Flights, border checks, customs and the documents you need to travel.
The EU261 reform adopted in July 2026 includes compensation of 250–600 EUR and a 3-hour threshold, effective from around mid-2027; learn how to claim compensation, the carry-on luggage rules for low-cost airlines, and LOT flights to six U.S. cities.
Limits of 430/300 EUR, 200 cigarettes by air but only 40 by land, cash declaration from 10,000 EUR, total ban on meat and dairy from outside the EU, medications (max 5 packages, psychotropics with GIF documentation, THC = crime), TAX FREE for residents in the USA, and thresholds for exporting artifacts.
In Poland, you are solely recognized as a Pole: the Border Guard requires a Polish document when crossing the border – and traveling on a U.S. passport through the EES is a ticking 90/180 clock.
EES has been fully operational since April 10, 2026: biometrics replace stamps and an automatic 90/180 day counter is in place; it affects travelers with US, Canadian, or UK passports, excludes Polish passport holders, ETIAS has no start date and incurs a fee of 20 euros, and border controls with Germany and Lithuania will continue until March 30, 2027.