New Entry System to Launch Across Schengen Borders
From October 12, 2025, U.S. citizens arriving in Europe will face updated entry procedures under the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES). The program eliminates manual passport stamps, replacing them with electronic records. Upon arrival, travelers from outside the EU will need to provide biometric information, including four fingerprints and a facial scan, at airports, land crossings, and ferry terminals.
Who Will Need to Comply
The requirement applies to short-term visitors from non-EU countries, regardless of visa-free status, covering Americans as well as many other foreign nationals. Biometric data is collected during the first entry and stored for use in future trips, making later border checks quicker. Children under 12 are not required to submit fingerprints, and exceptions exist for travelers unable to provide them due to medical conditions.
Concerns Over Efficiency and Data Security
Officials argue that the system will help strengthen border management and monitor overstays. However, transport operators have warned that initial rollouts could cause bottlenecks as travelers adjust to the new checks. Privacy campaigners are also pressing EU institutions for greater clarity on how long biometric data will be stored and the measures in place to safeguard it under European data protection rules.
