Europe Shifts to Biometric Border Processing
Starting October 12, 2025, Americans traveling to Europe will be subject to a new border system as the European Union implements the Entry/Exit System (EES). Traditional passport stamps will be replaced with electronic records. Travelers will need to provide a facial photo and four fingerprint scans at airports, seaports, and land border crossings within the Schengen area.
Travelers Affected and Exceptions
The requirement applies to all short-term visitors from non-EU countries, including visa-exempt Americans. Biometric data is collected during the initial entry and retained for future trips, allowing faster processing on subsequent visits. Children under 12 are exempt, and travelers who cannot provide fingerprints due to medical or other legitimate reasons will receive alternative processing.
Security Advantages and Privacy Questions
Officials say the EES will improve border security and help authorities track overstays. However, early implementation may lead to delays as airports and other entry points adapt to the new procedures. Privacy groups have raised concerns about how long biometric information will be stored and whether sufficient safeguards are in place to protect travelers’ personal data under EU regulations.
