If you’re planning a European vacation, get ready for some new travel procedures.
Starting next month, Americans flying to Europe will face stricter entry rules, including fingerprinting and digital tracking.
The EU’s new Entry and Exit System, set to roll out on October 12, is designed to modernize border control and ensure travelers follow the 90-day rule.
Fingerprints, Facial Scans, and Passport Details Required
Under the new system, passport control officers in 29 European countries will collect fingerprints, a facial image, and passport information from U.S. citizens.
This will replace traditional passport stamping, with all entries now recorded digitally. Travelers will only need to submit this data once, which will then be stored for future visits.
Longer Wait Times Expected at Entry Points
The EU warns that the digital registration process could slow down arrivals initially, as American passengers will have to register upon their first entry to the Schengen Area.
Travelers will pass through e-gates and a computerized system that automatically checks passports for entry into the 29 countries.
Freedom to Travel Once Inside the Schengen Area
Once inside the Schengen Area, travelers can move between the 29 participating countries with minimal additional checks.
The area includes 25 EU nations plus four non-EU members: Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
Tips for Faster Entry
The EU encourages travelers to register some of their information in advance using self-service systems at border crossings or mobile applications if available. This pre-registration can speed up the process and reduce waiting times.
For repeat travelers, passport officers will typically only verify fingerprints and photos, making subsequent trips smoother.
Which Countries Are Affected
Americans entering any of the following countries will need to comply with the new rules: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Understanding the 90-Day Rule
The system is designed to enforce the rule that U.S. visitors can only stay for 90 days within any 180-day period.
This ensures tourists don’t overstay and helps EU authorities maintain accurate records of foreign visitors.
Streamlined Process for Biometric Passport Holders
Travelers with biometric passports will benefit from faster processing when using self-service systems, if available.
While most travelers will only need to submit their information once, rare cases may require data collection again.
Preparing for Your European Trip
With these changes, it’s important for American travelers to plan ahead.
Arriving early at the airport, registering information in advance where possible, and knowing the list of affected countries can make a big difference in avoiding long delays at EU border checkpoints.