Global Passport Control

So, you’re ready to jump on a plane or boat and spend time in another country. Is it really that easy? Can you really just go on a whim anywhere you want on the globe? Not exactly.

“Border control” gets so much negative news these days, but rules about border crossings have safeguarded nations and its citizens for decades. The rules help countries with import/export procedures as well as protecting against threats of terrorism, drug smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration. To cross a border into another country, people need to have a passport from their home country. This passport is an official document or certification issued to formally identify a traveler as a citizen of that country and holding that passport also grants protection rights while traveling abroad. Visas are another formal document to have if you want to spend more time in another country. Visas are official documents granted by the national government of destination and show approval to work, study, or travel in their countries for a limited period. You must have a passport to travel as proof of citizenship, but you don’t always need a visa. Every country has different rules for visas and other migration policies with some countries being more stringent than others.

**EES: The Entry/Exit System is a border management initiative for 29 countries in the European Union (EU) including all 25 EU Schengen members plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Ireland and Cyprus will continue with passport stamps and not participate in the EES.

Launch date of system: October 12, 2025 (with roll-out until April 10, 2026)

Fee: no fee for the registration to the EES

What you need to apply: IN PERSON Passport scanning, photo capture, fingerprint collection (visa-exempt travelers)

Approval time: Immediate

Authoration is Valid for: 3-5 years

More information can be found at Schengen Entry and Exit System (EES) - Requirements, Registration Process & Participating Countries - SchengenVisaInfo

**ETIAS: The European Travel Information and Authorization System is required for entry into most European countries.

Launch date of system: continued delays, new estimate is late 2026

Fee: Originally projected to cost about €7, the new expected price is planned at €20 = $23

What you need to apply: at least personal details, passport information, travel plans, and answers to security-related questions

Approval time: several minutes up to 96 hours

Authoration is Valid for: three years or until the passport expires whichever comes first

Application website WHEN it begins: ETIAS Requirements for American Citizens | ETIAS Countries

**While the two European systems (EES and ETIAS) are separate, they are designed to work together as part of Europe’s broader move toward digital border controls.

ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is required to enter the US for travel less than 90-days.

Launch date of system: January 12, 2009

Fee: $40.27

What do you need to apply: at least a valid passport, email, home address and phone number, emergency contact information

Approval time: up to 72 hours

Authoration is Valid for: two years, or until the passport expires

Application website: Official ESTA Application Website - Home

ETA: This Electronic Travel Authorisation allows access to the UK,

Launch date of system: January 2025

Fee: £16 = $21.83

What do you need to apply: at least a phone (no other alternative) a passport, email address, credit card

Approval time: 3 minutes to 3 days

Authoration is Valid for: 2 years

Application website: Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK: Apply for an ETA - GOV.UK

eTA: This Electronic Travel Authorization allows access to Canada.

Launch date of system: August 2015-September 2016

Fee: CAD $7

What do you need to apply: at least a valid passport, a credit or a debit card and an email address, and you must answer a few questions in the online application

Approval time: several minutes to several days

Authoration is Valid for: five years or until the passport expires,

Application website: Electronic travel authorization (eTA): How to apply - Canada.ca

*** U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport.

Australia ETA: Electronic Travel Authority allows travel in Australia.

Launch date of system: piloted in 1996, fully Implemented in 2001

Fee: AUD 20 = $14.14 USD

What you need to apply: at least an eligible passport and the Australian ETA app downloaded

Approval time: immediate or longer if incomplete

Authoration is Valid for: 3 months at a time

Application website: Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority

Even after you complete the electronic authorization process, you MUST still travel with your physical passport at this time. These electronic authorizations do NOT replace the Visa process for longer stays, but act as a visa waiver program for short stays. New electronic systems are expected to streamline travelers’ experiences through border crossings as well as help authorities manage and monitor travelers more effectively.

If you want to learn more about world-wide border control, check out the world population review Countries with Open Borders 2026

To stay up-to-date on travel requirements around the world visit the U.S. Department of State – Home website, choose “countries and areas”, then find your destination to learn more about passports, visas, vaccinations, currency, and security.

Historically, crossing the border from one country to another required a physical passport and border agents would stamp the booklet with the date of entry into the country. However, countries are shifting toward an electronic tracking system because it is much more accurate. These systems have been installed in larger airports around the world, with slower installations in small airports, train stations, cruise or ferry terminals. The newest electronic systems have biometric features like photos and fingerprints. Here is a limited list of countries with electronic authorization systems as well as some basic information (February 2026) for application if you want to travel to these countries. Most require application and approval to be completed before traveling.