Flight Preps and EES
Flight Preps and EES
| Date | Oct 15, 2026 |
| Total All Caminos: | 2450 miles |
| Total Airplane(s) / Trvl Insrnc: | $ 1180 / $ 256 |
| Total Transportation: | $ 1436 |
Still need to follow the EES process on first arrival into the Schengen Zone.
Great Britain now requires a transit visa, even if not leaving the internation zone in the airport.
Word of advice: avoid Heathrow and Gatwick. Check conditions at other airports in the UK.
(For this reason, I booked direct from the USA to Berlin. I decided that it was more important to go to Berlin direct, than Hamburg with a layover in Britain.)
Checklist for the Flight to Berlin
Buy plane tickets: Done
Rochester NY (12:50 pm - 2:20 pm) ->
Boston Logan (2:55 hr layover) 5:15 pm - 4:15 am (next day) ->
Dublin (2 hr layover) 6:16 am - 9:35 am ->
Berlin
Berlin (10:15 am - 11:40 am) ->
Dublin (2:30 hr layover) 3:50 pm - 6:20 pm ->
Chicago (2:30 hr layover) 8:56 pm - 11:59 pm ->
Rochester NY
Passport / TSA Precheck / Global Entry: Done. At least six months valid at end of travel.
Entry Exit System (EES) needed for Europe
European Travel Identification and Authorization System (ETIAS) may be needed
Travel Insurance / Health Insurance: Done
- Assistance Phone Number
- $1,000,000 Repatriation
- $250,000 Medical
- The usual trip interruption / lost baggage etc
Pilgrim Credentials : don't need as I am not walking an official camino trail
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(Start AI-generated)
How Your Dublin Layover Works
- Single Ticket / Airside Transit: If your flights to Germany are booked on a single reservation, you will follow the Flight Connections signs after landing in Dublin.
- Baggage: Your checked luggage will automatically transfer to your flight to Germany, meaning you do not collect bags or clear Irish customs in Dublin.
- Immigration & Schengen: Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. You will clear Schengen passport control/immigration when you land in Germany, not in Dublin. Depending on your routing and connection path, you may pass a transfer passport/boarding pass check or a transit security checkpoint, but you do not enter Ireland or go through official Irish border immigration.
- Separate Tickets: If you booked separate tickets (two independent airlines or bookings), you will have to exit the secure area, clear Irish immigration and customs, collect your bags, and re-check-in for your flight to Germany.
The EU's Entry/Exit Conditions
Passport Validity Rules
Your U.S. passport must meet the official entry conditions enforced at the Schengen border:
- The 3-Month Rule: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Zone. For example, if you plan to return to the U.S. on December 15, your passport cannot expire before March 15.
- The 10-Year Rule: Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years. If it is older than 10 years (even if it has remaining validity), it will be rejected.
- Blank Pages: You must have at least 2 entirely blank pages for entry and exit processing.
- State Department Recommendation: While the legal requirement is 3 months, the U.S. Department of State strongly recommends traveling with at least 6 months of passport validity to avoid any potential issues with airline boarding or unexpected travel delays.
Schengen Stay & Border Rules
- The 90/180-Day Rule: You can stay in Germany (and other Schengen countries) for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day window. This time accumulates across the entire zone.
- The Entry/Exit System (EES): The EU's digital border system is now fully operational. When you arrive in Germany, your manual passport stamping will be replaced by a digital kiosk registration. Expect border control to scan your face and take your fingerprints on arrival. No pre-registration is needed for this, but it may add a few minutes to your processing time.
- Supporting Documents: Border officials can legally ask to see proof of sufficient funds for your stay, a confirmed return or onward plane ticket, and documentation regarding your accommodation (like a hotel booking).
The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES)
Launched in 2026 and registers non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area, replacing manual passport stamping and enabling electronic monitoring of entries and exits.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
What is EES?
The EES is a digital border management system designed to modernize border controls in the Schengen area, making it easier to identify travelers who overstay their permitted time and prevent identity fraud.
Who will it affect?
The EES will apply to all non-EU nationals, including those from the United States, who are traveling to the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period).
How will it work?
The EES will register the traveller's name, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit.
Why is it being introduced?
The EES aims to improve border security, prevent irregular migration, and facilitate legitimate travel.
What about ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is another system that will be implemented by the EU. It was expected to launch six months after the EES, but has been delayed now in 2027.
What are the benefits?
The EES will allow for a wider use of automated border control checks and self-service systems, which are quicker and more comfortable for travelers.
What are the challenges?
The EES rollout has faced serious challenges in many airports, creating significant delays at times. Concerns about wait times at border crossings are proving justified, with infrastructure issues occurring on a somewhat regular basis.
What is EES?
The EES is a digital border management system designed to modernize border controls in the Schengen area, making it easier to identify travelers who overstay their permitted time and prevent identity fraud.
Who will it affect?
The EES will apply to all non-EU nationals, including those from the United States, who are traveling to the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period).
How will it work?
The EES will register the traveller's name, biometric data (fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit.
Why is it being introduced?
The EES aims to improve border security, prevent irregular migration, and facilitate legitimate travel.
What about ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is another system that will be implemented by the EU. It was expected to launch six months after the EES, but has been delayed now in 2027.
What are the benefits?
The EES will allow for a wider use of automated border control checks and self-service systems, which are quicker and more comfortable for travelers.
What are the challenges?
The EES rollout has faced serious challenges in many airports, creating significant delays at times. Concerns about wait times at border crossings are proving justified, with infrastructure issues occurring on a somewhat regular basis.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
A new travel requirement for visa-exempt travelers to Europe, has been delayed past late 2026, following the launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES).
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an online travel authorization system designed to enhance border security for travelers to the European Union (EU) who do not require a visa.
Who needs it?
Nationals of 59 countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, who currently enjoy visa-free travel to Europe will need to obtain an ETIAS before traveling.
When will it launch?
The ETIAS launch has been pushed back to late 2026, six months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational.
How to apply?
Travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS online through the official ETIAS website or mobile app.
Key Points:
ETIAS is not yet in operation and no action is required from travelers at this point.
The EU will inform travelers several months before the ETIAS launch.
Having a valid ETIAS does not guarantee automatic entry into the EU.
Official Website:
The official ETIAS website is https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias
End of AI-generatedWhat is ETIAS?
ETIAS is an online travel authorization system designed to enhance border security for travelers to the European Union (EU) who do not require a visa.
Who needs it?
Nationals of 59 countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, who currently enjoy visa-free travel to Europe will need to obtain an ETIAS before traveling.
When will it launch?
The ETIAS launch has been pushed back to late 2026, six months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational.
How to apply?
Travelers will need to apply for an ETIAS online through the official ETIAS website or mobile app.
Key Points:
ETIAS is not yet in operation and no action is required from travelers at this point.
The EU will inform travelers several months before the ETIAS launch.
Having a valid ETIAS does not guarantee automatic entry into the EU.
Official Website:
The official ETIAS website is https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias
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