New European Travel Requirements for Adoption Families
For families working with Children’s House International, upcoming European travel requirements could affect your plans to bring home your adopted child from Bulgaria, Portugal, Hungary, Romania, or Georgia. To ensure smooth travel, it’s critical to understand the changes related to the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). These regulations are set to reshape travel processes for non-EU travelers.
This blog outlines how these systems will work, their timelines, and what adoption families need to know to stay prepared.
What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EES system is designed to automate the registration of non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area for short stays. This system tracks entries, exits, and any overstays, ensuring safer and more efficient border management.
Key Dates for the EES rollout:
- 12th October 2025 – Initial launch of the system begins.
- 9th April 2026 – Step-by-step implementation concludes.
- 10th April 2026 – The EES system becomes fully operational across 29 European countries.
During the phased rollout, travelers may notice gradual changes:
- Biometric data collection capabilities, including obtaining facial images and fingerprints at borders, will not be uniformly implemented from the start.
- Personal information might also not be consistently registered in the system.
- Until the system is complete, passports will continue to be stamped as usual.
The EES simplifies border crossing procedures for frequent travelers while addressing border security concerns. However, its integration will take time as countries progressively adopt the required infrastructure.
For Children’s House International Adoption families, this means travel processes may vary depending on when your trip falls within the rollout schedule.
Introducing ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)
Another significant update is the launch of ETIAS, a travel authorization system for visa-exempt non-EU nationals. Modeled after systems like the US ESTA, ETIAS applies to travelers visiting for up to 90 days.
When Will ETIAS Start?
ETIAS is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026. While no official start date has been confirmed, planning now can alleviate future stress.
ETIAS Fees and Exemptions
Costs associated with ETIAS fees have been finalized after regulatory review:
- The initial fee of €7 from the 2018 regulation will increase to €20 per application, valid for three years.
- Fee exemptions apply for:
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- Applicants under 18 or over 70 years of age.
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- Family members of EU citizens.
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- Family members of non-EU nationals allowed free movement within the Union.
This adjustment brings ETIAS in line with similar authorization systems like the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and US ESTA. Although the price hike may seem steep, it reflects inflation and operational cost increases since its conception.
For adoption travel to Europe, planning your application for ETIAS well in advance of your trip will save you last-minute hurdles.
What These Changes Mean for Adoption Families
Traveling to Bulgaria, Portugal, Hungary, Romania, or Georgia to complete your adoption will involve additional preparation with these new systems in place.
Here are steps to ensure a seamless trip:
- Stay updated on EES and ETIAS timelines. Be aware of when the systems are introduced in the specific country you are traveling to.
- Prepare biometric data early. The EES system will eventually require facial recognition and fingerprints, so anticipate providing this data at the border.
- Budget for ETIAS fees. Ensure you include the €20 ETIAS cost, if applicable, in your travel plans. If you qualify for an exemption, confirm the required documentation.
- Check your country-specific policies. While the systems are EU-wide, some adoption countries like Georgia operate outside the European Union. Be vigilant about how their policies differ.
Addressing Common Questions
Will passports still be stamped during the implementation phase of EES?
Yes, until the EES becomes fully operational on 10th April 2026, passports will continue to receive a physical stamp at border crossings.
Do I need to apply for ETIAS for every trip if I travel for multiple adoption-related visits?
No. Once granted, ETIAS is valid for three years and covers multiple trips to EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Can I register for ETIAS now?
Not yet. Applications will open after ETIAS becomes operational in late 2026. Keep an eye on updates from trusted sources such as ETIAS Official Website.
How to Stay Prepared
Navigating evolving European travel requirements may seem complex, but preparation is key. Adoption families traveling between now and 2026 should:
- Monitor updates from the EES official site.
- Review travel policies of host countries regularly.
- Communicate with your adoption agency to align travel timelines around the EES system deployment.
By understanding these new systems, you can reduce uncertainty and focus on what truly matters—welcoming your child into your family.
These regulations signal progress toward more secure and efficient borders. Still, they require extra steps for travelers. Being well-informed will ensure a smoother process for all families embarking on their adoption journeys.
Looking forward, preparation today will make all the difference for your family tomorrow. Safe travels!
Contact our Eastern Europe Adoption team at easterneurope@chiadopt.org
Visit our website: https://childrenshouseinternational.com/