If you’re a fan of collecting passport stamps, you might want to hurry. By November 10, 2024, the European Union will discontinue manual EU passport stamp, replacing it with an automated system that could leave many travelers missing this nostalgic tradition.
The change is part of the EU’s shift to the Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital upgrade aimed at improving border security and streamlining entry processes. According to recent reports, the current practice of stamping passports is considered inefficient, lacking in data accuracy, and inadequate for tracking overstayers. The new EES will rectify these issues by digitally registering travelers, capturing biometric data, and meticulously logging entry and exit details.
With the new system, each time a non-EU visitor crosses an external border, the EES will record their name, travel document type, biometric data (including fingerprints and facial images), and entry and exit specifics. It will also track entry refusals, ensuring a complete and precise account of all border crossings. This shift is expected to enhance security, reduce wait times, and make travel more efficient.
Act Before November 10, 2024!
However, the transition to the EES has not been without difficulties. Originally scheduled for a 2022 launch, the system’s implementation has been delayed multiple times and is now set for November 10, 2024. Concerns remain about initial glitches and whether the airline industry and border control authorities are fully prepared. Despite these challenges, the EU is confident that the EES will eventually improve the overall travel experience.
For travelers who cherish the charm of traditional EU passport stamp, this shift to digital may feel like the end of an era. Passport stamps have long been treasured as souvenirs — small but meaningful mementos of one’s journeys. If you’re eager to add a final EU Passport Stamp to your collection, it’s best to plan your visit before the November deadline.
While the new system aims to deliver better data and faster crossings, it also marks the end of a beloved travel ritual. As travelers adapt to the new EES, they may take comfort in the promise of smoother, quicker European border experiences, even as they say goodbye to the unique delight of passport stamps.