If you’re an American or Canadian planning to travel to Sicily or Europe in 2026, you will need to prepare for two new EU systems: ETIAS, a mandatory online travel authorisation, and EES, which electronically records your entries and exits at Europe Border control in Sicily Schengen area.
Travelling to Europe — and to Sicily, Italy— is about to change. These systems will affect how you enter the Schengen Area, what you need to prepare before departure, and how border checks work when you arrive. The new systems will act like a “Visa for Europe” to enter Sicily and Italy in general.
This guide is written as a clear, practical checklist for American and Canadian travellers planning a trip to Sicily or elsewhere in Europe, so you know exactly what to expect and what to do.
What are EES and ETIAS?
EES – Entry/Exit System
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new digital border management system introduced by the European Union and is already in place.
It replaces the traditional passport stamp for non-EU travellers and electronically records:
- Your entry into the Schengen Area
- Your exit from the Schengen Area
- Any refusals of entry, if applicable
EES applies to travellers who:
- Are not EU citizens
- Are entering the Schengen Area for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period)
This includes US and Canadian citizens, who are subject by default to Europe border control in Sicily, Italy and in other EU countries.
ETIAS – European Travel Information and Authorisation System
ETIAS is a pre-travel online authorisation system, similar to the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA. It will be like an electronic VISA for Europe.
It is not yet in force. Current expectations are that ETIAS will become mandatory around the fourth quarter of 2026. This VISA to enter Sicily Italy will be easy and uncomplicated.
Once implemented, travellers who currently enter Europe visa-free will need to:
- Apply online before travelling
- Receive approval before boarding a plane, ferry, or other transport to Europe
ETIAS will be linked electronically to your passport and will be mandatory for all US and Canadian travellers once operational.
Do Americans and Canadians need a Visa for Europe?
No.
US and Canadian passport holders do not need a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area. That means also that no Visa for Europe is needed, as Sicily and Italy are part of Europe, and specifically of the Schengen Area.
However:
- EES will record your movements at the border
- ETIAS will become a mandatory travel authorisation once implemented
Think of ETIAS as a permission to travel, not a visa. Until ETIAS enters into force, travellers should continue to monitor official updates if travelling in late 2026 or beyond.
Traveller Checklist: What you need to do
Before you travel
1. Ensure your passport is valid
- Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area
- Must have been issued within the last 10 years
2. Apply for ETIAS (when required)
- Online application
- Required info: valid passport, email address, payment method
- Most approvals expected within minutes or hours
3. Check your travel dates
- Respect the 90 days in any 180-day period rule
- Overstaying can result in fines, bans, or future entry problems
When you arrive in Europe (EES in action)
- Passport will be scanned
- Biometric data may be collected (fingerprints and facial image)
- Entry is recorded electronically
- No passport stamp at Europe border controls in Sicily
The same process applies when you exit the Schengen Area.
During your stay
- Your stay is automatically tracked
- Border authorities can verify how many days you have remaining
- Reduces mistakes, lost stamps, and misunderstandings
When you leave Europe border controls
- Your exit is recorded electronically
- Confirms you respected your allowed stay
How this affects travellers in practice
Expect longer border checks initially
During rollout:
- Border checks may take longer, especially at busy airports
- First-time travellers under EES may experience delays
Easier travel over time
Once registered:
- Repeat entries are faster and smoother
- Digital records reduce errors and disputes
Stronger enforcement of overstay rules
EES automatically tracks entries and exits:
- Overstays are easier to detect
- Careful planning of your dates is essential
Countries covered by EES and ETIAS Europe Border controls
These systems apply to the Schengen Area, including most EU countries and a few associated states. Popular destinations (with Sicily as a key gateway) include:
- Italy (including Sicily)
- France
- Spain
- Germany
- Greece
- Portugal
- Netherlands
Some EU countries outside Schengen may have different rules than the above Europe border control Sicily rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ETIAS required for every trip?
Yes. Each traveller, including minors, requires their own authorisation. ETIAS is valid for multiple trips during its validity period.
Can I be denied travel with ETIAS?
Yes. Approval is not automatic, although most travellers are expected to be authorised.
Will the above apply to my NYC to Sicily direct flight? Yes
For more information on how to travel compliant with the Delta nonstop flight New York to Catania, check our dedicated article.
Will the above be relevant for my New York to Palermo direct flight? Yes
For more information on how to travel compliant with the United nonstop flight NYC to Sicily, check our dedicated article.
Will the above affect my Montreal to Catania nonstop flight? Yes
For more information on how to travel compliant with the Air Canada direct flight Montreal to Sicily, check our dedicated article.
Key takeaways for US and Canadian travellers and Europe border control in Sicily
- You do not need a visa for short stays
- You will need ETIAS once it becomes mandatory
- Entries and exits will be digitally tracked via EES
- Planning and compliance are more important than ever
Disclaimer
This article is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date of publication. European border regulations, implementation timelines, and operational procedures for EES and ETIAS may change. Travellers are responsible for monitoring official EU and government sources and ensuring compliance with entry requirements applicable at the time of travel.
Last updated: January 2026
