International Travel: EES Guidelines

What is Europe's EES travel program?

What is Changing?

Starting October 12, 2025 - Europe has begun replacing traditional passport stamps with a digital biometric border system called the Entry/Exit System (EES). All non-EU travelers will have their entry and exit logged electronically when crossing into or out of the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area includes 29 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

NOT included: Ireland and Cyprus.

The Process:

When you arrive at your first Schengen airport, they’ll:

1. Scan your passport

2. Have your photo taken

3. Take fingerprints

** This biometric data is stored securely and replaces manual passport stamps.

Who is affected?

All U.S., Canada, UK, Australia and other NON-EU/Schengen Nationals.

BOTH visa-exempt and visa-required short-stay visitors.

This does not impact: EU/Schengen Citizens, Non-EU residents with valid EU residence permits.

Some FAQs:

• Do I still get a passport stamp? - No - entries and exits are now logged digitally.

• Do I need fingerprints? - YES, no option to opt out - if age 12 or older. Under 12s: photo only.

• How long is data stored? - 3 years (5 if no exit recorded or overstay)

• Can I refuse biometrics? - NO; It is VERY important that travelers understand they cannot refuse the biometrics. If they refuse, they will be denied entry.

• Will this slow me down? - Possibly yes, the first time, but it will get faster with time. Clients of Final Journey have dedicated travel advisors who will plan for this and provide additional support based on your specific journey.