Europe Travel in 2026: What Changed on April (And What You Should Do Before You Go)

The European Entry-Exit System (EES) became fully operational on April 10, 2026, replacing traditional passport stamps with digital border records across 29 countries. Non-EU travelers now undergo biometric registration at their first crossing, with the system automatically tracking the 90-day stay limit within 180 days. A separate authorization system called ETIAS is expected to launch later in 2026.