I have bittersweet news today—our beloved passport stamps have been phased out in Europe.
As of November 10, 2024, the European Union introduced a new digital entry-exit system, which means no more inked stamps to commemorate our travels. As someone who cherishes every little mark my passport bears, this feels like the end of an era.
On my most recent trip to London, I had to go out of my way just to get a stamp. At first, I was a little confused. Isn’t that something they just do? So, as I handed over my passport, and asked the agent, “Would it be possible to get a stamp?” She looked up at me with a bit of a smirk and said, “Don’t tell my boss…” before quickly stamping it.
If you’re like me and love collecting these little mementos, the news of their disappearance is hard to take. But, with the new system, travelers will be registered digitally, making for quicker and more efficient border crossings across the Schengen Area.
While I appreciate the benefits of technology, it’s still tough to say goodbye to such a cherished travel ritual.
The European Union (EU) introduced the Entry/Exit System (EES) in 2024. This innovative system will replace traditional passport stamps with a fully electronic process, utilizing biometric data to efficiently and accurately record traveler entries and exits.
So, what exactly is the EES? It’s an automated system that tracks non-EU nationals entering and exiting European countries for short stays—up to 90 days within 180 days. If you’re not an EU citizen or from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, your entries and exits will now be logged electronically, removing the need for manual passport stamps.
The EES will leverage cutting-edge technology, including fingerprint scanning and facial recognition, to create a comprehensive record of each traveler’s movements. This advanced system aims to improve the accuracy of traveler data, enhance security by minimizing human error, and expedite border crossings through automated checks.
To utilize the EES, travelers will need a biometric passport. Those without one will face more extensive processing at border control. Upon arrival, the EES will register the traveler’s name, travel document details, fingerprints, facial image, and the date and location of entry and exit.
This shift towards digital border management is driven by the need for a more reliable and efficient system than manual passport stamping. By providing precise border-crossing data, the EES will be instrumental in identifying individuals who overstay their visas, thereby strengthening security and immigration control within the EU.
While this may streamline the travel experience and boost security by collecting biometric data, a cherished tradition is being lost. The system will help border authorities share real-time information, identify overstayers, and enhance security. It’s efficient, yes, but it also means the cherished practice of flipping through pages of passport stamps, each one a reminder of past adventures, is becoming a thing of the past.
There are a few exceptions, though. In Cyprus and Ireland, passport stamps will continue to be issued manually for now, so if you’re heading that way, you might still get a chance to collect one last stamp.
As we adjust to the EES, it’s worth noting that this system is separate from the delayed ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa waiver program, which is expected to launch in the first half of 2025.
While the EES will track entries and exits, the ETIAS will require travelers from outside the EU to pay a €7 entry fee, valid for three years. This new visa waiver program is designed to improve security checks before travelers enter the EU, adding another layer to the evolving landscape of international travel. While it’s not here just yet, it’s another change on the horizon for those of us who frequently visit Europe.
While I understand the practicality of it all, it’s still tough to say goodbye to such a cherished travel ritual—goodbye passport stamps. For those of us who treasure these little marks of our journeys, the shift to digital brings a sense of nostalgia and loss.
Now is the perfect time to plan your next trip to Europe and collect those final, precious passport stamps before they disappear. Whether you’re dreaming of strolling through Paris, visiting the historic streets of Rome, or exploring the charming villages of Spain, don’t wait—make sure to book soon and add one last stamp to your collection.
If you’re ready to start planning your dream escape, contact me here, and I’ll help you create the perfect itinerary!
Wishing you adventure (and a few more passport stamps!)