Travelers to Europe will soon have their fingerprints and facial data captured and verified for entering and exiting EU countries, signaling the beginning of the end for passport stamping.
The new system, which the EU is calling the EES (Entry/Exit System) will kick off on Oct. 12 and will be gradually phased in across checkpoints through April 9, 2026. By April 10 of next year, the EU hopes to do away with physical passport stamping in favor of a digital biometric system that it says will make traveling more efficient while combating identity fraud, human trafficking, terrorism and organized crime.
The EU says the biometric system will also curtail cases of mistaken identity, discrimination and racial profiling. Kids under 12 will not have their fingerprints scanned, according to the EU’s FAQ on the system.
Because it’s a gradual rollout, travelers should expect that not all border checkpoints will be using the EES right away.
Starting in the fall of 2026, travelers to Europe will also see a fee tied to using the new European Travel and Authorization System (ETIAS). That application, tied to an individual’s passport, will cost 20 euros (a little over $23). It’s required for anyone without a visa for travel to 30 EU countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Those who are under 18 or over 70 are exempted from the fee.
The EU says it will announce a start date for ETIAS at a later date, several months before it launches. Unlike the EES, the ETIAS does not require the registration or capture of biometric data.
For more on travel planning, see the best time to book cheap plane tickets and tips for a travel prep list.
