No More Passport Stamps: Europe’s New Border System To Take Over
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The European Union is preparing to replace manual passport stamping with a digital record system for non-EU travelers. This new automated Entry/Exit System, or EES, was originally planned to launch on November 10, 2024, but its start date has been postponed to October 2025.
Until the system begins, travelers from outside the EU will still receive physical passport stamps when entering and leaving the Schengen Area. Once the EES is in place, stamps will no longer be given, as the system will track entries and exits electronically. While many travelers enjoy collecting stamps as a souvenir, the EES is designed to modernize border control, improve security, and make travel more efficient across most EU countries.
Changes for First-Time Travelers to Europe
According to the European Union’s website, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) is an updated and digitized approach that aims to improve tourists’ travel experiences. It also helps combat identity fraud and boost security among travelers.
As opposed to the old-school approach of manually checking and stamping passports, the new system will electronically register and track non-EU nationals entering and exiting most EU countries.
This new system will ensure that tourists won’t exceed their “short stays” in Europe. Currently, a “short stay” is defined as up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all countries that use the EES. So far, only Cyprus and Ireland will continue stamping passports as these countries are not yet using the EES.
How the Entry/Exit System Will Impact Travelers
Upon the implementation of the EES, first-time travelers will need to provide biometric data like fingerprints and photographs, which will be recorded in the system. Passport control officers will then verify the information upon entry and exit within EU countries. Kids under 12 are exempt from this rule, although they’ll still need to have facial scans taken.
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With the new EES, visitors can use an online tool to check how many days they have left to stay in Europe. This will help them organize their travels more effectively and avoid overstaying.
Further Changes To Travel to Europe
Aside from the new Entry/Exit System, the European Union was also planning to implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) by mid-2025.
ETIAS is not yet operational. Initially planned for mid-2025, its implementation has been postponed. It is now expected to start operations in the last quarter of 2026.
Visitors will have to apply for travel authorization before coming to Europe. Although an ETIAS application can typically be processed in a few minutes, an application might take a few days or weeks if there are any issues with documents and other information, so travelers should plan ahead.
