Initial Preparations for the Camino Ebro
Decision Made to Hike the Rio Ebro
| Date | 23 Mar 2025 |
| Total This Camino: | 0 miles. |
| Total All Caminos: | 2353 miles |
| Airplane | $ 1360 |
| Travel Insurance | $ 360 |
Why the Camino Ebro
| Camino | Stages Dist Km / mi | Miles / Day | Start | End | Terrain | |
| Ebro | 17 440 / 264 | 16 | Deltebre | Longroño | delta wetlands and Mediterranean forests predominate / gradually giving way to the arid lands of the mountains and irrigated crops | |
| Olvidado | 14 530 / 318 | 14 | Bilbao | Villafranco del Bierzo | mountains | |
| Norte + Del Mar + Spiritual = Total | 7 143 / 86 7 190 / 114 3 73 / 44 17 406 / 244 | 12 16 15 14 | Ribadeo Ribadeo Pontevedra | Arzua O Porto de Espasante Pontecesures | mountains then flat coast and flat coast and flat | |
| Castellon-Aragones (aka de Soria) De la Lana (Mamolar) Total | 8 200 / 130 3 82 / 49 16 302 / 181 | 16 16 16 | Gallur St Domingo | St Domingo de Silos Burgos | relatively flat w/some days of climbing flat | |
So why the Ebro:
- less mountains
- no need to transport ourselves once or more times during the hiking
- distance limitations due to time available
Checklist for the Flight to Barcelona
Buy plane tickets: Done
Rochester NY (4:30 pm) -> Philadelphia (1.5 hr layover) -> Barcelona (next day (9:00 am)
Barcelona (10:45 am) -> Chicago OHare ( 2 hr layover) -> Rochester NY (6:15 pm)
Passport / TSA Precheck / Global Entry: Done. At least six months valid at end of travel.
EES / ETIAS ( entry / exit from Europe ) : not needed
Travel Insurance / Health Insurance: Done
Assistance Phone Number
$1,000,000 Repatriation
$500,000 Medical
The usual trip interruption / lost baggage etc
Pilgrim Credentials from American Pilgrims on the Camino ordered & received.
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AI-generated
The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is scheduled to launch in October 2025 and will register non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area, replacing manual passport stamping and enabling electronic monitoring of entries and exits.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
What is EES?
The EES is a digital border management system designed to modernize border controls in the Schengen area, making it easier to identify travelers who overstay their permitted time and prevent identity fraud.
Who will it affect?
The EES will apply to all non-EU nationals, including those from the United States, who are traveling to the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period).
How will it work?
The EES will register the traveller's name, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit.
Why is it being introduced?
The EES aims to improve border security, prevent irregular migration, and facilitate legitimate travel.
What about ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is another system that will be implemented by the EU, but it is expected to launch six months after the EES, likely in the last quarter of 2026.
What are the benefits?
The EES will allow for a wider use of automated border control checks and self-service systems, which are quicker and more comfortable for travelers.
What are the challenges?
The EES rollout has faced some delays, and there are concerns about how it will affect wait times at border crossings, especially if infrastructure is not fully in place.
What are the next steps?
The EU will inform about the specific start date of the EES several months prior to its launch.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a new travel requirement for visa-exempt travelers to Europe, is expected to launch in late 2026, not 2025, following the launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES).
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an online travel authorization system designed to enhance border security for travelers to the European Union (EU) who do not require a visa.
Who needs it?
Nationals of 59 countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, who currently enjoy visa-free travel to Europe will need to obtain an ETIAS before traveling.
When will it launch?
The ETIAS launch has been pushed back to late 2026, six months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational.
What is EES?
The EES is a new digital border management system that will register non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area for short stays.
How to apply?
Travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS online through the official ETIAS website or mobile app.
Key Points:
ETIAS is not yet in operation and no action is required from travelers at this point.
The EU will inform travelers several months before the ETIAS launch.
Having a valid ETIAS does not guarantee automatic entry into the EU.
Official Website:
The official ETIAS website is europa.eu/etias.
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