In April 2026, the EU implemented their Entry/Exit System (EES), and while there are still bugs in the system and still places where it’s not fully functional, you should expect that, when coming into any EU country, as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Sweden, that you will be required to register your data. The EES is an automated system that registers the data of any non-EU residents who intend on staying in European countries. The idea is to streamline the border check process as well as making European borders more secure. Eventually (sadly) it will replace passport stamps, automating the process and making it easier for security to pass travelers through.
The data that the EES processes includes anything on a traveler’s documentation, as well as biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial scans. The EES will also process entry and exit dates, as well as whether or not a traveler was denied entry. People who refuse to scan their biometric data will be refused entry. This data will only be used by immigration and law enforcement authorities of the country in which travelers will be staying. These new measures will make it easier to regulate who goes in and out of the country, preventing fake identities or overstaying. All personal data will be kept for three years, and then automatically erased. Citizens of the EU, as well as non-citizens who have a residence card or long-term visa will be exempt from the EES.
Wait Times Depend on Where You Enter
Although EU officials say that the EES should make border security easier, long waits have been reported at some locations where EES has been rolled out, which started in October 2025. Some reports expect that there will be waits of up to six hours over the summer at certain airports, but we have only seen isolated incidents of delays. While the early roll out was bumpy, measures are being taken to reduce wait times, including hiring more staff.
Recent EES Experiences
Members of the Rick Steves Europe Group on Facebook have been sharing their recent (April 2026) travel experiences under the new EES:
Frankfurt: “The registration entails scanning your passport, scanning your fingerprints, and having your picture taken. It was not crowded and took about 5 minutes. Following that I went through the usual passport control area.”
Rome: “Arriving in Rome, we immediately tried the easy kiosk passport registration, but it wouldn’t accept our fingerprints. We were sent to manual passport with agents, and were quickly approved. Probably took about 30-45 mins.”
Netherlands: “We flew to the Netherlands last Monday, everything went smoothly. We also enter Istanbul for a day and no issues at all.”
Copenhagen: “We just arrived in Copenhagen from LAX, then Brussels. It was smooth and the quickest line, though my husband has an EU PASSPORT, we went together in the All PASSPORT line. Our layover is only 1 hour, and we still have time to relax in the boarding area.
Brussels: “In Europe March 31-April 17. No problems in airports in Istanbul, Zurich, nor Brussels.”
Madrid: “EES Only came into effect on April 10 and it’s a nightmare in Lisbon & Madrid. 3-4 hr delay if you’re lucky.”
Munich: “Biggest obstacle was following the maze to the border agent. First scanned my passport. Next a picture taken. Finally fingerprints.”
Budapest: “Two officers with mobile scanners did everything as you stood in line. Would say the wait to clear was perhaps 20 min.”
Speeding Up the Process
Some airports and train stations are planning to compensate for the newfound chaos that the EES rollout has caused. The train service Eurostar has begun handling overcrowding by allowing passengers to board trains earlier. Eurostar has also been allowed to delay the rollout of EES at St. Pancras because of technical issues on the Paris side. Many airports and train stations are also doubling the number of booths available in order to handle the influx of congestion. As there isn’t sufficient space for all the new booths in the usual places, some booths will be found at various places around stations, with specially trained staff available to assist. The hope is that travel delays will be significantly decreased and the process can be streamlined as initially planned.
Clarifying the New Alphabet Soup of International Travel: EES, ETIAS, ETA, eTA, ESTA
The EES is the EU’s electronic entry/exit monitoring system, which, once fully completed, will be required upon entry and exit, although ideally you should only have to submit your fingerprints and facial recognition every three years.
Shortly after the EES rollout, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will follow. With the ETIAS, non-EU travelers will be required to obtain authorization before entering the Schengen Area. This will be accomplished by answering security questions, filling out an application, and paying a €20 fee. Children under 18 and adults over 70 will be exempt from the fee, but will still have to comply with the other aspects of the application. There is, however, a grace period for this rollout, and it won’t be mandatory for participating countries until 2027.
This is different than the ETA, which is an electronic travel authorization required to travel into the United Kingdom. Like the ETIAS, you must register online and pay a fee and then the ETA is good for two years and becomes part of your passport (you don’t have to carry any additional paperwork). It was super easy to do – had my approval within 10 minutes. Prepare ahead of time: take your phone out of the case and turn on your NFC before starting the process and make sure you’re in a well lit area with a white or plain wall behind you for the required photo.
eTA is Canada’s version of the electronic travel authorization. Unlike the UK, where you only need the ETA if you are stopping in the UK, Canada’s eTA is required even if you’re just flying through Canada and it is not your final destination. It is only CAN$7
The United States requires most visitors to obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The fee is $40.27 and is required for the following:
- You are a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country
- You are currently not in possession of a visitor’s visa.
- Your travel is for 90 days or less.
- You plan to travel to the United States for business or pleasure.
- You want to apply for a new authorization for one person or a group of applications for two or more person
Travel Tips
While the rollout of the EES hasn’t been flawless, it’s clearly a system designed with the future of travel in mind. Yes, there may be a few hiccups right now, and wait times can vary depending on where you enter, but early experiences show that when it works well, the process can be surprisingly quick and efficient. As more staff are trained and infrastructure improves, those growing pains are likely to fade.
For travelers, the key takeaway is simple: be prepared, allow a little extra time, and know that once you’re registered, future trips should be smoother. In the long run, the EES aims to replace paperwork, reduce uncertainty at borders, and create a more secure and streamlined experience across Europe. It may take a little patience today, but it’s paving the way for easier journeys tomorrow.