Starting October 2025, Barbadians traveling to Europe will encounter significant changes in entry requirements as the European Union rolls out its new digital border management systems. The European Commission has announced the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, which will mandate non-EU nationals, including Barbadians, to provide biometric data—a facial image and four fingerprints—at the border for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This data will be securely stored for three years, replacing the traditional passport stamping process. The EES is expected to be fully operational across 29 European countries by April 10, 2026. Additionally, Barbadians and other visa-exempt travelers will need to obtain travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), set to launch in late 2026. The ETIAS application, costing €20, will be valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, with exemptions for those under 18 or over 70. The European Commission has initiated a public awareness campaign, providing resources such as brochures, infographics, and videos to help travelers understand the new requirements. Officials emphasize that these measures aim to streamline travel processes while urging travelers to prepare in advance to avoid disruptions. For more details, Barbadians are encouraged to visit the official EU travel website.