What Travelers Need to Know Before Going to Europe or the UK

EES. ETIAS. ETA. If it feels like international travel suddenly comes with an alphabet soup of new requirements, you’re not alone. All three of these acronyms are showing up more and more when talking about travel to Europe and the UK, but they don’t mean the same thing — and you don’t necessarily need all three.

Some happen at the border, while others require you to do something before you leave home. And if your trip combines the UK with continental Europe, more than one could apply to the same vacation. Here’s what each one means and what you actually need to know.

What Is EES?

EES stands for Entry/Exit System. It’s Europe’s digital border system for many non-EU travelers entering and leaving the Schengen Area for short stays. Instead of relying on passport stamps, EES electronically records information such as your passport details, entry and exit information, facial image and fingerprints.

For American tourists, the most important thing to know is that you do not apply for EES before your trip. The process happens when you cross an external Schengen border. On your first trip using the system, you may need to register biometric information, which can add time to the immigration process.

EES is used by 29 European countries, including popular destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. You generally encounter it when you first enter or leave the Schengen Area, not every time you travel between Schengen countries.

Think of it this way: EES = what happens at the European border.

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Unlike EES, ETIAS will require eligible visa-exempt travelers, including Americans, to obtain a travel authorization before traveling to participating European countries for a short stay.

ETIAS is not a visa, and most importantly, it is not active yet. Its implementation has been pushed to 2027, so there is currently nothing U.S. travelers need to apply for. Once it launches, travelers will complete an online application before their trip.

Because ETIAS has been delayed multiple times, be cautious of websites offering to sell you an ETIAS now. Applications are not currently open.

Think of it this way: ETIAS = permission you’ll eventually need before your trip to Europe.

What Is the UK ETA?

ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation, and this one is completely separate from Europe’s EES and ETIAS systems. It’s specifically for travel to the United Kingdom — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For U.S. travelers, the UK ETA is already required. You apply before traveling using the official UK ETA app or online, and the authorization is electronically linked to your passport. It currently costs £20 and is generally valid for multiple trips for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

If you get a new passport, you’ll need a new ETA because the authorization is connected to the passport used for the application.

Think of it this way: ETA = permission before traveling to the UK.

What If I’m Visiting Both the UK and Europe?

If your itinerary includes both the UK and continental Europe, you may encounter more than one system. For example, if you’re flying to London and then taking the Eurostar to Paris, you’ll need to meet the UK’s ETA requirements and you’ll encounter EES when entering the Schengen Area.

Once ETIAS eventually becomes mandatory, eligible travelers on that same itinerary will also need an ETIAS authorization for the European portion of the trip. A UK ETA will not cover Europe, and ETIAS will not cover the UK.

Do Children Need EES, ETIAS or ETA?

Children can be subject to these requirements too. For the UK, eligible children need their own ETA, and a parent or guardian can apply on their behalf.

Children are also registered under EES when the system applies to them, although children under 12 are not required to provide fingerprints. Once ETIAS launches, children who fall under the applicable visa-exempt traveler requirements will need their own authorization as well.

Give Yourself Extra Connection Time

EES has changed how non-EU travelers are processed at external Schengen borders, and processing times can vary depending on the airport, passenger volume and how many travelers need to complete their initial registration.

For my own clients, I am not booking connections involving these border procedures with less than three hours. That doesn’t mean everyone will need three hours at immigration, but I would rather build extra time into an itinerary than risk a missed connection because of a tight schedule.

Remember, immigration usually happens at the first airport where you enter the Schengen Area. If you’re flying San Francisco to Frankfurt and then connecting to Florence, for example, Frankfurt is generally where you’ll complete immigration.

EES vs. ETIAS vs. ETA: The Quick Version

Travel requirements continue to change, so always verify the rules for your passport and itinerary before an international trip. I’ll continue updating this guide as EES evolves, ETIAS launches and entry requirements for Europe and the UK change.