Travel to Europe continues to be one of the strongest areas of business for travel advisors in 2026 especially during the busy summer months ahead. Along with the excitement of planning European vacations, however, comes an important responsibility: making sure clients understand the new border procedures and know what to expect before they arrive.
Europe’s border systems are becoming increasingly digital. The Entry/Exit System is now operational, ETIAS is expected later this year, and travelers should also consider enrolling in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. By explaining these changes clearly, travel advisors can reduce confusion, set realistic expectations, and help clients travel with greater confidence.
Understanding Europe’s Entry/Exit System
The European Union’s Entry/Exit System, commonly known as EES, is an automated system used to register non-European travelers entering and leaving 29 participating European countries for short stays.
EES was gradually introduced beginning in October 2025 and became fully operational on April 10, 2026. It replaces traditional passport stamping with an electronic record of a traveler’s arrival and departure.
For most American travelers, this means border officials will electronically collect and record:
- The traveler’s name and passport information
- The date and location of entry and departure
- A facial image
- Fingerprints, with certain exceptions
The system applies to non-EU nationals traveling for a short stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Children under age 12 are generally not fingerprinted, although a facial image may still be collected.
Travelers do not need to complete an EES application or register online before leaving home. Registration takes place when they cross an external border of a participating country. Advisors should warn clients that the initial registration process may take longer than the familiar passport-stamping procedure, particularly during busy travel periods.
Once travelers have been registered, subsequent border crossings may be faster because their information is already in the system. Nevertheless, travelers should allow extra time for immigration procedures and follow the instructions provided at airport kiosks or border-control counters.
Official EES information is available through the European Union’s Entry/Exit System website.
Do Not Confuse EES With ETIAS
Clients may have heard about ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is important to explain that EES and ETIAS are two separate programs.
EES records when eligible travelers enter and leave participating European countries. ETIAS will be a pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, including most travelers from the United States.
As of July 2026, ETIAS is not yet operational. The European Union expects it to begin during the last quarter of 2026, but travelers do not need to apply at this time.
When ETIAS becomes active, eligible travelers will need to complete an online application before departure. Advisors should caution clients against unofficial websites currently offering to process ETIAS applications. Until the official system opens, no legitimate ETIAS authorization can be issued.
The best source for current information is the official European Union ETIAS website.
Encourage Clients to Enroll in STEP
In addition to preparing clients for Europe’s digital border procedures, travel advisors should recommend the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP.
STEP is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling or living abroad to register their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrollment helps travelers receive important safety, security, weather, demonstration, and emergency information relating to their destination.
It can also make it easier for the U.S. government to contact or assist a traveler during an emergency, such as a natural disaster, civil unrest, or family crisis.
Clients can enroll through the official Smart Traveler Enrollment Program website. Advisors can provide the link, but clients should complete their own enrollment because it requires personal and itinerary information.
Travelers should also review destination-specific advisories and entry information on the U.S. Department of State’s international travel website.
How Travel Advisors Can Prepare Their Clients
Include these requirements in predeparture emails, final-document packets, and client consultations. Encourage travelers to:
- Carry a valid passport and verify its expiration date well in advance
- Allow additional time for border processing
- Expect facial imaging and fingerprint collection under EES
- Understand that EES registration occurs at the border
- Monitor the official ETIAS website for future updates
- Avoid unofficial websites requesting payment for ETIAS before applications open
- Enroll their trip in STEP
- Review current destination advisories before departure
Border procedures will continue to evolve, so advisors should avoid relying on outdated social-media posts or third-party websites. Always direct clients to official European Union and U.S. government resources.
A Prepared Client Is a More Confident Traveler
Clients rely on their travel advisor for more than flights, hotels, and tours. They also depend on their advisor to explain changes that could affect their journey.
By preparing travelers for EES, clarifying the current status of ETIAS, and encouraging STEP enrollment, advisors provide an important additional level of service. A well-informed client is more likely to arrive prepared, move through border controls confidently, and begin their European vacation with fewer surprises.