Travelling to Europe After 12 October 2025? Read This First!

Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Go

If you’re heading off to Europe from 12 October onwards, there’s a brand-new travel rule that’s about to make its grand debut . . . The European Entry/Exit System, or EES for short. Okay, it’s not very exciting, but it might take you by surprise if you’re unaware.

Before you picture red tape and long queues, take a breath. It’s simply Europe’s new way of keeping track of who’s coming and going. They’re replacing the old passport-stamping routine with something a little more high-tech (it’s a little bit sad, but the days of having a passport full of bragging stamps is almost gone).

Let’s unpack what it means, who it affects, and why it’s worth knowing before you zip up that suitcase.

🧭 What Is the European Entry/Exit System (EES)?

Think of it as a digital “hello and goodbye” system for travellers who aren’t citizens of the European Union – that’s Aussies like us – they let us into Eurovision, but that’s as far as our Europeanness goes.

When you arrive at your first Schengen border (more on that below), you’ll need to register by having your fingerprints and photo taken, along with your passport details. This information goes into a shared system so border officials know exactly when you entered, and when you head home again.

In short, no more stamping passports – your details will be logged electronically instead.

Your data stays valid for three years, so you won’t have to go through the full process every single time you visit. Just smile for the camera once, and you’re good for a few holidays to come.

🕐 How Will the EES Affect Australian Travellers?

Be prepared for slightly longer queues in the early months while everyone gets used to the new system. Once you’re registered, though, it should be smoother sailing.

A few handy tips:

Arrive a bit earlier at the airport or border crossing – patience is your best travel accessory.
Keep your passport handy (biometric ones are ideal).
Know where you’re staying – border control may ask for your first address in Europe. That’s easy if you have booked with ICON Adventures as this will be at your fingertip on your personal Trip Plan App.

🗺️ What Is the Schengen Area and Which Countries Are In It?

Ah, the mysterious Schengen – a word you may never have heard of, but if you book through a good travel agent (like us), we’re all over it, so you don’t have to be.

If you want to know more the Schengen area is basically a group of European countries that have agreed to drop passport checks at their internal borders. Once you’re in, you can travel freely between them without going through border control each time. It’s Europe’s version of an all-access pass.

But not every European country is part of it.

Countries in the Schengen area include:
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Liechtenstein, Romania and Bulgaria.

And while Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican City aren’t technically members, they play nicely and allow border-free travel too.

Not in Schengen: United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, The Balkans, and Ukraine

What does ‘Schengen’ mean:

It doesn’t mean anything, it’s the name of the town in Luxembourg where the 1985 Schengen Agreement was first signed.

⏳ Understanding the 90/180 Rule for Australians in Europe

Here’s where travellers can get caught out. Australians (and most non-EU visitors) can spend up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen area.

It’s not 90 days per country – it’s 90 days total across all Schengen nations combined. The EES system will automatically keep track of this for you. It remains to be seen if they have a way of letting you know how many days you have left, so keep your own records too.

Overstay your welcome, and you could face fines or bans, so best to keep an eye on that travel calendar.

🇬🇧 What About the UK and Ireland?

Just when you thought you were getting the hang of all this, those Poms have decided to do their own thing. The good news is, as an Australian you can stay in the UK for 6months as a tourist, the bad news is, there is a financial cost.

The UK have an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) system which costs £16 (approx A$34) and must be completed before boarding the flight to the UK.

🌍 Coming Soon: ETIAS for Australia Travellers

Just to make things extra interesting, there’s another system on the way called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). It’s like an online pre-check before you travel – a bit like America’s ESTA. It’s not live yet but keep an eye out as it’s expected to roll out soon after EES.

🧳 ICON’s Handy Takeaways for Stress-Free European Travel

If you’re flying to Europe from 12 October 2025 onwards, you’ll register under the new EES on arrival.
Expect a little extra time at border control for the first trip, especially in October and November.
Once registered, you’ll breeze through future visits for the next three years.
Remember the 90-in-180 rule, the new system will be watching that closely.
Ireland and the UK aren’t part of Schengen, so they have their own entry rules.

✨ Final Word: Don’t Let Paperwork Spoil the Adventure

Europe’s EES might sound complicated, but it’s just a tech upgrade designed to make travel smoother and safer.

Don’t stress about paperwork, just make sure your passport’s ready, your itinerary’s sorted, and your sense of adventure is on.

And if you’re not sure which countries are in or out, or how your itinerary fits into the Schengen jigsaw, that’s exactly what we’re here for at ICON Adventures.

We’ll help you plan it right – so your only worry is why don’t they use top sheets on their beds!