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\n The days of collecting passport stamps are fading for travelers heading to many European countries. The European Union has transitioned to a digital passport control process featuring biometric scans.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n One of the primary objectives of the EU\u2019s new Entry\/Exit System (EES) is to reduce wait times at border crossings significantly.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n However, the EES is not solely for the benefit of travelers. It also aims to prevent visitors from overstaying their welcome, using fake identification, or misusing visa-free travel privileges.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n The transition to this new system began on October 12, 2025, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026. Here\u2019s what travelers can anticipate.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n Non-EU nationals, including Americans, will need to register with the EES upon arrival in participating countries. After October 12, 2025, travelers entering most European nations will be directed to authorize the EES to collect the following data:<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n Full name and date of birth.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n \n Date and place of every entrance and exit.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n \n Facial image and scan of four fingerprints.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n \n If you were refused entry to any country.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n \n This information will be stored for an average of three years and linked to your biometric data. If you decline to have your fingerprints scanned or photo taken, entry into the EU will be denied. Note that children under 12 are exempt from providing fingerprint scans.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n The rollout will occur in phases over six months, with the EES expected to be operational across all participating countries by April 10, 2026.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n Here\u2019s the full list of European countries that will use EES:<\/span>\n <\/p>\n \n How the new EES impacts European travel<\/span>
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