Traveling to Europe soon? These entry requirements have changed
A 2022 passport stamp on an American passport when crossing the border at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport. (FOX Television Stations)
For those traveling to Europe this summer or into the fall, some entry requirements are changing that could affect your travel.
Most travelers will need to get a quick online approval before flying into the European Union and the United Kingdom under programs known as the ETA and ETIAS. And a program called EES is changing passport check procedures at many airports.
Here’s what to know about the new programs:
EES - Entry/Exit System
Big picture view:
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is Europe’s new border management system for registering international travelers for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of 29 European countries.
Timeline:
It’s been fully operational since April 10, 2026.
How it works:
When you arrive at a border crossing point for the first time, passport control officers will take a photo of your face and/or scan your fingerprints. This information is saved in a digital file, and your passport will not be stamped, according to European officials. This digital file will then be referenced when necessary instead of your passport stamp.
Who it applies to :
Americans (and other non-EU travelers) visiting the following European countries in the Schengen Area will be subject to new EES checks:
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Cost:
The EES has no cost associated with it.
What you can do:
This process can be quicker once you land if you register some of your data in advance. You can do this by using:
- A self-service station, if available at your border crossing point
- The Travel to Europe app, which is currently only supported for travel when entering Sweden and Portugal. More countries are expected to be added, to continue to check back.
But all travelers will still be subject to a check from a passport control officer.
Aside from that, just keep this new system in mind as the EES lines could add some extra time to your itinerary after landing. For those with layovers in the countries listed above, be aware you may be subject to the EES checkpoint if you leave the secure area during your layover.
ETA - UK Electronic Travel Authorization
Big picture view:
U.S. passport holders traveling to the United Kingdom, including those just passing through UK airports, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Timeline:
The program is in effect now, and was phased in through 2025.
How it works:
An ETA acts as a pre-clearance for travel through the UK. You must apply for it ahead of time and the approval gets linked to your passport.
Who it applies to :
U.S. passport holders of all ages need an ETA when traveling to:
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Cost:
The application costs £20, which converts to just under $30 at the time of this publication.
What you can do:
Apply for an ETA ahead of your trip, and expect a decision within three business days. An ETA lasts for two years or until your passport expires.
You apply online using the UK ETA app, and you’ll need to include a picture of the passport and face for each person traveling.
You must wait until you get an email confirming you have an ETA before you travel to the UK, and your ETA will be linked to the passport you applied with. You only need to show your passport when you travel to the UK.
ETIAS - European Travel Information and Authorization System
Big picture view:
Similar to the UK’s, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an upcoming pre-travel screening system that will require travelers from dozens of visa-exempt countries, including the United States, to have travel authorization to enter 30 European countries for a short stay.
Timeline:
The official start date hasn't been announced, but the program will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travelers at this point.
How it works:
When the time comes, applications are processed on the official ETIAS website or the mobile app. Most are processed within minutes, but can take up to four days.
Once approved, you’ll get a unique ETIAS application number that’s tied to your passport. That number is good for three years or until your travel document expires.
Who it applies to :
United States passport holders traveling to the following 30 European countries will need to apply for an ETIAS before traveling once the system launches:
Cost:
The cost to apply is 20 euros, which converts to just under $24 at the time of publication.
What you can do:
The ETIAS website suggests applying for an ETIAS travel authorization well in advance – even before buying your plane ticket or accommodation.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from the European Union’s Travel Europe website, the United Kingdom’s official government travel website and the U.S. Embassy. This story was reported from Detroit.