- Angie Brandt
- 14 hours ago
- 4 min read
European travel is on nearly every American’s bucket list. But starting soon, the way travelers enter and exit Europe is changing. The European Union is rolling out a new Entry/Exit System (EES) that will replace the familiar passport stamp with a modern, electronic process.
The goal? To make border checks faster, safer, and more consistent across all EU countries. According to the official EU announcement, this new system will completely change how your travel is recorded when you arrive in Europe. Let's examine what this new system means for travelers heading to the EU after 12 October 2025.
What Is The EU Entry Exit System (EES) And Why Is It Happening?
Right now, border officers stamp passports by hand to track when you enter and leave Europe. With the EU Entry Exit System EES, passport stamps disappear (I know, this is sad news for those of us who love looking at those reminders of our trips abroad!). Instead, your entry and exit will be logged electronically in a secure system that calculates exactly how many days you have left under the 90-day Schengen travel limit.
The EU is making this change to speed up border checks, improve security, and reduce overstays. It also brings all EU countries into one consistent, digital system.
What Data Will Be Collected?
The first time you arrive in Europe after EES begins, you’ll need to provide:
Passport details
Four fingerprints
A facial image
Basic travel information (reason for your visit, destination, etc.)
Your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be valid for three years. If you return within that time, you won’t need to re-register unless your passport changes. The EU confirms that all data is stored securely under strict privacy laws.
A Slow Ramp-Up: The “Progressive Start”
EES will not launch at every border on the same day. Instead, the EU is phasing it in gradually with what they call a “progressive start.”
That means:
Some airports and land crossings will adopt EES earlier than others.
For a time, travelers may see both systems in use; old passport stamps at some borders, digital entry at others.
This gradual rollout is meant to prevent congestion and help border staff adjust.
According to the EU’s FAQ, travelers should be ready for either system depending on where and when they arrive.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
EES is not optional. The data collected is used to make sure travelers follow the 90-days-in-180 rule for Americans and other non-EU visitors.
If you refuse to provide fingerprints or overstay your allowed time:
You may be denied entry at the border.
Your name could be flagged in the system for future trips.
Overstays can lead to fines, deportation, or bans from returning to Europe.
The EU explains that the system is designed to enforce these rules consistently across all Schengen countries.
Does the EES Cost Money?
No. There is no fee for EES. Registration happens automatically at the border.
Important: Some unofficial “services” are already trying to charge travelers money to handle EES registration. These are scams. The EU makes it clear that information should only be taken from official sources. Do not pay a third-party site to “process” EES on your behalf.
Who Is Exempt?
EES does not apply to:
EU citizens
Long-term EU residents
Travelers with EU work or study visas
If you fall into one of these groups, you will not be registered in the EES system.
FAQs for American Travelers
Do I still need a visa for the EU? No. U.S. citizens remain visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Will EES replace ETIAS? No. They are separate (see more information below).
Will this make my time in Customs and Immigration slower? Your first trip may take longer for registration, but later visits should be faster.
How Is EES Different From ETIAS?
You may have also heard about ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). While it sounds similar, it works differently.
ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization, similar to the U.S. ESTA or UK ETA. You will need to apply online and pay a small fee before your trip.
EES is a border control system. You don’t apply ahead of time, it records your travel when you arrive.
Think of it this way:
ETIAS = permission to travel
EES = record of your travel
When ETIAS finally launches (after multiple delays), U.S. travelers will need both ETIAS and EES to visit Europe.
More details: ETIAS official site
How Does This Compare to the UK ETA?
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is the United Kingdom’s new digital pre-check. U.S. travelers will apply online before entering the UK. The ETA is tied to your passport, valid for two years (or until your passport expires), and required for entry.
Like EES, the ETA is part of a global shift to digital border systems. The difference is that ETA requires an application and approval before you travel, while EES is recorded automatically at the border. Learn more here: UK ETA official site.
Let Me Help You Navigate the Changes
Between EES, ETIAS, and the UK ETA, travel rules are evolving quickly. Keeping up can feel overwhelming, and making a mistake could disrupt your trip.
When you book with me, you’ll have a trusted travel advisor who tracks these changes for you, explains what you need, and ensures you’re ready before you board your flight.
Book your next journey with Both Worlds Travel, and I’ll help you navigate the ever-changing world of travel requirements so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
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About Us
Both Worlds Travel is a boutique Travel Agency based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, that provides thoughtfully curated, highly elevated travel experiences for affluent travelers. Owner Angie Brandt is an expert at crafting tailor-made itineraries and specializes in small ship cruises and adventure travel.
