The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will require travelers from the United States to be approved before entering most European countries for a short stay. Here’s the latest news on these programs.

First: these programs are supposed to make travel more streamlined, but their roll out has been anything but. The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will all require travelers from the United States to be approved before entering most European countries for a short stay. Once they launch, these authorizations can be obtained electronically, and quickly.

Although ETIAS was supposed to be implemented in the first half of 2025 — preceded by EES, which was expected to be implemented on Nov. 10 — the European Council of the European Union has confirmed that EES will be delayed, causing a bureaucratic chain reaction and a now-unknown starting date.

On the other hand, the ETA program to enter the UK will be implemented for travelers from the U.S. on Jan. 8, 2025. 

Requirements for Visiting the European Union

EES was intended to serve as the foundation for ETIAS by capturing biometric data for travelers entering the EU and replacing the need to stamp physical passports. 

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This new system requires officials to verify the length of time travelers spend in Europe; however, several EU countries stated they would not be ready for the November launch date. As a result, EES will now be introduced in phases, with no firm start dates in place.

What Does That Mean for Clients Traveling to Europe?

All visitors will continue collecting traditional passport stamps for the time being.

“EES is the preliminary phase whereby the information on entry and exit will be stored electronically, thus eliminating the need for ‘wet stamping,’” said Tom Jenkins, CEO of the European Tour Operators Association. “[However], all entry and exit points have to be ready before it is implemented as you cannot have a partial storing of this information.”

While the programs are on hold until all EU countries are prepared, the ETIAS requirement will be introduced approximately six months after the introduction of EES. Jenkins also notes that travelers “should expect a delay the first time they go through EES as registration may take some time.”

The good news is that once both systems are fully implemented — and clients are approved — ETIAS authorization will be linked to their passport and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expiration date, whichever comes first. 

Requirements for Visiting the United Kingdom

Similarly, the expanded ETA program will require inbound travelers from the U.S. (except British and Irish citizens) to obtain an ETA for visits of up to six months beginning on Jan. 8, 2025. Clients with U.S. passports can start the application process on Nov. 27.

“Advisors play a crucial role in guiding their clients through the new ETA process before it comes into effect,” said Carl Walsh, senior vice president, USA, for Visit Britain. “Encouraging clients to apply as soon as applications open will help ensure a smooth travel experience. Advisors can also benefit from attending the UK Home Office’s information events and utilizing resources like the Partner Pack to address any client questions about the new requirements.”

Like EES for travel to the EU, the UK’s ETA will be linked to clients’ passports and will be valid for two years or until the passport expires (whichever is sooner), but unlike the system for entry into the EU, ETA grants permission for travel to the UK, but a passport stamp will still be required for entry.

How to Apply

It costs about $11 to apply for an ETA and is required for everyone traveling, including babies and children. All travelers will need an original passport — not a photocopy or digital passport) — but do not need to enter their travel details.

The fastest way to apply is via the UK ETA app, which is already available on the App Store and Google Play, but applications can also be submitted online. Ttravel advisors can submit applications on behalf of clients, and travelers can expect to receive a decision within three working days.

ETIAS is currently not in operation, and no applications are being accepted; however, once the program launches, it will cost about $8 to apply (applicants under 18 or over 70 are exempt from payment). Travelers will need a valid original passport to apply to ETIAS, and that passport cannot expire in less than three months and should not be older than 10 years. Travelers will be able to apply using the official ETIAS website or the official ETIAS mobile app; clients must authorize an advisor to submit an application on their behalf.

One potential wrinkle comes when U.S. travelers visit the UK between entering and exiting from the EU. For example, clients might land in Paris, visit London and depart from Dublin. In that case, Jenkins says, they will need both an ETIAS to visit Europe and an ETA to go to the UK; however, neither is required for the Republic of Ireland.

Jenkins recommends that agents refer to websites that provide up-to-date information, including the ETOA page, which is open to non-members. 

Beyond that, he says to “pay attention, but relax — this is not a visa.”