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Passport stamps are quickly becoming a thing of the past. And 29 countries are leading the way.
For many travel lovers, nothing beats flipping through their passport book, looking at all the stamps, and reminiscing on past trips. A new passport stamp often feels like a free souvenir and the official start of an exciting international adventure.
But this change, while it may initially feel like a loss, actually brings with it a host of benefits. The new electronic biometric system, which many countries in the European Union (EU) are adopting, will streamline the border control process, making it faster and more efficient.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will soon replace passport stamps, has been in the works for several years, with multiple technological issues delaying its implementation.
Rest assured, the transition to the new system will be gradual, with the EU announcing that it will start on October 12 and be fully implemented by April 10, 2026.
29 Countries Will Serve As The Launching Pad.
Twenty-nine countries in total will introduce EES as an “automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any of the following European countries using the system,” according to the European Union.
Instead of issuing a freshly inked stamp in a passport, the new digital system will collect basic biometric data listed in travelers’ documents, as well as the date and place of entry and exit. This system is designed to enhance security and streamline the border control process.
As usual, this will only occur when entering or leaving the EU’s Schengen Area. You will not pass through border control when traveling from one Schengen country to another (ie, from Spain to Germany or Italy). EES will also collect an image of each traveler’s face and their fingerprints.
It’s not just Europe that’s embracing digital border control. This trend is global, with countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Singapore, and Argentina all implementing or planning to implement similar systems.
Here is a complete list of European countries where EES will replace stamps. Stay tuned to our platform for more updates and information on this transition.
• 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
• Switzerland
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
