US Travellers in Europe: State Department Guidance on EES, ETIAS and Schengen Rules

Travel from the United States to Europe is changing, and the US State Department has published guidance to help American citizens navigate the new systems. It covers three things travellers most often ask about: the EU's biometric border system, the forthcoming travel authorisation, and the long-standing Schengen short-stay rules.

The headline message is reassuring: most of the new steps are handled at the border or do not yet apply, so with a little preparation American travellers can avoid surprises.

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The EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

As of 12 October 2025, US citizens travelling to 29 European countries go through the EU's new Entry/Exit System for visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. On entry, the system collects fingerprints, a facial image, passport details and entry and exit dates, all stored digitally.

Crucially, there is no fee to enter the Schengen area or the EU under EES, and no advance action is required. The State Department notes that the system is being introduced gradually, so travellers should expect a transitional period rather than a single switch-over.

The UK ETA and the upcoming ETIAS

For trips to the United Kingdom, US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short tourism or business visits, unless they hold a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or Ireland. The ETA acts as pre-clearance and applies to all parts of the UK, including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Travellers do not need one to transit the UK if they will not pass through border control, but should check with their airline if unsure.

For the EU itself, the State Department is clear that US travellers do not currently need an electronic travel authorisation and do not pay a fee to enter the Schengen area. That will change with ETIAS, the EU's planned travel information and authorisation system, which is expected to launch in late 2026.

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Schengen entry rules to remember

Beyond the new systems, the core Schengen rules still apply. A US passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure from the EU, and ideally for the whole stay plus three months. With a valid passport, Americans can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or business, then must wait a further 90 days before re-entering.

Longer stays need a visa from the embassy of the country where the traveller will spend most of their time, and minors travelling alone or with one parent may need extra documentation. For US citizens planning a European trip, it helps to review the United States country requirements so the EES step and the future ETIAS rule do not come as a surprise.