The 2026 Europe entry checklist: ETIAS, EES and what to carry
Two new systems now govern how non-EU visitors enter Europe. Here is what each one requires, when, and what to have ready at the border.
Entering Europe is now governed by two systems that did not exist a few years ago. They do different things, apply at different moments, and are routinely confused with each other.
Here is what each requires.
ETIAS — before you travel
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System launches later this year for travellers from visa-exempt countries, including the US, UK, Canada and Australia.
- Cost: €20 for applicants aged 18 to 70. Under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the fee.
- Everyone still applies. A fee exemption is not an application exemption — this catches families out.
- Collection: for bookings made from July 2026 onwards, the fee is built into the price of the flight or cruise ticket.
- It is not a visa. It authorises travel to the border; it does not guarantee entry or extend your permitted stay.
The passport trap
An authorisation is tied to the passport it was issued against. Renew the passport and the authorisation does not follow. Check your expiry date before applying.
EES — at the border
The Entry/Exit System has been rolling out at Schengen crossings since October 2025 and completes its deployment this month. It replaces passport stamping with a digital record.
At your first crossing after registration, expect to provide fingerprints and a facial image alongside your passport data. That first enrolment is slower than a stamp; subsequent crossings are faster.
The important consequence is that the 90-days-in-180 limit is now calculated automatically. Anyone who has been treating that limit approximately should stop.
The practical checklist
Before booking
- Check passport validity — most of Europe requires it to be valid for three months beyond your intended departure and issued within the last ten years.
- Count your Schengen days across the previous 180 if you travel to Europe frequently.
Before travelling
- Apply for ETIAS through the official channel. Third-party sites charge a markup for a form you can complete yourself.
- Do not leave the application to the last day. Most are decided quickly; the ones flagged for review are not.
At the airport
- Allow extra time for arrival formalities, particularly at a large hub during a busy arrival bank.
- Have your accommodation details and return ticket accessible. Border officers can ask, and the digital system does not change that.
What has not changed
The 90-day limit, the requirement to satisfy a border officer, and the need for adequate travel insurance are all exactly as they were. What has changed is that the record of your movements is now precise, permanent and instantly available at every crossing point in the zone.