Overview
US citizens traveling to the European Union/Schengen Area need to know these important changes to travel registration and authorization requirements.
Starting October 12, 2025, the EU is phasing in an electronic entry and exit system (EES). This means that non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area will have their photos and biometric data recorded when entering the Area.
Starting in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2026, non-EU citizens will be required before their trip to register online with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
EES and ETIAS are similar to entry and security systems the USA, UK, and Australia have had in place for some time. The systems are designed to modernize travel and make border crossings simpler, safer, and faster. The EU has been planning implementation for several years.
What to Know and Do
2025 October 12 – Exit/Entry System (EES) Starts
On this date, non-EU nationals (including US citizens) traveling to the Schengen Area for short stays will start having their pictures and fingerprints taken at the Area’s external borders. While not all entry ports will have this operational on October 12, the system will be fully operational by April 10, 2026. Border entry queues may be slower at times due to collecting this information from non-EU citizens entering for the first time under these requirements.
Learn more on the official EU website: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/united-states-america/travelling-europe-etias_en
2026 Q4 – European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) Starts
The exact date ETIAS will start will be announced at least six months before the system is operational. The date is somewhat dependent upon the rollout of EES.
ETIAS is an entry requirement for non-EU citizens visiting the EU for short-term stays (up to 90 days in any 180 days) in 30 Schengen countries. It’s valid for multiple entries over three years or until your passport expires, which ever comes first. ETIAS is not a visa.
Applying for ETIAS
(WHEN ETIAS BECOMES ACTIVE) At least three days before your planned trip, apply for ETIAS via the official website or app (see below) and pay a €20 fee (about $23-$25). Authorization is sent to you via email or the official app.
Completing the ETIAS application takes about 20 minutes. You must provide your name, contact information, education, profession, passport/residence permit info, when you’ll make your first entry into the Schengen Area, and other details pertaining to entry eligibility. Processing and authorization generally take 24 hours, although in some cases it may take longer, and you may be asked to provide documentation beyond what’s generally required.
Official Sites and Application
WHEN ETIAS BECOMES ACTIVE – Apply using the official ETIAS website or the official ETIAS mobile app.
I’ll update this page and post photos of the app as the site and app go live. ~ KMK
- Official ETIAS website – Not yet live as of 2025-08-30 – https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
- Official ETIAS app – To be released in App stores. Not yet released as of 2025-08-30
Beware: There are many unofficial websites and apps that offer information about ETIAS (and EES), and many non-official sites and apps that offer systems (or will when the system is live) to complete the ETIAS. To avoid potential scams and/or unnecessary fees, use only the official EU Government website or official app when you apply.
Learn more on the official EU website: https://www.etiaseu.com/us-citizens.