New European Entry Systems

Written by Curtis Fox | Dec 10, 2024 1:00:00 PM

Europe Entry Updates: What Travelers Need to Know (2026)

Updated: February 2026

 

Europe is modernizing its border systems. If you’re traveling to Portugal, Italy, France, Spain — or the United Kingdom — you may encounter new digital requirements.

Here’s the quick, digestible version.

 

The Big Picture

Three systems are either launching soon or already rolling out:

  • EES – Digital border processing for Schengen countries
  • ETIAS – Pre-travel authorization for Schengen countries
  • UK ETA – Pre-travel authorization for the United Kingdom

 

They serve different purposes. Only some require action before you travel.

 

Quick Comparison

System Where It Applies When It Happens Fee What It Does Status (Feb 2026)
EES Schengen Area (Portugal, Italy, France, Spain, etc.) At the border None Digitally records entry & exit; collects biometrics Active (phased rollout underway — full implementation expected April 2026)
ETIAS Schengen Area + select EU states Before departure €7 Online travel authorization required before boarding Not yet active (expected late 2026)
UK ETA United Kingdom Before departure UK government fee Online travel authorization required before boarding Active (implementation underway)

 

 

1. Entry/Exit System (EES)

Where: Schengen countries
When: At the border
Fee: None

The Entry/Exit System replaces passport stamps with a digital record.

Once operational (expected 2026), travelers will:

  • Scan their passport at a kiosk
  • Provide fingerprints and a facial image
  • Have their entry and exit recorded electronically

There is nothing to apply for in advance. It simply modernizes passport control and tracks the 90-days-within-180 rule automatically.

Official information:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees

 

2. ETIAS

Where: Schengen countries
When: Before travel
Fee: €7

ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization similar to the U.S. ESTA.

Once active (expected late 2026), travelers from visa-exempt countries — including the United States — must apply online before departure.

  • Online application
  • Small fee
  • Valid for multiple trips
  • Not a visa

Official site:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias

 

3. UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Where: United Kingdom
When: Before travel
Fee: Set by UK government

The UK operates separately from the EU and Schengen Area.

The UK ETA is being phased in and requires visa-exempt travelers to apply online before boarding.

Official site:
https://www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

 

The 30-Second Summary

Traveling to Italy, Portugal, France, Spain, Greece, etc.?

  • EES will apply at arrival once active.
  • ETIAS will apply before travel once launched.

Traveling to London or elsewhere in the UK?

  • The UK ETA applies before departure.

Right now:

  • ETIAS has not yet launched.
  • EES is expected in 2026.
  • The UK ETA may already apply depending on nationality and rollout phase.

We monitor these timelines closely and will guide clients through any required steps as systems move from announcement to enforcement.
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