Home » EUROPE » Norway Joins Hungary, Italy, Malta, Romania, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, And More In Bold New Regulations As U.S. Travelers Face Mandatory Fingerprint Scans And Enhanced Security Measures Across Most Of Europe Starting Next Month
Published on
September 25, 2025
Starting next month, Norway will join a growing list of European countries, including Italy, Spain, and Germany, in implementing new security measures that require U.S. travelers to undergo mandatory fingerprint scans and biometric data collection. This move is part of the European Union’s broader initiative to enhance border security and streamline the entry/exit process. By tracking travelers more effectively, the EU aims to prevent overstays, improve security, and better manage migration flows, all while ensuring smoother border control across the Schengen Area.
Starting next month, Americans traveling to Europe will be required to undergo biometric checks, including fingerprint scans and photographs, upon arrival in countries like France, Italy, and Spain. This is part of new regulations being introduced across the continent. Visitors who do not comply with these requirements will be turned away from the Schengen Area.
The European Union is implementing a new Entry/Exit System (EES) for travelers from outside the Schengen Zone, which includes not only Americans but all visitors from non-EU countries. The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European nations that permits unrestricted movement between countries, eliminating the need for customs checks at borders. The EES system is designed to replace passport stamps with more sophisticated tracking and security measures.
The gradual rollout of the system will begin on October 12 and will take about six months to be fully implemented. The system will require travelers to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo, and will collect essential details from their passports, such as full name, date of birth, and travel dates. Information regarding when and where travelers enter and exit the Schengen Area will also be recorded.
Failure to provide biometric data will result in denial of entry to the Schengen Area. Additionally, the system will keep track of individuals who are denied entry, making it easier for authorities to manage and prevent unauthorized stays. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from providing fingerprints.
The primary objective of the new system is to enhance security within the Schengen Area. By monitoring the entry and exit of travelers more effectively, the system aims to identify individuals who overstay their permitted duration in Europe, ensuring compliance with immigration rules. U.S. passport holders, whose passports are valid for at least six months, can typically stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Those who wish to remain longer or seek employment will need to obtain a visa from the country they are visiting.
Personal data collected from travelers will be stored for up to three years after departure, or five years if no exit is recorded. There are certain exemptions, such as for family members of EU citizens and some other non-EU nationals. The European Union has stated that this new system has been in development for almost a decade, largely in response to the significant migration influx from Africa and the Middle East, which has placed additional strain on European immigration control measures.
The introduction of the EES system comes at a time when European immigration policies are being widely discussed. The new measures are expected to streamline immigration controls while addressing concerns over security, border management, and illegal immigration. This initiative aligns with broader goals of improving the safety and integrity of the Schengen Area.
The Entry/Exit System will be deployed across 29 countries. While most of these countries are members of the European Union, four non-EU countries—Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein—will also participate. Notably, two EU member states, Cyprus and Ireland, have opted out of the system and will not implement the biometric checks.
The full list of countries that will implement the system includes:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
In addition to the EES system, the United Kingdom, which left the EU in 2020, is not part of the new system. However, the U.K. has already introduced its own set of travel regulations. Since earlier this year, travelers from certain countries, including the U.S., must apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before entering the U.K. This authorization, which costs approximately £16 (about $22), is valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
Americans passing through the U.K. on a layover to another destination will not need an ETA, as long as they do not pass through UK border control. However, travelers are encouraged to verify their status with their airline to ensure they meet all entry requirements before traveling.
With the introduction of these biometric checks and the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, Europe is taking significant steps toward enhancing border security and streamlining immigration processes. While the system aims to bolster security and track the movement of individuals across borders, it will also have implications for travelers’ experiences at European airports. The additional steps in the entry process may cause some delays, but the long-term benefits of improved border management and security could make the changes worthwhile for both authorities and travelers alike.
As these new regulations unfold, visitors to Europe should be prepared for the additional steps involved and ensure they have the necessary documents and biometric data available to comply with the updated entry requirements. This shift in Europe’s immigration protocols marks a significant change in how border control will be managed in the years to come. Travelers from the U.S. and other non-EU countries should stay informed about the system’s implementation and follow any updates on requirements for smoother entry into Europe.
