EU Introduces Biometric Border Controls
Starting October 12, 2025, Americans visiting Europe will encounter a new entry process under the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES). Passport stamps will be phased out and replaced with electronic records. Travelers will be required to submit a facial photograph and four fingerprints at airports, seaports, and land border crossings within the Schengen area.
Who Must Comply and Exemptions
The new system applies to short-term visitors from non-EU countries, including U.S. citizens traveling visa-free. Biometric information is collected during the first entry and stored for future use, allowing faster processing on subsequent trips. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection, and travelers unable to provide prints for medical or other legitimate reasons will be given alternative processing.
Border Efficiency and Privacy Concerns
EU authorities say the system will enhance security and help monitor overstays. However, early rollout could lead to longer processing times at airports and other border points. Privacy advocates have raised questions about how long biometric data will be retained and whether adequate protections are in place to safeguard sensitive personal information under EU data protection laws.
