If you’re one of those travelers who dream of having a passport chock full of interesting stamps from all around the world, then it’s time to book a flight. Passport stamps are being phased out next month in the European Union because of the implementation of a new Entry/Exit System (EES).
What is EU EES System?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new electronic system for registering and tracking non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in the EU. So instead of getting your passport physically stamped at border control, now your entries and exits will be electronically recorded in the EES. The EES will register biometric data such as scans of your passport and fingerprints and a picture of your face.
The goal of this new system is to improve border security in the EU by identifying overstayers and combating identity fraud. These new measures are aimed at short-term travelers to the EU, and a short stay is considered 90 total days in a 180 day period. Travelers with residence permits and long-stay visas are exempt from this new electronic system.
How does EES work?
Starting on November 10, 2024, the new EU border entry and exit system will be entirely automated. When you arrive, your photograph and fingerprint will be taken at the border, and your passport will be scanned. The EU will then hold your data for three years before erasing it.
Which countries will stop stamping passports?
This new system will be implemented in nearly every EU country. This area is what’s known as the Schengen Area. The only EU countries that will continue to stamp manually are Cyprus and Ireland.
The countries participating in EES are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
When does EES start?
The EES has an expected start date of November 10th, 2024. While there might be a bit of a bumpy start with delays due to longer lines at immigration, once your information is in the EES, any trips following the EES entry should go more smoothly.
Plus, don’t forget that there is another change ahead for travelers to the EU. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is due to begin in early 2025. This is a new policy requiring non-EU nationals to apply for pre-travel authorization when traveling the Schengen Area. It is expected to be fully operational by the summer of 2025.