Border Checks Shift to Biometric Records
On October 12, 2025, the European Union will introduce its Entry/Exit System (EES), transforming the way non-EU visitors are processed. Instead of stamping passports, border agents will log travelers’ movements electronically. As part of the process, Americans and other foreign nationals will need to provide a facial image and four fingerprint impressions when crossing into the Schengen zone by air, land, or sea.
Who Falls Under the New Rules
The measure affects short-stay travelers from outside the EU, including U.S. citizens who do not require a visa. The biometric capture happens on the first entry, creating a record that speeds later visits. Exemptions apply to children younger than 12, and border staff are instructed to accommodate travelers unable to give fingerprints for health-related reasons.
Concerns Over Wait Times and Data Protection
Supporters of the plan say it will bolster security and make overstays easier to identify. Still, European airports and ports are bracing for congestion in the early months as millions of passengers adapt to the new procedure. Civil liberties groups have also pressed EU officials to explain how biometric data will be retained and safeguarded under existing privacy laws.
