Barbadian travellers are advised to take note of upcoming changes to entry requirements when visiting European Union (EU) member states.
These adjustments will affect the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
The EES is a new digital border management system aimed at making travel to Europe easier and more efficient. It is scheduled to begin on October 12, 2025, with full implementation across 29 European countries by April 10, 2026. Key details on the EES are below:
- This applies to non-EU nationals who plan to travel to European countries using the EES for a short stay – up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Replaces the manual stamping of passports at border crossing points and will digitise border management.
- Requires travellers to provide biometric data (facial image and four fingerprints), which will be securely recorded and stored for three years.
The ETIAS will require visa-exempt nationals to obtain a valid travel authorisation before visiting 30 European countries. It is expected to become operational in the last quarter of 2026.
The ETIAS applies to nationals from countries, such as Barbados, which currently enjoy visa-free entry into the Schengen Area (a border-free zone covering 29 European countries). The authorisation will be valid for three years (or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first) and will cost €20. Applicants under 18 or over 70 years old will be exempt from the fee.
For more details, please visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/pub. The European Commission has launched an information campaign to raise awareness of these new systems. Communication materials, including brochures, infographics, and videos, may be accessed by clicking here.
Author: Dionne Best
Source: https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/changes-coming-to-entry-requirements-for-non-european-nationals/
