If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, there’s a big change coming your way. Starting November 10, 2024, the European Union will officially phase out the practice of stamping passports for non-EU tourists. Instead, the EU will introduce a digital Entry/Exit System (EES), which will streamline the border control process using biometric technology to track entries and exits.
Goodbye Passport Stamps, Hello Digital Border Controls
The switch to a digital system marks the end of an era. Physical passport stamps, which have been a keepsake of international travel for many, will no longer be used at EU borders. According to EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson, “At every single airport, every single harbor, every single road into Europe, we will have digital border controls.” This change will impact travelers visiting EU countries, simplifying the process by making it faster and more secure.
How the EES Works
Under the new system, non-EU visitors entering Europe will have their fingerprints and face scanned digitally. This biometric data will be used to verify a person’s identity at border crossings and will be stored for future visits. Once the system is live, border officers will cross-reference this biometric information with a traveler’s passport on their first visit, ensuring that each entry and exit is properly tracked. In future trips, these biometrics will be automatically verified at entry and exit points, making the border process faster and more efficient.
If you’re visiting Europe after November 10, be prepared for a quicker and more tech-savvy entry. This system not only eliminates the need for passport stamps but also provides a higher level of security and accuracy, ensuring that all entries and exits are correctly recorded.
What Travelers Need to Know
To use the new EES system, travelers must have a biometric passport. These passports, also known as e-passports, have been issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security since 2007. If your passport has a small symbol of two rectangles with a circle on the cover, it’s a biometric passport and ready for the EES system.
Travelers without a biometric passport, however, will face more thorough processing at the border and will not be able to use the self-service passport control kiosks. If you don’t have a biometric passport, consider renewing it before your trip to avoid delays at the border.
EES vs. ETIAS: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to note that the EES system is separate from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which is expected to be implemented in 2025. While the EES system will handle biometric data for border control, ETIAS is an authorization program designed to enhance security for visa-exempt travelers visiting the EU for short stays.
If you’re a U.S. citizen planning a trip to the EU, you will still need to apply for ETIAS authorization starting in 2025. Until then, having a biometric passport and utilizing the new EES system will streamline your entry into Europe.
A More Convenient Travel Experience
This move to a digital system reflects Europe’s commitment to modernizing its border control processes. With the introduction of the EES, travelers will experience faster, more efficient, and secure border crossings. Gone will be the days of waiting for a passport stamp at the border. Instead, technology will take the reins, offering a smoother, worry-free travel experience.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, make sure your passport is biometric and get ready for a tech-driven, seamless entry process. And don’t worry, while you may miss out on getting a passport stamp as a travel memento, the convenience of faster and more secure border control will make your travel experience all the more enjoyable.
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