Europe ETIAs
Anticipated starting by last quarter of 2026, U.S. Passport holders and Canadians traveling to Europe will be required to apply for short-term entry to European countries (for up to 90 days within any 180-day period). This is to be done before the visit, through the European Travel Information & Authorization System (ETIAS) website.
To apply for an ETIAS, you can fill out the application on the official ETIAS website or use the mobile app. The cost is 20 EURO (those under 18 or over 70 y/o are exempt from paying the fee). This application process takes approximately 20 minutes. The EU recommends submitting your ETIAS application at least 96 hours before departure.
No action is required at this point.
Please check the ETIAS official website for specific guidelines and most recent updates. ( This article was last updated 7/24/2025)
ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM (EES)
Prior to the ETIAS system launch, 29 European countries will deploy the EES system gradually starting October 12, 2025, until April 9th, 2026. The EES is an automated system for registering non-EU nationals traveling for short stay (maximum 90 days in any 180 day period). Supposedly there will be kiosks at various border entry points with systems in place for biometric data collection (such as facial image and/or fingerprints). Passports will continue to be stamped as usual. The EES will be fully implemented at all border crossing points of the EU countries by April 10th, 2026.
This is to help modernize border management across EU countries, improve security, increase border check efficiencies, and combat crime/terrorism.
Please check the EES official website for most recent updates. ( This article was last updated 7/30/2025)