Last Chance to Get a European Stamp in Your Passport Before New E.U. Rules Take Effect
Time is running out for travelers who want to receive a traditional European stamp in their passports. Beginning November 10, 2024, the European Union (E.U.) will implement a new electronic Entry/Exit System (EES) that will eliminate the need for passport stamps for most tourists.
What Is the New E.U. Entry/Exit System?
The E.U.’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will introduce digital border controls at all airports, harbors, and land borders across Europe. This system marks a significant shift from the current practice of stamping passports. Under the new rules, foreign visitors entering the E.U. will have their fingerprints and facial features scanned digitally upon entry. These biometric scans will replace traditional passport stamps, providing a streamlined and secure method for tracking entries and exits.
How Does the New System Work?
When a tourist enters the E.U. for the first time after the EES is activated, border officers will capture their biometric data, which will be linked to their passport. This information will remain on file, and for subsequent visits, the system will automatically verify the traveler’s identity using their stored biometric data.
What Do Travelers Need to Use the EES?
To use the EES, travelers will need a biometric passport. U.S. passports issued since 2007 are biometric and can be identified by a symbol of two rectangles with a circle in the center on the cover. Tourists without a biometric passport will undergo more detailed processing at the border and will not be able to use self-service passport control kiosks.
How Does the EES Differ from ETIAS?
It’s important to note that the EES is separate from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The ETIAS, set to be implemented soon, will require most visitors to preregister online before traveling to the E.U. Both systems aim to enhance security and streamline border controls, but the EES specifically focuses on replacing passport stamps with digital checks.
Conclusion
If you’ve been dreaming of collecting passport stamps from your European adventures, now is the time to act. After November 10, the E.U.’s new Entry/Exit System will bring an end to this tradition, ushering in a new era of digital border management.
