A Guide to EES, ETIAS and ETA: What to Know About Europe’s Travel Authorizations

Editor's note: This article was originally published on November 14, 2024. It was last updated on February 3, 2026.

The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) require travelers from the United States to be approved before entering most European countries for a short stay. As the rollout has been less than smooth, here's the latest news on these programs, so that travel advisors can keep clients on track.

Details to Know

These programs are supposed to make travel more streamlined, but their implementation has been complicated. The European Union’s EES, the ETIAS and the United Kingdom’s ETA all require travelers from the United States to be approved before entering most European countries for a short stay. Fortunately, these authorizations can be obtained electronically, and quickly.

The EES became operational on Oct. 12, 2025; however, the 29 European countries are introducing the system gradually, with data collection at border crossing points being implemented on a rolling basis for the six-month period through April 10, 2026.

ETIAS will start operation in the last quarter of 2026, but no action is required from travelers at this point. A specific start date will be announced several months before its launch.

The ETA program to enter the UK was implemented for travelers from the U.S. on Jan. 8, 2025. And as of April 2, 2025, citizens of the European Union are also required to apply for permission to enter the UK through ETA. Following a lengthy roll-out period, the ETA will be enforced for visitors to the UK beginning Feb. 25, 2026. 

Requirements for Visiting the European Union

EES was intended to serve as the foundation for ETIAS by capturing biometric data for travelers entering the EU and replacing the need to stamp physical passports. This new system requires officials to verify the length of time travelers spend in Europe; however, EES is being introduced in phases through April 2026.

The EES will also store different biometric identifiers depending on whether or not clients need a short-stay visa. If they do, the system will only store a facial image since fingerprints were registered as part of the visa application. If there’s no need for a visa, the system will store both fingerprints and a facial image. Fingerprints of children under 12 years old will not be scanned.

Both biometric passports containing a chip and non-biometric passports will be accepted when crossing EU borders, as long as its valid and all other entry conditions are fulfilled; however, travelers will need a biometric passport if they want to use automated self-service systems, which are available at certain border crossing points. 

RELATED: Most Travelers Support Biometrics for Airport Security

What Does That Mean for Clients Traveling to Europe?

Visitors may continue collecting traditional passport stamps as the electronic system is implemented.

“EES is the preliminary phase whereby the information on entry and exit will be stored electronically, thus eliminating the need for ‘wet stamping,’” said Tom Jenkins, CEO of the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA). “However, all entry and exit points have to be ready before it is implemented as you cannot have a partial storing of this information.”

Once all EU countries are prepared, the ETIAS requirement will be introduced. Jenkins also notes that travelers “should expect a delay the first time they go through EES as registration may take some time.”

The good news is that once both systems are fully implemented — and clients are approved — ETIAS authorization will be linked to their passport and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expiration date, whichever comes first. 

Requirements for Visiting the United Kingdom

Similarly, the UK's program requires that all inbound travelers from the U.S. who do not need a visa (except British and Irish citizens) obtain an ETA for visits of up to six months. The ETA program went online on Jan. 8, 2025, but there's been a grace period while travelers adjusted to the new system. Beginning, Feb. 25, 2026, however, clients will not be able to legally travel to the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorization.

“Advisors play a crucial role in guiding their clients through the ETA process,” said Carl Walsh, senior vice president, USA, for Visit Britain. “Encouraging clients to apply as soon as [possible] will help ensure a smooth travel experience. Advisors can also benefit from attending the UK Home Office’s information events and utilizing resources like the Partner Pack to address any client questions about the new requirements.”

Like EES for travel to the EU, the UK’s ETA is linked to clients’ passports and will be valid for two years or until the passport expires (whichever is sooner). Unlike the system for entry into the EU, ETA grants permission for travel to the UK, but a passport stamp may still be required for entry.

“ETAs are better for travelers,” said Mike Tapp, the UK’s minister for migration and citizenship. “Digitizing the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the UK every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience.”

An ETA is required for travel to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but is not required for travel to any of the 14 UK Territories, including Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Islands. Travelers also do not need to apply for an ETA if they're only transiting through the UK (meaning they will remain in the airport and will not pass through immigration). However, if clients plan to leave the airport for any amount of time, an ETA is required.

How to Apply

Everyone traveling needs to apply for an ETA, including babies and children. All travelers will need an original passport — not a photocopy or digital passport — but do not need to enter their travel details. The fee 16 pounds (about $20). 

The fastest way to apply is via the UK ETA app, which is available on the App Store and Google Play. While most people get a decision automatically in minutes, it’s recommended to allow three working days in case an application requires additional review. Clients who have not been approved to travel may be denied boarding, so it's important to apply early.

Advisors can apply for a client’s ETA via the UK ETA app as long as they’re in the same location by using a phone’s camera to scan their passport and face; otherwise, advisors must apply for client ETAs online (photos of their passport and face are required). The same applies to clients applying for other members of their traveling party, including children. British and Irish citizens are exempt from needing an ETA.

ETIAS is currently not in operation, and no applications are being accepted; however, once the program launches, it will cost about $8 to apply (applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from payment). Travelers will need a valid original passport to apply to ETIAS, and that passport cannot expire in less than three months and should not be older than 10 years. Travelers will be able to apply using the official ETIAS website or the official ETIAS mobile app; clients must authorize an advisor to submit an application on their behalf.

One potential wrinkle comes when U.S. travelers visit the UK between entering and exiting from the EU. For example, clients might land in Paris, visit London and depart from Dublin. In that case, Jenkins says, travelers will need both the ETIAS for Europe and an ETA to go to the UK; however, neither is required for the Republic of Ireland. In this scenario,  an ETA is not required for clients connecting through the UK, but will not leave the airport.

Jenkins recommends that agents refer to websites that provide up-to-date information, including the ETOA page, which is open to non-members. 

Beyond that, he says to “pay attention, but relax — this is not a visa.”