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Passport stamps are being replaced — here’s what Americans should expect.
For a long time, American travelers have gotten used to Europe’s easy rhythm at the border, a quick passport check and stamp, maybe a smile, and you’re on your way.
But that little travel tradition is about to shift in a major way. (Much to my dismay - who doesn't love a passport full of stamps?)
The EU has been building out a new Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to swap stamps for biometric data. After years of delays, the first country is getting ready to turn it on.
Airport Check-in Counter: Airline Agent Checking Documents, Airplane Ticket in Airport Terminal. Computer Program Analyzing Fingerprint Scanning and Biometric Data of Passenger for Boarding Flight.
Starting October 12, 2025, Croatia will require arriving Americans to scan their passports, provide fingerprints, and take a photo before entering.
What Exactly Is the EES?
Think of the EES as Europe’s border control upgrade. Instead of a human officer stamping your passport, you’ll use a self-service kiosk. The first time you go through, you’ll need to provide four fingerprints and a facial photo. That information is stored securely for three years. On future trips, a quick face scan will be all it takes.
Officials say it’s about speeding up border crossings while boosting security. In reality, travelers should brace for some hiccups while the system gets underway.
How Is This Different From ETIAS?
It’s easy to mix these up, but ETIAS and EES are two separate systems:
EES = the biometric process at the border.
ETIAS = an online travel authorization you’ll need to apply for before your trip, costing about $7.50, which isn’t launching until late 2026.
Both will eventually be required, but for now, only EES is going live.
What To Expect in Croatia
If you’re flying into Zagreb or Dubrovnik or crossing another international border after October 12, you’ll be directed to the kiosks. The process includes scanning your passport, fingerprints, and photo, plus answering a few quick questions. Officials say it’s straightforward, but it will likely feel slower at first compared to the old stamp-and-go.
The Bigger Picture
Elsewhere in Europe, the kiosks are being quietly installed, but aren’t mandatory yet. Countries like France and Italy are waiting until the wider Schengen rollout planned for 2026. Until then, expect a patchwork: biometric scans in some countries, traditional stamps elsewhere.
Croatia is the first test run for Europe’s new border system, but it won’t be the last. Within the next couple of years, the EES will become standard across the Schengen Zone. For now, it’s one more adjustment travelers will need to keep in mind as the rules of European travel evolve.
As Europe’s border rules evolve, this won’t be the last major shift for travelers. If you want to be really up to speed, read up on the world’s most dangerous travel destinations to see where risks are rising — and also the in-flight mistake that can now land you a surprise fine.