Travelers heading to specific European countries will bid farewell to passport stamps as a new border control system begins its rollout. The Entry/Exit System (EES), inaugurated on October 12, uses biometric data to register non-European Union travelers instead of traditional passport stamps. Its launch was initially planned for 2021.
The EES is mandatory for all non-EU nationals, and opting out of biometric data capture is not an option. Refusal to provide this data will result in denied entry.
What is the EES?
The EES is an automated system designed to register non-EU travelers on short stays—defined as up to 90 days within a 180-day period—across 29 participating European countries. A key function of the system is to identify individuals who overstay their permitted duration.
“The EES modernizes border management, enhancing efficiency and safety in processing,” states the European Union’s official website.
The countries implementing the EES include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Of the EU member states, 25 out of 27 are part of this system, with only Cyprus and Ireland opting to continue manual border checks. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, while not EU members, are part of the Schengen Area and adhere to the same short-stay regulations.
When will it be fully implemented?
On October 12, 2025, the EES began a phased rollout expected to last six months, with full implementation anticipated by April 10, 2026. During this rollout, there may be instances where biometric data isn’t collected at every border crossing, and passport stamping will still occur.
On October 13, Eric Rosen, Flying Frugal’s director of content, flew from Amsterdam to Los Angeles, noting the current processes still involve traditional passport stamping alongside the new system.
According to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), the EES system’s phased implementation will start on November 3. Other airports, including Düsseldorf, Fiumicino, Václav Havel, and Luxembourg, began the system immediately on October 12. Travelers should verify the implementation status at their departure airport’s website.
How US travelers are affected
When traveling through airports with the new border crossing system, US travelers must provide personal data, including their name and date of birth. Passport control will collect biometric data, such as four fingerprints and/or a facial photograph stored in the Biometric Matching Service. Some travelers may have the option to pre-register their information via a self-service system or mobile app, if available, but they will still need to meet with a passport control officer.
Children under 12 will not have their fingerprints collected.
The EES records each entry and exit date, location, and refusals of entry, retaining this information for three years before automatic deletion. Travelers can access, correct, or request deletion of their data.
Anticipate longer processing times at airports as travelers adapt to the new system, with certain airports ensuring additional staff will be available to assist and streamline the experience.
Bottom line
The EES is just one change in European travel. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set for implementation in late 2026, with new application fees rising to 20 euros (around $23), up from the previously proposed fee of 7 euros (about $8).
Related reading:
