Goodbye to passport stamps in Europe too, EES coming in October: who needs it and how it works
In Europe, too, goodbye to stamps in passports. It is in fact coming-most likely from October 2025- [...]
Also in Europe, goodbye to stamps in passports. Indeed, it is on its way-most likely from October 2025. the EES, Entry/Exit System, an electronic document that modernizes border management and replaces the manual stamping of passports.
In this article:
While it has been postponed again, to 2026, the introduction of theETIAS - the European Travel Information and Authorization System-mandatory for non-EU travelers (costing about 7 euros).
What is EES?
It is specifically a automated computerized entry/exit system with the aim of Register third-country nationals traveling for short periods of time every time they cross the external borders of European countries using the system, including Italy.
As the European Union explains, for the purposes of EES, "third-country national" is defined as. a traveler who does not possess citizenship of either a country of the European Union or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
While "short-term stay" is defined as a period of maximum 90 days out of 180 days, calculated as a single period for all European countries using EES.
How and why was EES born?
This entry and exit document actually dates back to 2016 and was created as a comprehensive reform-repeatedly postponed until now-to streamline, modernize, and secure border processes. It was already supposed to go into effect last Oct. 12, 2024, but has slipped several times.
How does EES work?
When the system goes into operation, visitors will have to provide personal information. Passport control officers will scan fingerprints or take a photograph of the face. This information will be recorded in a digital file.
Collecting biometric data and sharing information in real time is intended to help authorities detect those who overstay their short-term visas and commit identity fraud.
Therefore, the passport (biometric or not) will not be stamped.
As stated on the European Union website, it is recommended--to speed up the time--to register some data in advance. This can be done using:
- the "self-service system"), if available, at the border crossing
- A mobile application, if made available by the country of arrival or departure
- In either case, you will have to go through a passport control officer.
Who adopts EES?
All member states except Cyprus and Ireland and four Schengen-associated countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, will adopt the system. In Cyprus and Ireland, passports will continue to be stamped manually.
