If you are flying to Europe for a cruise, or starting a cruise in a European port, two new EU border systems come up a lot. Here is where each one stands as of October 2026.
Entry/Exit System (EES): in place now
The EU’s Entry/Exit System started on October 12, 2025 and has been fully operational since April 10, 2026. It registers non-EU travelers, including Americans, each time they enter or leave the 29 participating European countries for a short stay, and it replaces passport stamping in most of them. The first time through, expect border officers to take your photo and fingerprints along with your passport details. There is no fee and nothing to apply for in advance.
ETIAS: not required yet
ETIAS is a separate online travel authorization that visa-free visitors, including U.S. citizens, will eventually need before traveling to most of Europe. It is not running yet. The EU’s official guidance says no action is required from travelers for now and that the start date will be announced several months before launch. In July 2026 the official ETIAS website removed its earlier late-2026 target, and reports now point to 2027.
Be wary of websites offering to “apply” for ETIAS for a fee today. Applications are not open yet.
