Published on
September 24, 2025
Starting October 12, 2025, American tourists heading to Croatia will experience a change at the border, as the country implements the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES). This new policy marks Croatia as the first European country to roll out the system, with others expected to follow soon after. Instead of traditional passport stamps, travelers will now be required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and facial photographs. This move is part of an effort to streamline and secure international travel within the European Union. For American travelers heading to popular Croatian destinations like Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar, understanding this new procedure is essential to avoid any travel disruptions.
What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The Entry/Exit System is a new biometric identification system that the European Union is implementing at its borders to enhance security and manage migration more effectively. Starting October 12, Croatia will be the first EU country to apply this system to all international border crossings. As part of this system, travelers will no longer receive a traditional passport stamp upon entering the country. Instead, they will need to use a self-service kiosk, scan their passport, and provide biometric data. This data includes a set of four fingerprints and a facial photograph. The system aims to make border checks faster and more secure, while also reducing waiting times at entry points.
Why Are American Travelers Affected?
For American visitors, this means that the old way of entering Croatia—simply showing a passport at the border—will no longer suffice. Instead, travelers will need to go through a biometric scanning process, which will store their fingerprints and facial recognition data for three years. If Americans visit Croatia multiple times within that period, they will only need to have their face scanned for identity verification. This system is expected to speed up border checks, especially for frequent visitors, while also making it more difficult for individuals to illegally enter or remain in the EU.
How Will It Affect Popular Destinations in Croatia?
Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations, including the ancient city of Dubrovnik, the coastal town of Split, the capital Zagreb, and beautiful islands like Hvar and Rovinj, attract millions of visitors each year. In the first half of 2025, Croatia saw a 16% increase in American tourists, with around 260,000 U.S. citizens visiting the country. This surge in tourism is expected to continue, and the new biometric system will help manage the flow of visitors, making border entry smoother for both travelers and border officials.
What Travelers Should Know About the New Entry Process
As you prepare for your trip to Croatia, it’s essential to know what to expect at the border. Upon your first entry into Croatia after October 12, you will need to:
Visit a self-service kiosk at the border.Scan your passport and provide your biometric data, including four fingerprints and a facial photograph.Your data will be stored securely for three years. If you return to Croatia within that time frame, the system will use a quick facial scan to verify your identity, bypassing the need for fingerprinting.
It’s important to note that the Entry/Exit System is separate from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will be introduced in 2026. ETIAS will require travelers from certain countries, including the U.S., to pay a small fee for authorization to enter the EU, but it is not part of the biometric scanning process.
Additional European Countries Expected to Implement EES Soon
Croatia is just the beginning. Other EU nations are expected to begin using the Entry/Exit System in early 2026. This means that travelers to popular destinations like France, Italy, and Germany should be prepared for similar biometric checks as the system expands across the European Union. The roll-out of EES is part of a larger initiative to enhance border security and improve the management of visitors entering and leaving the EU.
What Does This Mean for U.S. Travelers?
For Americans traveling to Croatia, the most immediate impact will be the new biometric procedure at the border. However, the overall goal of the Entry/Exit System is to improve the speed and security of international travel. While the new system might seem like an inconvenience, it will eventually result in quicker, more efficient border checks, especially for repeat visitors. Furthermore, with increasing travel volumes, having this system in place will help reduce congestion at Croatia’s busiest entry points, including airports and ferry terminals.
Tips for American Tourists Heading to CroatiaPlan Ahead: Make sure you allow extra time at the border to familiarize yourself with the new biometric process, especially if you’re traveling during peak tourist seasons.Have Your Documents Ready: While biometric data will be collected, travelers will still need to carry their passports. Ensure that your passport is up-to-date and in good condition.Stay Informed: Keep an eye on any updates regarding travel procedures. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be implemented in 2026, so it’s important to stay informed about any changes that may affect future trips.The Big Picture: Streamlining Travel for a Safer Future
Though the new biometric system might seem like an added step in the travel process, it is part of a broader effort to improve the safety and efficiency of travel across the European Union. By using biometric data, the EU can better monitor and manage its borders, which is especially important as the region continues to experience a surge in international travel.
The implementation of the Entry/Exit System is also designed to provide a smoother experience for tourists who are entering and exiting European countries. By automating much of the border-checking process, travelers can expect quicker entries into destinations like Croatia, while also contributing to a more secure and managed border system.
