Europe's New Entry-Exit System for Travelers Starts October 2025
Europe is set to introduce a new Entry-Exit System (EES) for travelers from October 12, 2025. This system will involve biometric data collection, initially for a limited number of passengers, and will eventually include all travelers, including Americans.
Upon arrival in Europe, travelers will use digital kiosks to scan their passports, have their fingerprints and faces recorded. This data will be stored for up to three years to facilitate future travels. The EES is different from the ETIAS, an Electronic Travel Authorization required for visa-exempt travelers, which will be introduced later in 2026.
The rollout of the EES will be phased. From October 12 to 29, there will be no mandatory requirement for passengers to use the kiosks. After this period, 10% of passengers will be randomly selected for scanning. The specific countries participating in this phased introduction have not been officially announced yet.
American travelers should expect changes in their entry process to Europe from October 2025. They will use automated border control gates, and their passports will no longer be stamped. To stay informed, they are advised to use the TOP Entry Requirement Checker for Americans traveling to Europe.
