The European Union changes the rules: Starting October 12, 2025, Israelis will also be required to meet new conditions to enter European countries. This includes an advanced biometric system that will replace manual stamps, and later, the submission of an online application before each flight. Here’s everything important to know:
EES System: End of Stamps, Beginning of Biometric Procedure
Activation date: October 12, 2025 (gradually until April 2026)
From this date, the EES (Entry/Exit System) – a new biometric entry/exit system of the European Union will come into effect. Instead of receiving a passport stamp, travelers will undergo a biometric registration process that includes facial photography, fingerprinting, and electronic passport chip reading.
The system will collect and store information on every traveler from a non-EU country, including Israel. The goal: to monitor the duration of stay (90 days in any 180-day period), to prevent overstays, and to enhance security and passenger identification.
How Will the Change Be Implemented?
The system will be implemented gradually over six months in all 29 countries using the system (including Schengen countries and neighbors like Switzerland, Norway, and others).
During the interim period, not every border point will conduct immediate biometric scanning, and in many cases, passports will continue to receive stamps as usual.
Starting from April 10, 2026, the EES system will be fully operational at all external borders of the European Union.
ETIAS: “Europe’s Visa” to be Implemented Later
After the EES is fully operational, another system called ETIAS, an acronym for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, will also come into effect. This is an online travel authorization intended for citizens of visa-exempt countries, including Israel, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and more.
Important Details about ETIAS:
-
Expected Start Date: During 2027
-
Application Cost: 7 Euros
-
Authorization Validity: 3 years or until passport expiration
-
Exempt from Payment: Children under 18 and adults over 70 (but still required to apply)
Any Israeli wishing to fly to Europe will need to obtain the authorization in advance, easily online, but it must be done before the flight.
Who Needs a Visa, Who Needs ETIAS, and What About Israelis?
-
EU Citizens: Completely exempt – neither visa nor ETIAS required
-
Israelis and Citizens of Visa-Exempt Countries: Required to obtain ETIAS only, no visa needed
-
Citizens of Non-Visa-Exempt Countries (such as India, China, Morocco, Turkey): Required to obtain a regular Schengen visa in advance
In Summary – What Does This Mean for Israelis?
-
Starting from October 12, 2025, upon entering Europe, the passport will not be stamped, but a biometric scan will be performed
-
During 2027 – Israelis will be required to obtain ETIAS in advance, as a precondition for boarding the flight
-
No need for a regular Schengen visa, but it is mandatory to prepare and stay updated in advance
The European Union is not closing its doors to tourists, but it is tightening supervision, updating technological tools, and expecting travelers more than ever to be prepared. It may sound like additional bureaucracy, but in practice, it is a significant step to enhance security and maintain open but controlled borders.
The information is sourced from across the web; please verify the exact details with the relevant authority.
