If you've been to Europe before, you know the drill. Show your passport, get a stamp, go find your luggage. That system is gone.
The United Kingdom and the European Union have both introduced new entry authorization requirements — and depending on when you're traveling, at least one of them applies to you right now.
Here's what's actually happening and what you need to do about it.
THE UK: THIS ONE IS ALREADY IN EFFECT
As of February 25, 2026, Americans need an Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter the United Kingdom. That includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
It is not a visa. It's closer to what Canada calls an eTA or what Europe is about to call an ETIAS — a quick online pre-clearance that gets linked to your passport. You apply once, it's valid for two years, and you're good for as many trips as you want during that window.
The ETA process
Cost: £20 (roughly $25). Apply through the UK ETA app on your phone. Most decisions come back in minutes, though the government recommends applying at least three business days before travel in case yours gets flagged for manual review.
The enforcement piece matters: if you show up at the airport without one, your airline is legally required to deny you boarding. There is no grace period. Airlines have been fined up to £2,000 per passenger for letting someone through without an ETA.
What you'll need:
Valid passport — the ETA links to that specific passport. Get a new passport later, you apply again.
Email address
Credit or debit card for the £20 fee
A few yes/no background questions — criminal history, prior deportations, that kind of thing
Everyone traveling needs their own ETA. That means every person in your group, including infants. No age exemptions, no fee exemptions. Budget £20 per person.
If you're visiting both the UK and mainland Europe on the same trip — London to Paris, Edinburgh to Amsterdam, that kind of itinerary — the UK ETA only covers your British leg. You'll need a separate authorization for Europe. Which brings us to the next thing.
EUROPE: TWO SYSTEMS, TWO TIMELINES
The EU has been building toward this for years. It's finally here — at least partially.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) went fully operational on April 10, 2026. This isn't something you apply for. It happens automatically at the border. When you cross into a Schengen country, border agents scan your passport and collect a facial image and fingerprints. This replaces the old passport stamp. It's how the EU now tracks who's in and out, and whether anyone has overstayed their 90-day limit.
First crossing will take a little longer. After that, it's seamless.
The ETIAS — Europe's version of the UK ETA — is scheduled to launch in Q4 2026. No exact date has been announced yet; the EU says they'll give at least six months' notice. Once it does launch, there will be a transitional period where you're asked to apply but won't be turned away if you haven't. After that grace window, it becomes a hard requirement.
ETIAS applies to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and 26 other Schengen countries. Valid for three years.
What you'll need (when ETIAS opens):
Valid passport — authorization links to the passport used at application
Email address
Travel plans — destination countries and approximate dates
Background questions — criminal record, prior immigration violations, travel to conflict zones
Credit or debit card for the €20 fee — travelers under 18 and over 70 are exempt from the fee, but everyone still has to apply
Parents or guardians apply on behalf of minors
Most approvals come back in minutes. Complex cases can take up to 30 days. Don't wait until the week before your trip.
THE SHORT VERSION
UK and EU Entry Requirements
ONE MORE THING: YOUR PASSPORT
All of this only matters if your passport is valid — and linked to the right authorization. Both the UK ETA and ETIAS attach to the specific passport used at application. Renew your passport after applying and you start over.
Passport Processing times
Europe requires at least three months of validity beyond your return date. The UK requires it to be valid for your entire stay.
If your passport expires within the next year, handle it now. Routine processing currently runs 4–6 weeks from the day your application is received — but add up to two more weeks for mail transit in both directions, and you're looking at nearly two months total before the passport is in your hand. Expedited service cuts that to 2–3 weeks of processing time for an extra $60, but the same mail buffer applies. Don't let a document get between you and a flight you've already booked.
USEFUL LINKS
U.S. Passports State Department passport hub — travel.state.gov/passports Online renewal (eligible applicants) — opr.travel.state.gov
UK ETA Official application site — gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation iOS app (App Store) — apps.apple.com/us/app/uk-eta/id6444912481 Android app (Google Play) — play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.gov.HomeOffice.ho3
Europe EES & ETIAS Official EU travel information — travel-europe.europa.eu ETIAS information — etias.com (official EU portal — not yet accepting applications)
Planning a trip to Europe and want someone to think through the details with you? That's exactly what we're here for.
Billy Miller is the founder of Miller Travel Group, an independent travel agency specializing in premium cruises and travel experiences. He has sailed more than 60 times across various cruise lines and personally evaluated resorts across the Mexican Caribbean.