Published on
August 15, 2025
Starting this October, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, and several other European countries will phase out passport stamps in favor of a digital and biometric border control system. This major change aims to streamline border checks, enhance security, and improve the efficiency of travel across the Schengen Area. By transitioning to automated systems that record biometric data, these nations hope to make travel faster and more secure, ultimately benefiting both travelers and border authorities.
As passport stamps have traditionally been a cherished souvenir for globetrotters, the travel experience will soon undergo a significant change in Europe. Starting in October, nearly 30 countries within the European Union will shift to an electronic and biometric border control system, marking the end of passport stamps in many popular European destinations.
This transition is part of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated system that will register non-EU nationals traveling for short stays across the external borders of EU countries. These “short stays” refer to visits lasting up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The phased introduction of the system will officially begin on October 12, with the goal of replacing the traditional manual stamping process with biometric data collection at border crossings.
The move to a fully digital and biometric-based border system promises to enhance several aspects of border management. According to the European Union, one of the key benefits of the EES is that it will streamline border checks, making the process quicker and more efficient. This system will use advanced technology to collect biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images, improving the accuracy of border entry and exit records. In turn, it will allow for smoother travel within the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries.
While the shift to an electronic system aims to improve efficiency and security, it also marks the end of an era for those who enjoyed collecting passport stamps from each country they visited. The EU’s decision to move to biometric data collection echoes similar changes in other parts of the world. For instance, Australia phased out passport stamps back in 2012, opting for a more automated border entry system that relies on biometric scanning.
The EES is not just about eliminating stamps; it is also designed to boost security within the EU. By collecting biometric data at each border entry, the system helps prevent overstays and enables better tracking of visitors. It is expected to make the Schengen Area’s borders more secure and help combat issues like identity fraud and illegal immigration.
The following EU countries will be transitioning to this system, starting in October: 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. These nations will gradually implement the new system, eventually phasing out passport stamps entirely.
Travelers will no longer receive the iconic passport stamps they have come to associate with visits to European countries. Instead, biometric data will be captured each time they cross the EU’s borders, and their entry and exit will be automatically recorded in the system. For many frequent travelers, this marks the end of a traditional travel ritual. However, the new system promises to provide smoother and faster border crossings for travelers, without the need for manual checks.
In addition to the increased efficiency at borders, the EES will also enhance the overall experience for travelers, especially those visiting for business or tourism purposes. The system is expected to reduce wait times at border crossings, allowing travelers to spend less time in queues and more time exploring their destinations.
As the EU moves forward with these changes, it will be interesting to see how travelers adjust to the new reality of border control. For some, the loss of passport stamps may be a bittersweet change, as they say goodbye to a beloved travel tradition. For others, the shift will be welcomed as a sign of progress and modernity in the way borders are managed.
Overall, the European Union’s move to the EES represents a significant step in the modernization of border controls. While it signals the end of passport stamps, it is also the beginning of a more secure, efficient, and streamlined travel experience within Europe. The transition is expected to bring about improvements in both security and convenience, making travel across European borders faster and more reliable for all.
