Travel Entry Requirements
Passport:
US Citizens: Click on this link or passport icon to be redirected to the U.S. Department of State passport information page.
Non-US Citizens: Please contact the Embassy for the country that issued your passport for visa requirements and assistance.
EES & ETIAS VISA Waiver for Europe - UPDATED INFORMATION (effective October 2025):
Entry/Exit System (EES): The European Union has officially started implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES) for travelers entering from outside the EU/Schengen Area (including U.S., U.K., and Canadian citizens) as of October 12, 2025. It will be deployed gradually across the external borders of the 29 European countries over a period of 6 month. Beginning April 10, 2026, the EES will be fully operational at all external border crossing points of the European countries using the system.
This new system replaces manual passport stamping with a secure, digital registration process designed to streamline border control and enhance security.
What to Expect:
At your first entry into the EU/Schengen Area, border authorities will:
- Scan your passport
- Capture your facial image
- Collect your fingerprints
Each subsequent entry and exit will be digitally logged - you will no longer receive passport stamps.
Why It Matters:
- The EES keeps track of how long travelers stay in the EU, helping enforce the 90/180-day rule for short-term stays.
- It applies to non-EU nationals, even if you don't need a visa to enter.
It is recommended to allow extra time at passport control during the initial rollout period and traveling with any supporting documents that confirm your travel plans or accommodations.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS): The European Union has created this visa waiver program to protect and strengthen its borders. The main goal of the ETIAS visa waiver for Europe is to identify possible threats or risks associated with visitors traveling to any of the Schengen Area countries. The ETIAS visa waiver program will be needed to enter a member country.
The European Union's highly anticipated European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has been delayed once again, pushing its implementation back to late 2026. Initially proposed in 2016 and originally scheduled to launch in 2022, the system has faced multiple postponements. While its most recent target date was early 2025, the EU has now announced that it will only take effect six months after the gradual rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which is set to begin in late 2025.
According to the Council of the European Union, the delay was necessary to ensure that all member states implement the EES simultaneously. Since the EES will collect biometric data of travelers entering and exiting the EU, officials have decided to introduce ETIAS only once that system is fully operational.
For more information:
EES: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/what-ees_en
ETIAS: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/faqs-etias_en
Travel Protection (Insurance):
To get a quote or purchase Travel Protection, please click on the appropriate option below.
Expanding Horizons Group Plan Cancel For Any Reason Coverage
* You may purchase the Expanding Horizons Group Plan any time prior to the final payment and still receive the Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Waiver. CFAR is not available with the Group Plan.
* If you need or wish to purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) option, then you will need to select that option above. This plan must be purchased within 14 days of making your original deposit. CFAR is not available with the group plan.