Your Guide To The New Schengen Visa Rules Starting In October 2025
Travelling to Europe anytime soon? If yes, then you must know everything about the recent changes to the visa process, as of October 2025, Schengen zone visa requirements are going to change.
The Schengen Zone is moving towards a digital-first border system, which includes biometric and facial recognition. This, however, could mean new queues, new routines, but eventually, faster passage once the system finds its rhythm.
At the same time, Countries like Romania and Bulgaria are now fully part of Schengen, while visa rules for Indians and Turks are changing. Let’s take a closer look at how the new Schengen visa requirements will affect your next trip.
The Big Shift: Entry/Exit System (EES)
According to the new Entry/Exit System under the new Schengen zone visa requirements, every non-EU traveller, whether visa-exempt or holding a Schengen visa, will now have fingerprints and a facial image recorded on arrival and departure.
The aim is twofold:
- Tighter security
- Smoother Tracking
The first months, however, will likely bring longer queues at airports and land borders as people adjust to the new routine.
ETIAS Still Delayed
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) launch has been pushed back yet again. It is now expected to be launched in late 2026. That means travellers from visa-free countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia can keep visiting the Schengen Zone without any extra steps.
Once it finally kicks in, ETIAS will bring an online application, a €20 fee, and pre-travel approval, but the delay gives everyone a little more breathing room before those rules apply.
Schengen Zone Expansion
Romania and Bulgaria have become a part of the Schengen fold. This change opens up more room for travellers to plan trips that flow smoothly from the Black Sea all the way to the Atlantic. If you are on the road or taking the train, though, land border checks are still in place for the time being.
Digital Schengen Visa on the Horizon
By 2026, Europe is aiming to bring a fully digital Schengen visa process. With this, you will be able to submit documents, photographs, and fees online. No need to step into a consulate. Embassies, however, will continue handling complex cases despite the new Schengen zone visa requirements.
Country-Specific Updates
While the broader Schengen changes affect all travellers, a few national updates stand out.
India
Frequent visitors with a strong history of compliance can receive longer-term multiple-entry visas. The validity begins with two years and can extend up to five years for those who continue to maintain a good record, as per the new Schengen visa rules in 2025.
Turkey
Turkish citizens with a history of compliant travel are eligible for visas with longer validity and easier renewals.
General Embassy Trends
Approval rates still vary. Indian travellers, for instance, find smoother processing through German, Italian, Swiss, and Belgian consulates. Regardless of origin, the key remains careful documentation.
Schengen Visa Fee
The Schengen visa fee received a notable update across member countries. Here’s what to expect:
- Adults (12 years and above): Fee rose to €90, from the previous €80 since February 2020
- Children aged 6–11: Fee increased to €45, up from €40
- Children under 6: Remain exempt from visa charges
Some consulates, particularly for countries like Germany and Austria, have slightly different service charges. You may need to pay for additional service charges and optional extras like courier or biometrics, even with the new Schengen visa rules in 2025.
Schengen Visa Process
With the new Schengen visa requirements, this is how the Schengen visa application process looks:
Step 1: Book an Appointment:
Schedule a slot at the nearest visa application centre.
Step 2: Complete Application Form
Fill in the Schengen visa form accurately.
Step 3: Gather Documents
- Valid passport
- Travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel itinerary
- Bank statements or proof of financial means
Step 4: Attend Appointment
Submit documents, provide biometric data, and pay the visa fee.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing usually takes 15 to 45 days.
Step 6: Receive Decision
The outcome is communicated to the applicant, and if approved, the visa is stamped on the passport.
Travel Tips for Smooth Entry
The new systems are designed to make travel more secure, but they also demand better preparation from visitors. A few steps can save you time and stress at the border.
- You need to apply early to secure visa appointments and avoid seasonal backlogs.
- Make sure to carry the right insurance, as Schengen rules still require medical coverage of at least €30,000.
- Keep documents like bank statements, confirmed accommodation, and a clear travel itinerary to reduce the risk of last-minute questions.
- Keep checking embassy websites before travelling to see if there are any new requirements.
Conclusion
Submitting a Schengen visa application has always adapted with the times. The passport stamp that once felt like a keepsake is now giving way to biometric checks and digital records. With a little preparation and patience and following the new Schengen visa requirements, the modern traveller will find that Europe is as inviting as it has always been, only a touch more digital.