to travel before arrival, you may be fined or denied boarding.
Do I need an ETA if my layover is in the UK?
An ETA is required for fliers transiting through the UK, even if you never leave the airport.
Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Learn more here.
March 2024 | Cumbria Born and Bred, Poet Laureate
~ William Wordsworth, 7 April 1770 – 23 April 1850
March 2024 | Cumbria Born and Bred, Poet Laureate
~ William Wordsworth, 7 April 1770 – 23 April 1850
William Wordsworth, an English Romantic poet, was born in 1770 in Cockermouth originally in the county of Cumberland and became an orphan after losing his mother at the age of 7, and his father 6 years later. He, along with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to launch the Romantic Age in English literature with their joint publication, Lyrical Ballads.
Although Wordsworth was wary of tourists invading his beloved Lake District he was one of the first authors to write a guide book “A Guide through the District of the Lakes”. He also opposed the railway encroaching on his home area as he didn’t think the masses would appreciate the natural beauty.
Nature played a significant role in inspiring Wordsworth’s poetry, and he believed in its power to heal and rejuvenate and found solace and beauty in its presence.
Wordsworth attended Cockermouth Free School which was also attended by Christian Fletcher who led the mutiny on HMS Bounty but Fletcher was 6 years older than Wordsworth so probably they were not school friends. Wordsworth went on to attend Hawkshead Grammar school and Cambridge University.
In 1790 like many young men of his day Wordsworth embarked on a Grand Tour walking through revolutionary France during his summer vacation and fell in love with a French woman, Annette Vallon, who, in 1792, gave birth to their daughter, Caroline.
He also was a strong supporter of the abolition of slavery and the rights of women as well as supporting the temperance movement although he did frequent the Red Lion pub in Grasmere.
For the last seven years of his life he was Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, though he wrote no official verses during this time.
Join our trip - The Lake District at Work - the Real Cumbria.
Wordsworth on Helvellyn
by Benjamin Robert Haydon, 1842
Some of the challenges and lessons learned from being in business during the pandemic.
http://voyagedenver.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-deirdre-butler-of-big-round-world/
Vacations are a big deal on many fronts yet oftentimes one signs up for a trip without really knowing or understanding exactly who you are traveling with. Check out the following interview with Deirdre Butler, owner/ founder of Big Round World to get an insight into her world.
https://shoutoutcolorado.com/meet-deirdre-butler-owner-of-big-round-world/
April 1, 2022 | Shop Local Colorado!
April 1, 2022 | Shop Local Colorado!
We're delighted to share that Big Round World was selected to be a featured business by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade in their blog post for this month. Click on the link above or the image below to find out about other great entrepreneurial businesses along the Front Range.
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