A big travel change is coming up for Americans traveling to Europe, and you need to know about it before you fly.
We keep up with all the latest travel news so you feel prepared for your trip before you step out of your house, no matter where you’re heading. If you’re traveling to Europe soon, and by that we mean you’re beginning your travel in the next month, something has changed for Americans when you go through customs.
According to Travel Off Path, beginning October 12th, the Entry-Exit System (EES) will finally take effect for all U.S. Passport holders that are flying into any European country in the Schengen Area (which includes 29 countries — to be on the safe side, just assume this will happen where you’re flying into). This means that U.S. Passport holders will now be subject to getting their photo taken AND having their fingerprints documented when traveling to these countries.
This system will eventually replace manual passport stamping for travelers. As a tourist, you are currently only allowed to stay in Schengen Area countries for 90 days out of every 180-day period. However, the only way to verify this is through manual stamps. With this new system, catching overstayers will become way easier, as it’ll all be automated and connected to fingerprints. However, children under 12 will not be required to give their fingerprints.
This also means you’ll want to expect longer lines and delays as this new process goes underway. For the first six months, it’s also possible that it’ll be a little rough going, as some areas may have the EES system while others are still waiting for it to be implemented. Should there be no major hiccups, the EES system is expected to be widely available throughout these countries within 180 days of October 12th.
It’s also important to note that for U.S. citizens heading to Europe, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETIAS) will make its debut between October and December 2026, and will cost around $23.50 (a price rise from the original $8). The biggest part of this is that starting around Fall 2026, you will not be able to board Europe-bound flights as an American citizen unless you’ve applied for, and then paid for, authorization to travel in advance!
Be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest travel news to be prepared for your upcoming vacations!
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This is incorrect. The EES has nothing to do with going thru customs. It applies to going thru immigration which is separate and unique from customs. Customs is about the goods you are brining in/out of a country. Immigration is about you entering/exiting a country.