Planning a trip to Europe during the upcoming winter travel season? Travelers may face longer border wait times following changes to entry procedures. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been delayed, but another system is now in place.
Fully operational since April 2026, Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES) tracks non-EU travelers’ entries and exits for short stays in the countries it covers. The additional checks have caused delays at some airports, with longer wait times possible during peak travel periods.
ETIAS Delay: Do Americans Need ETIAS?
Americans do not need ETIAS for short visits to the European countries the system covers. As of November 2026, ETIAS remains unavailable. It has reportedly been delayed into 2027. The European Union (EU) has not confirmed a new launch date.
Once ETIAS launches, travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will need to apply online for travel authorization before departure. ETIAS is not a visa. It will allow authorities to screen travelers for security and immigration risks before they arrive. Existing visa-free stay limits will not change.
Europe EES: What Happens at the Border?
EES replaces routine passport stamping with digital records of travelers entering and leaving the participating European countries.
On their first entry under EES, travelers complete biometric registration at border control:
- Passport control officers check travelers’ passports and record their document details.
- Travelers provide fingerprints and a facial image. Children under 12 do not need to provide fingerprints.
- EES records the date and location of entry to track the duration of short stays.
On subsequent visits, border officials verify the information collected during the first registration. EES does not change the existing visa-free stay limit of 90 days within any 180-day period for Americans.
EES Border Wait Times: Will Europe Airport Queues Get Longer?
EES border checks have led to longer queues at some European airports. Travelers may face delays as passenger traffic increases. For instance, at Geneva Airport in Switzerland, travelers have reported wait times of up to three hours, particularly on busy ski-season Saturdays.
Under EU rules, European countries could temporarily suspend EES biometric checks during severe delays, but the special authorization expired on September 6, 2026. Airlines and several European governments have requested an extension through winter, but no new arrangement has been officially confirmed.
If you are traveling to Europe, allow extra time for passport control. Avoid booking flights with tight connections. Check your airline’s recommended arrival time before departure.
UK ETA: Do Americans Need a Separate Travel Authorization?
Americans traveling to the United Kingdom need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure unless they qualify for an exemption. The UK ETA operates separately from ETIAS and applies to visits to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
As of November 2026, the UK ETA application fee is £20. The rate increased from £16 in April 2026. Travelers should apply only through the official UK government website to avoid extra fees from third-party services.
Europe Travel Requirements for Americans: How Can Travelers Prepare?
The ETIAS delay and EES border wait times could affect Europe travel winter 2026 plans. Americans do not need to apply for ETIAS yet, but longer waits at border control remain possible. Review travel arrangements and insurance coverage before departure.
Before traveling:
- Check passport requirements. Confirm your passport’s validity and the permitted length of stay for each destination.
- Review your itinerary. Allow enough time for border checks, especially when connecting flights or traveling between countries.
- Monitor travel updates. Check official government websites for changes to European entry requirements, including the ETIAS launch and EES border procedures.
- Review travel insurance coverage. Travel health insurance may cover medical expenses abroad. Policies with trip protection benefits may also cover travel delays, trip cancellations, and trip interruptions.
- Understand Schengen visa insurance. Schengen visa insurance is required for travelers applying for a Schengen visa. Americans visiting under the visa exemption do not need Schengen visa insurance to enter the Schengen Area.
Europe Winter Travel: What Should Travelers Remember?
ETIAS applications are not yet required, but EES border checks are in effect. Americans traveling to Europe should prepare for possible airport delays and review current entry requirements before departure.
With a possible ETIAS 2027 launch, travelers should monitor official announcements for a confirmed date and any changes to European travel rules.
Your Insurance Questions Answered
We're more than just your broker; we're your partner. Get fast answers to nearly any insurance question from our expert agents or use the power of our proprietary database.