Flying to Europe? Understand EES, ETA, and ETIAS Requirements

Alexandria, VA – Having a valid passport is not all you will need when traveling outside of the United States to Europe. Entry procedures into Europe have changed and you should be aware of the 3 E’s. This article outlines the difference in the E’s and which one you need to prevent being denied entry.

These new programs can cause confusion, and travelers are not certain what steps they need to take to travel abroad. Allow me to break it down for you so you will be fully prepared to travel:

The EES (Entry/Exit System) was fully implemented on April 10, 2026, intended to modernize border security, replace manual passport stamping with digital records, and combat illegal migration. Sadly, this means no more stamping of your passport! The EES mandates biometric checks (digital fingerprints and photos) for non-EU travelers, enhancing security by tracking overstays. Travelers from the U.S., Canada, and UK visiting 27 Schengen countries will be required to present a passport, and provide digital fingerprints and a facial scan. Check out the EES website for more details: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees 

Note: No need to apply for EES; it happens automatically at the border. You should be prepared for delays at border security, however, because the program is new and takes more time to process passengers upon arrival. Pack your patience!

Tip: Don’t book flights with a close connection, you could miss your flight if lines are long or there’s a delay.

The United Kingdom has introduced ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) a digital travel permit linked to your passport, granting you permission to travel to or through the UK. ETAs don’t guarantee entry to the UK; you’ll still need to go through border control and present appropriate identity documents (e.g., a passport) upon entry.

The ETA pre-screening process allows for faster border control checks and enhanced security, and is valid for multiple journeys valid for 2 years.

You should apply for an ETA before booking any travel arrangements to the United Kingdom. The fastest way to apply is online at https://www.gov.uk/eta Each traveler needs a separate application, including babies and children. Applications cost about $21 (£16) each.

Most applications are approved in only a few minutes, but it can take about 3 business days for an ETA application to be processed. And you may get a decision at a different time than someone else in your family/group, even if you applied at the same time.

Tip: An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is generally not required if staying “airside” (not passing border control). However, to avoid being stranded in the airport during unexpected cancellations or overnight delays, obtaining an ETA is recommended to allow for “landside” entry, such as for a hotel.

Lastly, Coming Soon: ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new digital travel authorization launching in late 2026 for visa-exempt travelers (US, UK, Canada) visiting 30 European countries. It requires a simple online application (€20) for short stays (up to 90 days), boosting security and streamlining border checks with 3-year validity, or when your passport expires. Check out the official website and stay up to date on the new ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias

ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travelers at this point. The European Union will inform travel advisors and companies about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

Tip: When ETIAS is available for applications, please be careful to use the official website to avoid being scammed.

Preparing to travel and learning about the new entry systems are best explained by a professional travel advisor at an accredited travel company like Villas and Voyages. If you need help planning a trip and receiving professional advice to prepare you for travel, contact Anita Carson at Villas and Voyages at [email protected].