Task List

Date	05 Nov 2025
Total Jutlandica	(tbd) miles.
Total Spain 2025	245 miles.
Total Caminos 2025:	245 miles.
Total All Caminos:	2353 miles
Airplane	$ 1020
Travel Insurance	$ 132

I am putting together more details about my upcoming two-week hike through northernmost Germany.

Although I have experience with Bavaria, Brandenburg, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt from my Muenchner Jakobsweg and Via Imperii 2024, my journey through Schlewig-Holstein is as of yet unformed. I have three options: 1) follow the Baltic Sea to Lubek, follow the North Sea or follow the Kiel Canal. All look interesting. Perhaps I should shoot for parts of each, rather than make the entirety of one choice the goal.

Guidebook: Ordered. Delivery Date Unk ... In an unfortunate turn of events, I got a notice from the publishers that due to uncertainty in the customs and tariffs status between the US and Europe, they were not shipping to the USA. I really wanted this book for the up-to-date info (2025), and to further practice my German with placenames and activities that were completely local to my hike.

Pilgerweg- und Wanderführer zur Via Jutlandica

C & M Gottschewski (2025) 

(ISBN 978-3-948125-06-6)

Pilgrim Passport: Ordered. Delivered. Make a donation.

Deutsche St. Jakobus-Gesellschaft e.V. 

Tempelhofer Straße 21 52068 Aachen

Travel:

(Done) Plane Ticket Reservations

(Not done) Flight Check-in. Prob can not check-in online for international travel.
(Done ) Passport valid for duration of trip + 6 months
(Done) Visa Requirements: Not needed for Spain (in transit) nor Germany
(Done) TSA Precheck within the U.S.

(Done) TSA Global Entry Card to expedite processing on return to the U.S.
(Installed )TSA approved Mobile Passport app - Not necessary with Global Entry

Verified that I can access flight info via AA website and AA app, Iberia website and FinnAir website. 

Without going into the details, my passport name has an apostrophe and a space. 

Travelocity drops both special characters, so if I use the apostrophe and/or the space, the AA system can not find my record. I verified this with the AA agent as part of my routine to verify things are entered properly.

Health Care: 

Medicare does not provide coverage outside of the U.S. Purchase travel insurance that provides for, at least, major medical, transportation while injured/sick and return of remains to U.S.

Travel Insurance: 

AIG @ $130

Medical Emergency Expenses: @ $50,000
Medical Evac & Remains Repatriation @ $ 50,000

Trip Cancelation @ 100%; Trip Interruption @ 150%
Bag delay / Baggage: $5000

Policy #992123440

+1-877-328-3928 (USA)

+1-715-342-2504 (Outside USA) Emergency only

Power Adapter

For Germany, you need a Type C or Type F universal power plug adapter for your devices from countries like the US. Type C is a non-grounded adapter with two round pins, while Type F has the same two round pins but also includes two side grounding clips. Both Type C and Type F plugs can be used in Germany's most common Type F sockets, but Type C is often preferred for its compact size.
Type C: This non-grounded adapter has two round pins and is suitable for most devices, such as phone and laptop chargers.
Type F: This is a grounded adapter with two round pins and two grounding clips. It's ideal for appliances with high energy needs but can sometimes be too thick to fit in certain hotel outlets.
Plug type: Choose an adapter that can accommodate either a Type C or Type F plug.
Compatibility: Make sure the adapter is designed to fit both the European sockets (Type F) and your North American plugs from your home country.
Device type: For most electronic devices like cell phones, cameras, and laptops, a Type C adapter is usually sufficient.

Finance

Check expiration date on credit/debit cards. Done.
Auto Insurance. Phone Payments. Set up.
Notify banks of travel locations / dates so cards aren't locked.
Visa lost/stolen -  M&T lost stolen  Phone #s; card #s, etc
Credit and debit card pin numbers verified and memorized

Medical:

Covid, RSV and Flu shots: up to date
Prescriptions: up to date

Calling Spain

Exit Code: 011 or +

Country Code: 34

Phone Number: 9 digits

Calling the USA from Spain

Exit Code: 00 or +

Country Code: 1

Area Code & Phone Number

 

Entry Requirements - The Entry/Exit System (EES): (NOW IN EFFECT)

*** The following is updated info, outside of the AI-generated section which is next.

The EES roll-out is airport by airport. Madrid Barrajas airport has the system, but it is being introduced in phases, whatever that means.

AI-generated

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is launched 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. 

What is EES?
The EES is a digital border management system that will register non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area for short stays. It is 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 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.



European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) - Not in Effect At This Time

It is 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).

Currently, US citizens can travel to Europe for up to 90 days without any sort of travel authorization.
Starting with 2025, US citizens visiting parts of Europe will need authorization from the European Union. 

The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, will require "pre-travel screening for security and migration risks of travelers benefiting from visa-free access to the Schengen area."

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.

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.

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. 

End of AI-generated