Starting October, American travelers visiting Europe will undergo fingerprinting as a part of new immigration measures - here's the essential information you need.
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The European Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital system designed to enhance border control, security, and compliance with residence rules within the European Union (EU) and Schengen countries. Starting from October 2025, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and 25 of the 27 EU nations will implement this system [1][2][3].
The EES collects and stores various types of data on non-EU nationals traveling for short stays at EU external borders. This includes personal details such as full name, date of birth, and other data from travel documents (passport details). Additionally, biometric data like facial images and fingerprints will be gathered [1][2]. Travel data, including dates and places of entry and exit from the EU, will also be recorded, along with additional information such as refusal of entry records [1].
The centralised digital storage of this data replaces traditional passport stamps and is intended to be stored for approximately three years [1][2][3]. This system aims to facilitate border control, improve security, and monitor compliance with residence rules.
Respect for fundamental rights and data protection laws is a priority for the EES. Travelers have the right to request that specific data are not processed, and they can also request access to their data, request corrections, or request the erasure of unlawfully processed personal data by contacting a data controller or data protection officer in a country using EES [2][3].
American travelers must abide by the 90/180-day rule, where travelers are permitted within a Schengen area for only 90 days within a rolling 180-day period. It is essential to note that passengers who refuse to provide biometric data will be denied entry into countries using EES [4].
Impacted travelers will be required to provide fingerprints or a facial scan for digital storage in EES. After submitting biometric data, American travelers will still need to carry their passports with them [4].
The EES will more efficiently track passenger entries to uncover overstayers who may be subject to removal from the territory, fines, or re-entry refusal. This system is being implemented to detect overstayers and strengthen security [1][3][4].
For more information, please visit the official EES website. It is important to stay informed about these changes to ensure a smooth travel experience within the Schengen area.
[1] European Commission. (2021). European Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/legal-migration/entry-exit-system_en
[2] European Commission. (2021). Data protection and the European Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12540-Regulation-on-the-European-Entry-Exit-System-(EES)-Data-protection-and-the-free-movement-of-persons_en
[3] European Commission. (2021). European Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/legal-migration/entry-exit-system_en
[4] European Commission. (2021). European Entry/Exit System (EES). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/legal-migration/entry-exit-system_en
- The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) policy-and-legislation is expected to affect travel for American citizens from October 2025, as they will be required to provide biometric data for digital storage and adhere to the 90/180-day rule.
- As a result of the EES, lifestyle changes may be necessary for frequent travelers to the Schengen area as they will now have to provide fingerprints or facial scans for data collection and compliance with the residence rules.
- The implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) is part of a broader trend in politics and general-news, with governments focusing on strengthening border control, improving security, and enhancing compliance with residence rules through new policy-and-legislation and digital systems.
