I’ve bittersweet information at this time—our beloved passport stamps have been phased out in Europe.
As of November 10, 2024, the European Union launched a brand new digital entry-exit system, which implies no extra inked stamps to commemorate our travels. As somebody who cherishes each little mark my passport bears, this appears like the top of an period.
On my most up-to-date journey to London, I needed to exit of my means simply to get a stamp. At first, I used to be a bit confused. Isn’t that one thing they only do? So, as I handed over my passport, and requested the agent, “Wouldn’t it be doable to get a stamp?” She regarded up at me with a little bit of a smirk and stated, “Don’t inform my boss…” earlier than rapidly stamping it.
When you’re like me and love amassing these little mementos, the information of their disappearance is tough to take. However, with the brand new system, vacationers can be registered digitally, making for faster and extra environment friendly border crossings throughout the Schengen Space.
Whereas I respect the advantages of know-how, it’s nonetheless powerful to say goodbye to such a cherished journey ritual.
The European Union (EU) launched the Entry/Exit System (EES) in 2024. This progressive system will change conventional passport stamps with a totally digital course of, using biometric knowledge to effectively and precisely document traveler entries and exits.
So, what precisely is the EES? It’s an automatic system that tracks non-EU nationals coming into and exiting European nations for brief stays—as much as 90 days inside 180 days. When you’re not an EU citizen or from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, your entries and exits will now be logged electronically, eradicating the necessity for handbook passport stamps.
The EES will leverage cutting-edge know-how, together with fingerprint scanning and facial recognition, to create a complete document of every traveler’s actions. This superior system goals to enhance the accuracy of traveler knowledge, improve safety by minimizing human error, and expedite border crossings via automated checks.
To make the most of the EES, vacationers will want a biometric passport. These with out one will face extra in depth processing at border management. Upon arrival, the EES will register the traveler’s title, journey doc particulars, fingerprints, facial picture, and the date and placement of entry and exit.
This shift in the direction of digital border administration is pushed by the necessity for a extra dependable and environment friendly system than handbook passport stamping. By offering exact border-crossing knowledge, the EES can be instrumental in figuring out people who overstay their visas, thereby strengthening safety and immigration management inside the EU.
Whereas this will likely streamline the journey expertise and enhance safety by amassing biometric knowledge, a cherished custom is being misplaced. The system will assist border authorities share real-time data, determine overstayers, and improve safety. It’s environment friendly, sure, nevertheless it additionally means the cherished observe of flipping via pages of passport stamps, each a reminder of previous adventures, is changing into a factor of the previous.
There are just a few exceptions, although. In Cyprus and Eire, passport stamps will proceed to be issued manually for now, so should you’re heading that means, you would possibly nonetheless get an opportunity to gather one final stamp.
As we regulate to the EES, it’s value noting that this method is separate from the delayed ETIAS (European Journey Info and Authorization System) visa waiver program, which is predicted to launch within the first half of 2025.
Whereas the EES will observe entries and exits, the ETIAS would require vacationers from outdoors the EU to pay a €7 entry charge, legitimate for 3 years. This new visa waiver program is designed to enhance safety checks earlier than vacationers enter the EU, including one other layer to the evolving panorama of worldwide journey. Whereas it’s not right here simply but, it’s one other change on the horizon for these of us who often go to Europe.
Whereas I perceive the practicality of all of it, it’s nonetheless powerful to say goodbye to such a cherished journey ritual—goodbye passport stamps. For these of us who treasure these little marks of our journeys, the shift to digital brings a way of nostalgia and loss.
Now could be the proper time to plan your subsequent journey to Europe and accumulate these remaining, valuable passport stamps earlier than they disappear. Whether or not you’re dreaming of strolling via Paris, visiting the historic streets of Rome, or exploring the charming villages of Spain, don’t wait—make certain to guide quickly and add one final stamp to your assortment.
When you’re prepared to start out planning your dream escape, contact me right here, and I’ll assist you to create the proper itinerary!
Wishing you journey (and some extra passport stamps!)