Europe’s New EES Border System: What Americans Need to Know Before Traveling
Europe has changed the way many American travelers enter and exit the continent. The new Entry/Exit System, known as EES, uses biometric technology to record your passport information, facial image, fingerprints and travel dates at participating European borders. So, what does this mean for your next European vacation? In this video, I explain: ✈️ Who must register with EES ✈️ What happens when you arrive in Europe ✈️ Whether you need to complete anything before leaving home ✈️ Why your first entry may take longer ✈️ How EES is different from ETIAS ✈️ What families, cruise passengers and frequent travelers should know ✈️ How to prepare for possible airport and border delays EES is not a visa, and it does not mean Americans can no longer travel freely throughout Europe. But it does change the border process, and arriving unprepared could create unnecessary confusion. Before your next trip, make sure your passport is valid, allow additional connection time and understand what will be required at your first European border crossing. Have you experienced EES yet? Tell me in the comments where you entered Europe and how long the process took. ABOUT ANGELA HUGHES Angela Hughes is the CEO and Founder of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel and the founder of Luxury Travel University. With more than 40 years in the travel industry and firsthand travel experience spanning more than 121 countries across all seven continents, Angela is recognized for her expertise in luxury cruises, river cruises, expedition travel, safaris, guided touring and global travel strategy. Angela was named the 2024 Luxury Travel Influencer of the Year by Travel Leaders Network and one of the Most Influential Women in Travel in 2026 by TravelPulse. She is a travel-industry speaker, educator, writer, television contributor and adjunct professor. ABOUT TRIPS & SHIPS LUXURY TRAVEL Trips & Ships Luxury Travel is an award-winning luxury travel agency and host agency with a nationwide network of more than 140 travel advisors. The company specializes in luxury ocean cruises, river cruises, expedition cruises, yacht travel, safaris, customized international journeys and complex group travel. Our advisors help travelers make informed decisions when planning meaningful, high-value vacations around the world. PLAN YOUR NEXT JOURNEY Trips & Ships Luxury Travel https://www.tripsandships.com PUBLIC SPEAKING, PRIVATE CONSULTING AND TRAVEL-ADVISOR EDUCATION Luxury Travel University https://www.luxurytraveluniversity.com JOIN OUR TRAVEL-ADVISOR COMMUNITY Luxury Host Agency https://www.luxuryhostagency.com SUBSCRIBE Subscribe for independent cruise reviews, destination guidance, breaking travel news, luxury travel insights and practical advice from someone who has traveled to more than 121 countries. FOLLOW ANGELA AND TRIPS & SHIPS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angela.hughes.165685/ Instagram: @tripsandships Instagram: @tripsandshipsluxurytravel TikTok: @tripsandships Information in this video is based on the conditions and details available at the time of recording. Entry requirements, government policies, itineraries, pricing, promotions and travel conditions can change. Always verify the latest official information before traveling. #EES #EuropeTravel #EuropeTravel2026 #EntryExitSystem #TravelToEurope #EuropeanTravel #USTravelers #PassportControl #ETIAS #TravelTips