Europe Travel Checklist: What You Need Before Your Trip

Traveling to Europe in 2026 requires more prep than ever. Here's your complete checklist covering passports, ETIAS, UK ETA, the 90-day Schengen rule, health, money, and packing essentials.

Traveling to Europe in 2026 requires more preparation than it used to. New entry systems, authorization requirements, and the Schengen 90-day rule all need attention before you go. Here's a complete checklist to make sure you're ready.

Documents You Need

Passport

Your US passport is the foundation of all European travel. According to the State Department:

Validity: Should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates (3 months is the legal minimum for Schengen)
Blank pages: At least one for entry stamps
Condition: Must be machine-readable and in good condition

Passports issued more than 10 years ago may not be accepted in some countries, even if they're technically still valid.

ETIAS (Late 2026 onward)

The European Travel Information and Authorization System is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active:

Cost: €20 for travelers aged 18-70 (free for others)
Validity: 3 years or until your passport expires
Processing: Usually minutes, but can take up to 96 hours
Where to apply: The official EU ETIAS portal (avoid unofficial sites with extra fees)

UK ETA (If Visiting the UK)

If your trip includes the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), you need a separate UK ETA:

Cost: £16
Validity: 2 years
Apply: Via the UK ETA app or gov.uk

Note: Ireland (Republic of) requires neither ETIAS nor UK ETA.

Before You Leave: Timeline

2-4 Weeks Before

Check passport validity and renew if needed
Apply for ETIAS (once available in late 2026)
Apply for UK ETA if visiting the UK
Purchase travel insurance
Notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations
Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) at step.state.gov
Check Travel Advisories for your destinations
Verify medications are legal in your destination countries

1 Week Before

Download essential apps: translator, offline maps, airline apps
Set up phone connectivity: eSIM is the easiest option for unlocked phones
Exchange some euros for arrival expenses (or withdraw at airport ATM)
Confirm all reservations: flights, hotels, car rentals
Make copies of passport, insurance, and itinerary

Understanding the 90-Day Schengen Rule

One of the most important rules for European travel is the Schengen Area's 90/180-day limit. Americans can stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This isn't per country; it's across all 29 Schengen members combined.

If you're making multiple trips to Europe throughout the year, you need to track your days carefully. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

For help with this, use our free Schengen calculator or download the Days Monitor app for automatic tracking.

Health and Safety

Travel Insurance

The US government emphasizes that it will not cover medical costs or evacuation for citizens abroad. Travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Look for policies that cover:

Emergency medical treatment
Medical evacuation
Trip cancellation/interruption
Lost or stolen belongings

Medications

Bring prescriptions in their original labeled containers
Verify legality of your medications at your destination (some common US medications are controlled substances in Europe)
Carry a copy of your prescription or doctor's note

Safety Registrations

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You'll receive:

Security alerts for your destination
Information about emergencies
Easier contact from the embassy if your family needs to reach you

Money Matters

Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card freezes
Know your ATM fees and consider a travel-friendly card with no foreign transaction fees
Carry some cash for arrival (small purchases, tipping, emergencies)
Currency declaration: If carrying €10,000 or equivalent, you must declare it at customs

Packing Essentials

Power adapter: Europe uses Type C and Type F plugs (220V)
Document copies: Digital (phone, cloud) and paper
Medications in original packaging with prescriptions
Phone + charger + portable battery
Comfortable walking shoes (European cities involve lots of walking on cobblestones)

Quick Pre-Trip Checklist

Before you leave for Europe:

☐ Passport valid for 6+ months with blank pages
☐ ETIAS applied for (late 2026 onward)
☐ UK ETA applied for (if visiting UK)
☐ Travel insurance purchased
☐ Bank notified of travel
☐ Enrolled in STEP
☐ Medications verified and documented
☐ Document copies made (digital and paper)
☐ Phone connectivity arranged (eSIM)
☐ Schengen days tracked

For tracking your 90-day Schengen limit, use our free Schengen calculator or download the Days Monitor app for automatic tracking.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Requirements can change. Always verify current information with the US State Department and official sources before traveling.