04/27/2026
Rick Steves has some great information about the new EES system in Europe:
"You might've seen alarming headlines about long lines and major delays when entering Europe due to the new Entry-Exit System (EES), the European Union's digital border control technology. So, is it really that much harder to travel to Europe right now?
The short answer is: No. A lot of those headlines are chasing clicks. Many travelers report no issues with Europe's new system, with some saying "nothing felt different" — or even that the process felt "smoother and faster" than before.
That said, this is a new protocol — and with any major change, there are quirks being worked out. A handful of airports have had trouble adjusting, creating bottlenecks that can, at times, result in longer-than-usual lines. In most cases, staff are actively managing congestion by fast-tracking those with tight connections and even pausing EES altogether to keep things moving. But for anyone traveling to Europe soon, it's good to know what's changed, where you could encounter a potential delay, and how to navigate one if so.
In our latest Updates & Insights article, we break down what EES is, what going through it looks like, and what to prepare for on your upcoming trip: https://blog.ricksteves.com/insights/ees-faq/ "
Traveling through immigration in Europe has changed. The European Union has implemented its Entry-Exit System (EES), a fully electronic way to check your passport when crossing borders. While most countries are handling this process smoothly, some are struggling a bit — and this has led to some al...
