Delayed: New EU Border Process and End of Passport Stamps Not Taking Effect This Month

Passport stamp collectors took note when changes to EU border rules were announced, signaling the end of physical stamps in your passport. However, the expected launch date of these new systems for November 10, 2024, isn’t happening. That’s because France, Germany, and the Netherlands said their systems won’t be ready in time.

What’s the new timeline? Right now, that’s unknown.

Once these changes are in effect, everything will be digital. And your first trip into the EU after these new rules go into effect may feel a bit different.

Here’s what travelers should know to prepare for these changes.

New EU Border Crossing Process

In a recent speech to the EU, Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson announced new border control procedures that she heralded as “the most modern digital border management system in the world.” The new process was set to start on November 10, but that’s not happening. As reported by the BBC, there’s no official timeline for implementation, though it may roll out on a phased plan at this point.

The groundwork for this plan started 10 years ago, and it will soon roll out at every EU entry and exit point — whether you’re entering by plain, train, or automobile (or boat, as well). All border crossings will start using digital border controls and stop using passport stamps for all 700 million+ passengers arriving from outside the EU each year. This will be done through facial recognition and fingerprints.

Because everything will be computerized, the idea is for border police to receive automated alerts in the system if a visitor has overstayed their permitted time in the 30 included countries.

This means visitors from outside the EU may experience a different welcome process on their first visit into the EU after November 10, 2024. They’ll need to have a picture taken for facial recognition and scan their fingerprints. On subsequent visits, cameras should recognize them and provide a smoother entry process.

Once it’s online, the new process will apply to all non-EU residents entering the EU, and both entries and exits will be digitally stored — no more waiting while border police search for your entry stamp in a well-used passport to see how long you were in the EU on this current trip.

What About ETIAS?

This new border control process applies to all visitors to the EU — regardless of what passport they hold or their visa requirements. It’s also unrelated to the upcoming ETIAS requirements that are expected to go live in 2026.

The ETIAS, which has been repeatedly pushed back, will require those from visa-waiver countries (including the U.S.) to obtain online authorization before visiting EU countries. This is similar to a process Europeans use before visiting the U.S.

The ETIAS affects only those from visa-waiver countries. However, the new border control process using digital entry and exit processing will affect everyone. The only difference is that those who need to obtain a visa before traveling to Europe will already have their fingerprints on file.

Final Thoughts

The border control process will feel different if you’re heading to the EU after these new digital systems are implemented. You’ll scan your fingerprints and get a picture taken, and you won’t get a passport stamp. Everything is going digital, no matter your entry method.

These changes were supposed to start this month — taking effect on November 10, 2024 — but that’s not happening now. Once a new date is known or updates are available, we’ll make sure to let you know the latest details.