Europe is calling – but before you pack your bags for the trip of a lifetime, it’s important to be across the latest travel requirements, especially with big changes coming to border entry systems in 2025 and beyond.
Whether you’re off for a few weeks of sightseeing or planning an extended European adventure, understanding the Schengen Area rules, new border technology, and visa requirements will help your travels go smoothly.
The Schengen Area – One Visa-Free Zone
The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that share common border rules. This means Australians can move freely between these countries without going through border checks or applying for separate visas for each destination.
Schengen Area countries include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Visa-Free Travel for Australians
Australians can visit the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for:
- Tourism or holidays
- Visiting friends or family
- Business meetings and conferences
- Cultural or sporting events
- Medical treatment
- Transit
If you plan to stay longer, or your reason for travel changes, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa before you travel.
New EU Entry/Exit System (EES) – Starts 12 October 2025
From 12 October 2025, the EU will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES) – a digital border control system that will register all non-EU travellers, including Australians, entering or leaving the Schengen Area.
Here’s what to expect on your first trip after EES begins:
- Fingerprints and a photo taken at the border
- A few questions under the Schengen Border Code
- Creation of a digital record of your biometric details
This process should take just a few minutes, but at the start, expect longer queues as travellers and border staff adjust to the new system.
Your record will remain valid for 3 years, meaning on future trips you’ll only need to provide fingerprints and/or a photo.
Important: The 90 days in 180 rule is still in place and will be tracked digitally – overstaying could mean fines, detention, or being banned from re-entering the EU.
Beyond the Schengen Area – Visa Waiver Agreements
Some Schengen countries have special visa waiver agreements with Australia, allowing stays beyond 90 days under certain conditions. These include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
Outside the Schengen Area, many European countries – like the UK, Ireland, Türkiye, and several Balkan nations – have their own entry rules, often allowing Australians to stay up to 90 days visa-free.
Passport Rules for Europe
When entering the Schengen Area, your passport must be:
Valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the EU
Issued within the last 10 years
Make sure you get a clear entry stamp when you first arrive – without it, you could be fined or detained. Once the EES is fully in place, stamping will be replaced by the digital system.
Coming in 2026 – ETIAS Travel Authorisation
From late 2026, Australians (and other visa-exempt travellers) will need an ETIAS travel authorisation to visit 30 European countries. It will be valid for up to 3 years or until your passport expires. ETIAS is not the same as the EES – it’s a pre-travel authorisation, similar to the US ESTA.
Be aware of scams – you cannot apply for ETIAS yet.
Travel Smarter with Phil Hoffmann Travel
Europe is one of the world’s most rewarding destinations, but border rules can be complex – especially as new systems are introduced. At Phil Hoffmann Travel, we keep up-to-date with the latest requirements so you can focus on planning your dream itinerary.
For personalised travel advice and seamless planning, speak with your local Phil Hoffmann Travel consultant before you book.
