New EU Border Process Goes Live, Biometrics Replace Passport Stamps for U.S. Citizens

Updated: October 13, 2025, 5:19am CDT

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The European Union’s New Digital Border Process
Final Thoughts

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The most significant change to the European immigration and border security systems in decades has just gone live.

From October 12, 2025, a new digital entry and exit system (EES) has started its rollout at airports within the Schengen area in Europe.

Now that the new EES system has gone into effect, your first trip into the European Union will be a bit different from what you’re used to.

Here’s what travelers should know before heading to Europe.

The European Union’s New Digital Border Process

Passport stamp collectors took note when changes to EU border rules were first announced back in 2024, signaling the end of physical passport stamps.

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).

If arriving at an airport where the new system is fully set up, passengers must use a self-service machine to take a picture for facial recognition and scan their fingerprints. Finger print scanning does not apply to children under 12. On subsequent visits, cameras should recognize passengers automatically, making for a smoother entry process.

The rollout of the new EES process is set to be completed by April 10, 2026. The countries included are all 27 member states of the European Union. While Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are not members of the European Union, they are included in the Schengen group of countries, so they will also participate in EES.

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

The new system will also be introduced gradually at U.K. ports and before taking an international train between the U.K. and Europe such as the Eurostar.

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.

The new process will apply to all non-EU residents entering the EU, and both entries and exits will be digitally stored.

Bottom Line:

After registering your details on arrival in the EU for the first time after October 12, 2025, you won’t have to wait for border police to check your passport stamps for how long you were in the country on subsequent Schengen zone departures and arrivals.

Final Thoughts

Your first trip to the EU (plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) after October 12, 2025, will look a little different. 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.