04/30/2026
Headed to Europe soon? This month, most airports have fully deployed the EES system which is requiring biometric data from non-EU travelers and can cause 2 - 4 hour delays. Once you have completed this process once, you should be valid to use the e-gates or streamlined kiosks for the next 3 years. Please check wait times at your Euro airport ahead of arrival so you are prepared - give yourself enough time to process through.
NOTE: As of April 10, If you are traveling to Sweden or Portugal, you can prepare a little of the process ahead of time using the "Travel to Europe" app, but you will still have to provide fingerprints, a final verification and kiosk check in at the airport. Non-EU nationals can use the app to pre-register their data within 72 hours prior to entering or leaving a European country using the app. The app does not replace border checks but makes border crossing smoother and faster and more efficient. We are hoping more countries will implement the app soon.
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/Travel-to-Europe-mobile-app
Please do not confuse this with the yet to be implemented ETIAS which is a separate online travel authorization (like our US ESTA) which is expected to launch later in 2026. This will require an online application and fee before you even head to the airport.
