Traveling to Europe in 2026? What the New Digital Border System Means for You
April 22, 2026
If Europe is on your travel wish list for 2026, there is an important update every traveler should know before departure. The European Union has launched a new digital border screening process called the Entry/Exit System (EES), changing how U.S. travelers and other non-EU visitors enter many European countries.
At Excite Experiences, we believe stress-free travel starts with being prepared. Here’s what this means for your next European adventure—and how we help make it easy.
What Is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System replaces traditional passport stamping with a secure digital system. Instead of a stamp in your passport, border officials will electronically record your arrival and departure.
For many travelers, this includes:
- Passport scan
- Facial image capture
- Fingerprint scan
- Digital tracking of entry and exit dates
The system is now fully operational across participating Schengen countries.
Will This Affect U.S. Travelers?
Yes. American travelers visiting Europe for short stays (typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period) should expect to go through the EES process when entering participating countries.
If this is your first trip after implementation, border processing may take a little longer than in past years.
What to Expect at the Airport
While the system is designed to improve security and modernize border crossings, some airports have reported longer lines during rollout.
That means travelers should plan for:
- Extra time after landing
- Longer immigration queues at busy airports
- Additional screening on first entry
- Slight delays during peak travel seasons
How Excite Experiences Helps Our Guests
This is where group travel shines.
When you travel with Excite Experiences, you are never left guessing. Our team helps guests navigate travel changes like these before departure so you feel confident every step of the way.
We assist with:
- Pre-trip guidance and documentation reminders
- Arrival planning and realistic airport timing
- Smooth transfers and organized itineraries
- Experienced tour leadership throughout your journey
- Support if unexpected travel issues arise
In short: we stay ahead of changes so you can focus on enjoying Europe.
Our Best Advice for 2026 Europe Travel
If Europe is in your future, here are three smart moves:
- Book early. Demand remains strong and travel systems are changing.
- Travel with experts. Having a team monitor requirements matters more than ever.
- Allow extra patience. New systems often improve over time, but the first year can involve adjustments.
Ready for Europe?
From Italy to river cruises to unforgettable cultural journeys, Excite Experiences is committed to making international travel easy, exciting, and worry-free.
If Europe is calling your name in 2026, we’d love to help you answer it.
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At Excite Experiences, we know that life does not always go according to plan. A family situation comes up. Your health changes. Something unexpected gets in the way of a trip you have been looking forward to for months. That is exactly why we created the Payment Protection Plan. Effective for all tours booked on or after February 20, 2026, the Payment Protection Plan is a simple, optional add-on that gives you the freedom to cancel your trip for any reason and receive a full refund — right up until 24 hours before departure. No questions asked. Here is everything you need to know. What Is the Payment Protection Plan? The Payment Protection Plan (PPP) is an optional add-on available when you book any Excite Experiences tour. When you purchase it, both your deposit and all payments made toward your trip are fully refundable if you need to cancel — for any reason up to 24 hours before your departure date. Without the PPP, our standard cancellation policy applies. That policy is outlined below so you know exactly where you stand either way. How the Cancellation Policy Works Without the PPP If you choose not to add the Payment Protection Plan, the following cancellation schedule applies to your booking: 90 days before departure: Your deposit becomes non-refundable. 60 to 31 days before departure: 50% of all payments made are non-refundable. 30 days or less before departure: 100% of all payments made are non-refundable. This is a standard policy in the group tour industry and is in place because Excite Experiences commits to hotels, transportation, guides, and vendors well in advance of your trip date. The PPP exists precisely so that guests who want more flexibility have a clear, affordable way to get it. Learn more at: https://www.excitemytravel.com/payment-protect-program-travel-insurance . How the Payment Protection Plan Works Purchase the PPP at the time of booking, or within 10 days of your initial deposit. After that 10-day window, the PPP can no longer be added or removed, and the cost is non-refundable. Once you have the PPP on your booking, you are covered. If you need to cancel for any reason, you will receive a full refund of your deposit and all payments made — as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your departure. If cancellation happens within 24 hours of departure, all payments are non-refundable regardless of PPP status. What Does the PPP Cost? The cost of the Payment Protection Plan is based on the total price of your trip and is priced per person. What About Travel Insurance? The Payment Protection Plan is not the same as travel insurance, and we want to be clear about the difference. The PPP is an Excite Experiences product that protects your payments if you cancel. It covers cancel for any reason, and it is managed directly by us. Travel insurance is a separate, optional product we offer through our partner Redion (TripMate). It covers unexpected events that can happen during your trip — things like medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost or delayed baggage, travel delays, and more. Travel insurance does not cover cancel for any reason. Redion insurance is available in Basic and Deluxe plans, and you have up until 30 days before your departure date to add it. Both products can be purchased together, and many travelers choose to do exactly that - PPP for cancellation flexibility, TripMate for protection once the trip is underway. Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to purchase the PPP? No. The Payment Protection Plan is completely optional. If you choose not to add it, the standard cancellation policy outlined above applies to your booking. When do I need to purchase the PPP? You can add the PPP at the time of booking or within 10 days of your initial deposit. After that window closes, it can no longer be added. Can I add the PPP to a trip I already booked? If you booked a trip after February 20, 2026 and are still within 10 days of your initial deposit, yes. If you are outside that window, the PPP can no longer be added to your booking. Contact our team and we will walk you through your options. What if I booked my trip before February 20, 2026? If your booking was made before February 20, 2026, the previous cancellation policy applies to your reservation. This new policy and the PPP apply only to tours booked on or after February 20, 2026. What counts as a cancellation under the PPP? Any cancellation made at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure date qualifies for a full refund under the PPP, regardless of the reason. Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable. Does the PPP cover travel insurance events like medical emergencies or baggage loss? No. The PPP covers your payments in the event of a cancellation before departure. For coverage of events that happen during your trip — medical emergencies, interruptions, lost baggage, and more, we recommend adding a TripMate travel insurance plan alongside your PPP. Book with Confidence We want every Excite Experiences traveler to feel good about booking not just about the destination, but about the decision to commit. The Payment Protection Plan is our way of making sure that if life gets in the way, your investment is protected. Questions about the PPP or any of our tours? Our team is happy to walk you through it. Call us at 402-293-9282, email info@excitemytravel.com, or visit excitemytravel.com to learn more.
