Blog written by Caroline Meyer

Caroline studied at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, receiving her degree in Environmental Studies and Italian. Following her semester abroad in Bologna, Italy, Caroline found a profound love for intercultural exploration and travel. Today, Caroline continues Curata Travel’s mission for authentic experiences and travel as a summer 2026 intern.   

As of April 2026, European countries in the Schengen Area have officially implemented the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at their borders. If you’ve seen headlines about it online and started to panic, no need. In reality, you’ll notice very little is changing for most travelers visiting Italy on a short vacation. The EES is a new digital border system for non-EU travelers entering Europe for short stays (up to 90 days). Instead of receiving a passport stamp, your entry and exit will now be recorded electronically. While the registration and scan themselves should be quick and straightforward, travellers may experience longer wait times during the initial rollout, particularly during the busy summer travel season, as border authorities and travellers adapt to the new system. For travelers joining on a Curata Travel tour, it will feel very similar to systems already used in airports. You'll be guided through the normal arrival process, and after a few extra biometric steps on your first visit, you'll be on your way to enjoying Italy.

What Actually Changes When I Arrive in Italy?

When you land in Italy, you’ll be directed to a kiosk or border control station. The system will collect:

• A digital scan of your passport

• A facial scan/photo

• Four fingerprints

If you’ve used facial recognition at TSA security before, the process will feel very familiar. After your biometrics are collected, you may also be asked four simple questions:

• Do you have proof of accommodation?

• Do you have a return ticket?

• Do you have sufficient funds for your stay?

• Do you have travel medical insurance?

These are standard entry questions many travelers have already been asked at international borders for years. Once you are registered in the system, you will remain registered for the next three years. 

Do I Need To Do Anything Before My Trip?

For most travelers, no extra preparation is needed. You’ll need to bring your passport and some basic details of your trip, things you already would have done before an international trip.  

However, we do advise travelers going through this system on a layover to allot extra time to accommodate potential wait times. While most airports are keeping this process smooth, it is a new system and there may be occasions where customs take longer than usual. We always recommend looking into the specific airport you are travelling through, as this will offer more information. Airport workers will be available to guide and answer any questions you have, ensuring the whole process runs smoothly.      

All in all, the new EES system may sound confusing, but is simply one extra quick step at a kiosk upon arrival. Once you leave the airport, Curata Travel has the rest covered, so you can continue  dreaming of pizza, pasta, and Italian wines. 

*Get more info from the European Union website here