Starting October 2025, African travellers heading to the European Union (EU) will face new travel regulations designed to strengthen border security and streamline entry procedures.
The changes come under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES), both of which are being rolled out across EU countries.
Under the new rules:
Travellers from countries that currently do not need a visa to enter the EU, including many in Africa, will now be required to apply online for travel authorisation through ETIAS before departure.
The authorisation will cost 7 euros (about KSh 1,000 or UGX 30,000) and will be valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) will electronically record travellers’ biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans) at border points, replacing the old passport stamping system.
EU officials say the new measures are aimed at:
Improving security by screening travellers before arrival.
Detecting overstays more easily, as the system will automatically track entries and exits.
Making border crossings faster and more efficient with digital checks instead of manual stamps.
For many African travellers — including students, businesspeople, tourists, and diaspora families — the changes will mean additional paperwork and costs before boarding flights.
Travel agencies have already started advising passengers to apply at least a few days before their trip to avoid last-minute disruptions.
Officials also clarified that ETIAS is not a visa, but rather an authorisation similar to the US ESTA system.
However, travellers with criminal records, past overstays, or security flags may find their applications delayed or denied.
Some African travel industry players welcomed the move, saying it could make European borders safer and more predictable. But others worry it could discourage spontaneous travel and add hurdles for low-income travellers.
The EU has promised to launch awareness campaigns across Africa to explain the new system before it takes effect.
