Schengen Immigration Update: EES launch confirmed, ETIAS fee change, and new “cascade” visas for Turkiye

Schengen Immigration Update: EES launch confirmed, ETIAS fee change, and new “cascade” visas for Turkiye

Schengen Immigration Update: EES launch confirmed, ETIAS fee change, and new “cascade” visas for Türkiye

Think Europe Services — Client Advisory (August 2025)

If you’re planning travel, study, or work in the Schengen Area, three important policy updates will shape border checks and short-stay travel over the next 12–18 months.

1) Entry/Exit System (EES) goes live 12 October 2025

The European Commission has officially set 12 October 2025 as the start date for the Entry/Exit System (EES). The rollout will be progressive over six months at external Schengen borders, replacing manual passport stamps for non-EU nationals with a secure digital record of each entry and exit (including face/fingerprint biometrics). Expect new kiosks and automated checks at airports, ports and land crossings. 

National deployments are already being scheduled. For example, Lithuania will begin at Vilnius Airport in October and move to full capacity in spring. Similar staged introductions are expected across the Area. 

What this means for you: on your first trip after 12 Oct 2025, allow extra time to register at EES kiosks; subsequent trips should be quicker thanks to automation. Keep your passport valid and easily scannable, and be ready to answer standard border questions about accommodation, funds, and onward travel. 

2) ETIAS travel authorisation fee set to €20 (from €7)

For visa-exempt travellers (e.g., from the US, UK, Canada, etc.), the ETIAS pre-travel authorisation will carry a €20 fee once the system launches. The European Commission says the increase reflects operational costs and aligns the EU with comparable programmes elsewhere. ETIAS is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026; certain travellers (such as those under 18 and over 70) will be fee-exempt. 

3) Easier multi-entry Schengen visas for Turkish citizens (“cascade rule”)

From 15 July 2025, the EU introduced more favourable short-stay visa rules for Turkish nationals applying in Türkiye (excluding truck drivers). Applicants with a positive travel history may receive longer-validity, multi-entry visas on a “cascade” basis: after lawfully using two visas within three years, they can obtain a 1-year multi-entry visa, followed by 3-year and then 5-year visas if conditions are met.

Quick tips from Think Europe Services

  • Travel from Oct 2025: Build extra time into airport and land-border plans during the EES ramp-up. We’ll help you understand local procedures at your specific point of entry. 

  • Planning for 2026: If you’re visa-exempt, budget €20 for ETIAS when it goes live and submit the online form before travel. We’ll notify clients when applications open.

  • Turkish applicants: If you have a clean travel record, ask our team to structure your applications to benefit from the cascade pathway to longer-term multi-entry visas. 

How we can help

Think Europe Services provides end-to-end guidance on Schengen travel and mobility—student and vocational pathways, work authorisations, and compliant travel planning under EES/ETIAS. Share your route and timeline, and we’ll tailor a checklist, schedule, and document pack so you’re ready for smooth, stress-free travel.

Foreign , News , Society , Schengen News , Immigration
Blog Categories
Relevant Blogs

Disclaimer

The Think Europe Services website is owned and operated by Think Europe Services Sp. z. o. o., a private international company operating independently from the Polish government. Please note that the information on this website is not intended as professional or legal advice. We make every effort to maintain the accuracy of the content, but it's important to be aware that certain terms, like immigration eligibility criteria, may be subject to change without prior notification. ..see more

In reference to our Job Search Service, we specialize in Resume Crafting, LinkedIn Enhancement, and Resume Promotion. It's crucial to emphasize that we do not promote job opportunities on behalf of international employers or serve as agents for any foreign companies. Our Registration number is KRS 0001007806, our tax identification number is NIP 9512557041, and all our services are exclusively offered at our Registered Center.

Please bear in mind that the content provided here is meant solely for informational purposes and should not be regarded as legal or tax guidance. It is recommended that you seek advice from your own legal and/or tax consultant(s). We do not offer legal or tax advice, and the information we present is of a general nature, not customized for any particular company or workforce. Moreover, it does not represent how we operate in a specific jurisdiction. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy or timeliness of this information, and we are not liable for any losses that may occur as a result of using or relying on it.