European Travel: EES vs. ETIAS & Scam Detection Plus AI Travel Planning Caution

Bonjour everyone! As we are drawing close to Spring Break as well as the high-travel summer season we wanted to share a few updates and clarification, especially for those traveling to Europe. We will delineate the difference between the current EES system and forthcoming ETIAS application requirements for short-term non-EU citizens (i.e. Americans) traveling to Europe, as well as identify one key element to keep in mind for those using AI as their travel planner.

EES vs. ETIAS & Scam Detection

As you may have seen in one of our earlier articles, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) began its initial and gradual rollout last October. This is one of several steps the EU has taken to digitize and automate its current traveler processing (i.e. shifting from manual traveler processing and providing a passport stamp to collecting travelers’ biometric passenger data from a kiosk). Its full implementation [and operationalization] at EU border crossing points remains 10 April 2026. However, given continued and sometimes significant delays using the EES (which is of especial concern as the summer travel season approaches), severe disruptions and potential 4 hour queues are an assessed potential outcome. Some European airports have already highlighted this issue and concern, and there reportedly is some flexibility or ability to request a suspension in the EES rollout for airports to address such backlogs. But regardless for any travel to the EU, and specifically within the Schengen Area (i.e. for non-EU citizens such as us here in the US), we recommend planning for lengthier time at border crossings.

Additionally, given some of the confusion regarding the EES roll-out and forthcoming ETIAS required pre-travel registration, be aware of scams which might confuse or convolute the two. The EES is the current system being rolled out and does NOT have any travel registration requirements. While the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require travel registration and is set to commence operations in the last quarter of this year 2026. Thus “no action is required from travellers at this point.” Accordingly Americans do not need to apply or pay any application fee to visit the EU until ETIAS is established. We also caution against using any third party website but only the official ETIAS website to apply as required — linked previously with the application — only needed once the required ETIAS application goes live. (We also caution against third party sites, which could be scams, and similarly highly recommend using only the official authoritative [government] websites to register for any additional travels to countries that require pre-travel registration, such as Aruba and St. Lucia among a growing list of other countries.) We will continue to provide updates on ETIAS as it becomes available. (And for those with travel insurance, be sure to carefully read and fully understand any caveats for missed flights due to EES delays. Although such EES processing delays resulting in missed flights are reportedly uncommon, EuroNews relays that in many cases this scenario falls beyond the scope of what travel insurance covers.)

AI Travel Planning Caution

Given the rise in the current form of AI’s popularity and usage, it remains unsurprising that it can be a popular means to plan travel. And for those who it works well for, that is wonderful! The only primary caution we would add concerns cross-checking any entry/border crossing, travel registration, and/or visa requirements with official sources. You may have seen the story last year about a Spanish couple whose reliance on ChatGPT for their travel planning prevented their entry into Puerto Rico. Thus this is our primary caution for those who rely on AI and Chat platforms to plan their journeys. Always reference the official and authoritative sources to ensure you fully understand all entry (and exit) requirements.

(We also recommend confirming all other information, such as seasonal or standing store closures and current weather or other governmental impacts on current travel for example, is also accurate via reputable and official sourcing. We are also are cognizant of the “outsized” energy and water costs using AI presently incurs and is one reason why we personally do not use it.)

And for those who prefer a human and highly tailored approach with firsthand lived experience abroad with an incredible network of veritable local experts, we at jo•vage would love to help plan your unique and unforgettable journey. Bon voyage and bisous !

Note: See the latest on ETIAS on our August 2026 “Alerte.”

Tulum, Mexico Cover Photo © 2025 - Joy de Voyage, LLC

(Edited 1 April 2026 to add AI energy use note and source plus the inclusion of additional travels, such as Aruba and St. Lucia, and our recommendation to avoid scams. & edited 20 August 2026 to include “Alerte” ETIAS post Note & 11 April 2026 to clarify the EES does NOT require travel registration. We apologize for any confusion.)