If you're an American planning a trip to Europe in late 2025 or beyond, get ready for a new travel requirement. The European Union is rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border control policy that will require biometric data, including fingerprint scans and facial images, from most non-EU travelers. This major change impacts millions of U.S. citizens who travel visa-free to Europe each year. In this article, we'll break down what's changing, why it's happening, and how it will affect your next trip to Europe.
What Is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EES is a new automated IT system designed to strengthen border security and replace the old method of manually stamping passports. Instead of ink stamps, the EES will:
Record the entry and exit dates of travelers
Store biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition)
Apply to non-EU nationals, including Americans, Canadians, Australians, and other visa-exempt travelers
For an official overview from the EU, you can refer to this page from the European External Action Service:
