FSU offers study abroad programs during every academic term, allowing students to choose what best fits their academic and financial plans. However, recent travel policy updates in Europe could change how long students can stay abroad.
Starting on Oct. 12, 29 European countries will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES), a system that records a traveler’s name, travel document data, biometric data and the date and place of entry and exit.
The EES was proposed as part of Smart Borders, several pieces of legislation aimed at improving the management of the external borders and also consisted of the European Travel and Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
“For the past several years, Florida State University International Programs (FSUIP) has been closely monitoring the implementation of the EES and ETIAS,” FSU Immigration and Passport (FSUIP) Manager Moira Mozo said to the FSView.
Although not launching until late 2026, ETIAS is still an upcoming issue for shorter study abroad programs in up to 30 European countries. Students will need to complete a travel authorization and pay an application fee prior to their trip for programs up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This serves as an extra step students have to do before their trip.
“The International Programs visa and immigration team has developed guidance to help students navigate these changes, including informing participants that EES, which launched earlier this month, may result in travel delays during its initial rollout,” Mozo said. “ETIAS is expected to take effect in the final quarter of 2026 and comprehensive guidance will be provided to program participants once it is implemented.”
FSUIP anticipates ETIAS and EES will have minimal impact on students’ ability to travel and study abroad, according to Mozo.
“As the United Kingdom is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, it has already implemented similar systems such as the long-established eGate program and the recently introduced Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement. Neither has posed a significant challenge for students studying at FSU London,” Mozo said.
Those working with FSUIP are confident that the university will adapt well to these new rules.
“These new EU entry requirements are expected to primarily affect participants in short-term study abroad programs, as students traveling on long-stay student visas — such as those in our fall and spring programs in Florence and Valencia — are exempt from ETIAS requirements,” Mozo said.
International programs at Florida State
Florida State University celebrated and explored its numerous international opportunities with its annual Study Abroad Week on Monday, Oct. 27.
During Wednesday’s 2025 International Programs Study Abroad Fair, students could visit several booths and speak to international staff and student ambassadors about international programs in over 75 different countries and four major study centers in Florence, London, Valencia and Panama.
“As someone who’s always wanted to go to school in another country, choosing FSU London as my First Year Abroad experience was a perfect fit for me,” psychology major Sofia Cabaleiro said to the FSView. “So far, it has been such a special and tight-knit experience where I’ve gotten to travel all around Europe, study unique courses, and meet people from all over the world. Not many college freshmen can say they’ve experienced this much culture so early.”
Beyond getting to experience different countries and cultures, FSUIP is still rooted in the academic success of students.
“Although I’ve loved all the traveling I’ve done, my academics are still very important to me, which FSU realizes,” international affairs major Matthew Kelly said to the FSView. “I feel as if FSU supports me directly because of all the great resources that are available to me while I’m abroad and because of the small class sizes that give me more one-on-one time with professors.”
Mia Rodriguez is a Staff Writer for the FSView & Florida Flambeau, the student-run, independent online news service for the FSU community. Email our staff at contact@fsview.com.
