Starting from October 2025, the rules of travel to most European countries for Americans (As well as Non-EU citizens) are set to change. The European Union will begin a progressive rollout of the ETIAS and ESS systems to enhance security and manage border crossings more efficiently.
While the ESS or the Entry/Exit System is expected tobe fully in place by April 2026, the ETIAS or the European Travel and Information Authorization System should be accounted for in your travel plans from November 2026.
Keep in mind that both systems are deeply linked. While the ESS can function normally without the ETIAS, it is impossible for the latter to become operational without the ESS.
Understanding ESS
The ESS will replace the manual passport stamping with biometrics data, date and place of arrival/exit and details of travel documents.
This will ensure timely identification of those travelers who overstay as well as reducing instances of identity fraud by creating a seamless experience for travelers by avoiding the long waiting lines in immigration queues.
Over the next six months, the ESS will be introduced at the external borders of 29 European countries, along with passport stamping, until all the procedures are added in stages.
(Foreign nationals officially residing in the European Union will be exempted from both ETIAS and ESS when entering the Schengen area).
Expected outcomes of ESS
ESS will help in providing:
- Accurate information to border guards in a rapid way
- Information on entry refusal to non-EU nationals by checking electronically in the ESS
- Precise information to visitors on the maximum duration they can stay
- Information on those who are overstaying
- Evidence based support to visa policy
Understanding ETIAS
Beginning from the last quarter of 2026, citizens from 59 visa exempt countries, like the United States, United Kingdom, Japan etc, will be required to have the ETIAS travel authorization to enter any of the designated 29 European countries for a short stay.
On its part, the European Union will inform travelers the exact date of implementation of the ETIAS several months prior to the launch date.
ETIAS, once processed, will be linked to the traveler’s passport and will be valid for three years or until the expiry date of the passport, whichever is earlier. For passport renewal, you need to apply for ETIAS once again.
A valid ETIAS will allow you to enter any territory of the 29 European countries, multiple times, for periods not exceeding 90 days in a 180 day time span.
Remember, ETIAS is not a visa, it is a wavier to be completed in place of a visa and therefore does not guarantee entry. Once your documents are checked at the border and found in order, only then you will be allowed to enter.
ETIAS application process
It is strongly advised to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization well in advance, even before you book your ticket and accommodation.
For traveling to Europe in 2026, you will need to fill a form online on the ETIAS website, answer the security questions and pay the application fee and also provide the following documents:
- Valid Passport : Should be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay date
- Email Address is : Travelers will need to provide an email address to receive updates on their ETIAS application
- Debit/Credit Card: A valid card payment method to pay the required ETIAS application fee(currently €7).
- Travel Itinerary : Complete details of stay in the Schengen Area with dates of arrival and departure, hotel names or other accommodation information
- Personal Details : Basic personal information like Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, Permanent Address will be needed to fill up the application.
Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with your ETIAS approval electronically linked to your passport. Check the validity of the authorization and the countries it covers. A majority of the applications are processed within a few minutes.
If by chance your application is taking longer to process, you will get a judgment within four days and the time frame can extend to 14 days, in case additional information is asked for.
After approval check list
After your ETIAS has been linked successfully to your passport, please check the following before your departure.
Double-check all details and see if they match your passport and travel dates. Errors can create problems on arrival so it is better to spot them beforehand and rectify them.
Even though your ETIAS is linked to your passport, it is a good idea to save a digital copy of the approval email on your phone or take a printout and keep it with your travel documents.This will serve as a backup if there are technical glitches at the airport.
Update your ETIAS whenever needed as any changes in personal information won’t automatically be added in your authorization, in which case you will have to apply for a new ETIAS.
Implications for American travelers visiting Europe in 2026
Though not yet in place, beginning of 2026, American nationals visiting any of the 29 European Union countries will need to obtain ETIAS permission in order to gain entry.
Travelers from countries that are visa-exempt are the target audience for ETIAS to enter Europe. For non-EU visitors who do not need a visa to enter these countries, the European Commission has recommended raising the fee from €7 three-fold to €20.
Key ETIAS facts for American citizens
- Application fee €7(proposed to be raised to €20)
- Required for American nationals visiting all 29 Schengen countries as well as for Norway and Cyprus
- Application proceeded within minutes
- Validity three years or until the expiry date of passport
- Multiple entry allowed. No need to apply for every visit
- Even in you have a layover in an ETIAS country, approval is mandatory
Europe Beckons
Applying for ETIAS is only a new but simple step for American travelers heading to Europe and a quick strategy to ensure smooth and safe travel.
Spending a few extra minutes to fill up your ETIAS application will make sure your trip starts on the right track. Europe is waiting with open arms to welcome you.
Jo has been putting pen to paper from an early age when she started her “Dear Diary” and letters to her pen friends across the globe.
This alongside regular visits to Indian jungles in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, fueled her zest for adventure, nature and wildlife.
Now she is a renowned travel blogger, outreach expert and has worked with over 500 travel brands in the last 15 years.
