New EU Border Process and End of Passport Stamps To Take Effect in October

Updated: July 21, 2025, 12:52pm CDT

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Table of Contents

New EU Border Crossing Process
What About ETIAS?
Final Thoughts

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Passport stamp collectors took note when changes to EU border rules were first announced back in 2024, signaling the end of physical passport stamps. However, the expected launch date of the new system has been delayed once again.

The months-long rollout of the new entry process is scheduled for October 12, 2025.

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

The groundwork for this plan began 10 years ago, and it will soon be rolled out at every EU entry and exit point — whether you’re entering by plane, 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.

La Seine Paris — Your next trip to Paris might have a different border control process. Image Credit: Stella Shon

This means visitors from outside the EU may experience a different welcome process on their first visit into the EU after October 12, 2025. 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.

However, not all countries will have the systems in place for the October start date. The completion of the rollout is scheduled for April 10, 2026.

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 start to be implemented in October this year. 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.