Traveling to Europe as a United States citizen
Travelers from United States will still be able to enter most European countries without a visa for a short stay (up to 90 days). When traveling to Greece as US citizen, you would need to familiarize yourself with new laws and regulations being introduced across the Schengen Area starting in 2026.
As of 2026, U.S. citizens must use the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at external Schengen borders. This includes fingerprints and photos. The new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when traveling to United States, will also be required to enter Schengen countries for a short stay, vacation or business trip. Currently the system isn’t live and will be introduced after the full implementation of EES. Applicants will be able to apply via the official website or app once the system goes live.
An ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years or until the expiration date of the passport used in the application, whichever comes first. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.
The ETIAS travel authorization will be checked by carriers before boarding and may also be checked together with the travel documents by the border guards when crossing the external Schengen border. This prior verification of visa exempt non-EU citizens is intended to strengthen security and improve border procedures.
SANTORINI PHOTOGRAPHER ANNA SULTE 