Flying to Europe in 2026? Here's what Americans need to know about passports, the new Entry/Exit System, upcoming ETIAS, UK ETA, and the 90-day Schengen rule.
Flying to Europe from the US in 2026? The process is straightforward, but there are important new requirements to know about. Here's your guide to what you need before boarding that transatlantic flight.
The Basics: No Visa Needed
Americans can fly to Europe and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This applies to 29 European countries in the Schengen Area, including popular destinations like France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Greece.
According to the US State Department, you need:
- Valid US passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your departure from Europe (6 months recommended)
- At least one blank page for entry stamps
- Proof of sufficient funds and return flight (if asked)
What's Changed: The Entry/Exit System
As of October 2025, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is rolling out at European borders. When you arrive, instead of just getting a passport stamp, you'll have your biometrics collected:
- Fingerprints
- Facial image
- Passport scan
This system tracks how long you stay and replaces the traditional stamp system. There's no fee, but expect slightly longer processing times at immigration, especially at major hubs like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Paris.
Coming Soon: ETIAS
Later in 2026, Americans will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before flying to Europe. According to EEAS:
- Cost: €20 for travelers aged 18-70 (free for others)
- Validity: 3 years or until your passport expires
- Processing: Usually minutes, up to 30 days in some cases
- Launch: Q4 2026 (exact date to be announced)
The official ETIAS application system is not yet open. Be cautious of third-party sites that may charge extra fees or attempt scams.
Flying to the UK? Different Rules
If your flight lands in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland), you need a UK ETA instead of (or in addition to) ETIAS:
- Cost: £16
- Validity: 2 years
- Required since: January 8, 2025
The UK is not part of the Schengen Area, so your UK time doesn't count toward your 90-day European limit.
The 90-Day Rule
The biggest rule to understand is the Schengen 90/180-day limit. You can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This isn't per country; it's the total across all Schengen members.
If you're making multiple trips throughout the year, track your days carefully. For help, use our free Schengen calculator or download the Days Monitor app for automatic tracking.
Before Your Flight: Quick Checklist
- ☐ Passport valid for 6+ months beyond your trip
- ☐ REAL ID for US domestic segments (if applicable)
- ☐ ETIAS applied for (once available in late 2026)
- ☐ UK ETA applied for (if visiting UK)
- ☐ Travel insurance purchased
- ☐ Bank notified of travel
- ☐ Schengen days calculated
For tracking your Schengen days, use our free Schengen calculator or the Days Monitor app.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Requirements change frequently. Always verify current information with the US State Department and official EU sources before traveling.
Track Your Schengen Days
Don't let visa calculations stress you out. Our free Schengen calculator tracks your 90/180 days automatically.
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