EU visitors will no longer get passport stamps: Here's why
Globetrotters who enjoy the feeling of fresh ink pressed into a passport book will soon have to bid adieu to the tactile travel stamp when visiting Europe.
Starting Oct. 12, 2025, several countries in the European Union will officially implement a new digital Entry/Exit System, or EES.
The new system will collect and store U.S. citizens' fingerprints, facial image, passport details, and entry and exit dates for visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period, according to the State Department.
The system impacts all "non-EU nationals who are traveling for a short stay to a European country using EES," according to the official EU travel website.
"American travelers should be aware of the EES, but also the fact this is not the same as the ETIAS, which is coming down the pipeline," travel expert at Going, Katy Nastro, told ABC News. "So no need to apply or worry about anything other than typical documentation for international travel."
While some travelers may miss the stamp, Nastro reminded that biometric data expedites the processing experience.
"Those opposed to Biometric data capture may have to rethink their stance on it as this is considered a non-negotiable practice for Schengen countries," Nastro added of the area with 29 EU member countries that have open borders.
EU uses new digital entry, exit system for American travelers in 29 countries
The new system, set to be introduced gradually over the next six months at external border crossing points, will be fully implemented by April 10, 2026.
Below, see the full list of countries where the EES is rolling out.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czechia (Czech Republic)
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Click here for more details and benefits of the new EES system.
