Savvy Traveler Tip: Traveling to Europe? Prepare for the New Entry/Exit Requirements

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new mandatory entry requirement rolled out in Europe in April 2026 and impacts US travelers. EES replaces physical passport stamping and records biometric data (fingerprints/photos) and entry/exit dates to tighten border security and detect overstayers. Your data is stored for three years after the last entry/exit - or five years if you overstay - which helps with future, faster crossings.

Read on for more information about EES and how it affects you.

Key Details About EES

• Purpose: To modernize border checks, improve security, and track overstays in the Schengen area.

• When: Implemented on April 10, 2026.

• Who it Applies To: Non-EU nationals (including British and U.S. citizens) entering 29 European countries for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).

• What Changes: Instead of a stamp, travelers will have their passports scanned, a face photo taken, and fingerprints registered on their first entry. Often this is done at kiosks.

• Exemptions: Holders of EU passports or long-stay residence permits do not need to register.

• Where: Valid in 29 European countries, excluding Ireland and Cyprus (which still use manual stamps).

• How much? Unlike ETIAS, there is no charge associated with EES.

Here Pro-Tips for navigating EES

• Do Not Confuse EES with ETIAS: EES (fingerprints/photos at the border) is active now. ETIAS (a visa-waiver authorization) is not scheduled for launch until Q4 2026.

• Prepare for Longer Lines: Expect the first few visits under EES to take longer due to biometric registration. Add an extra hour or two to your usual airport arrival time.

• Use the Official App: Download the official "Travel to Europe" mobile app. It is designed to speed up the process by allowing travelers to securely pre-register passport data and take a photo up to 72 hours before arrival.

• As of today, airports like Paris, Barcelona, and Athens have not started using the app. It is recommended to download it anyway as a convenient way to store and retrieve passport information.

• Check the official "Travel to Europe" app or government websites (like for France or Italy) about 48 hours before departure to see if pre-registration is available for your specific flight. 

• The "First Time" Rule: Your first entry will take the longest because all 10 fingerprints and a photo must be taken. Subsequent entries should be much faster as your data will already be in the system.

• Keep Documents Accessible: Have your return flight information and the address of your first night's accommodation ready. Agents are frequently verifying travel plans during the new process.

• Check Your Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.

• Be Proactive at Border Control: If you are cutting it close for a connection, inform a border guard, as they may assist with faster passage. 

US Digital Passports - this will help you!

If your U.S. passport has a digital chip—marked by a small gold camera symbol on the front cover—it is an e-Passport (or biometric passport). The chip securely stores the same information found on your passport’s data page, including your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, high-resolution version of your photo used for facial recognition at border kiosks, and a unique digital signature that prevents the data from being tampered with or forged.

Having a biometric passport is highly beneficial for the new Entry/Exit System (EES) by allowing: 

Self-Service Access: You can use automated e-gates or self-service kiosks at many major European airports. Without a chip, you would likely be required to wait in a manual line for a border officer. Keep in mind there may still be lines at kiosks.

Faster Verification: The EES system reads your chip to instantly verify that the passport is genuine and matches your face, which can cut your processing time down significantly.

App Integration: The official "Travel to Europe" app allows you to scan this chip with your phone before you even reach the border, pre-registering your data to speed up your arrival.

Knowing what to expect when traveling helps eliminate stress and frustration.

Another tip to help you create a standout adventure!