Starting next month, Americans traveling to Europe will have their fingerprints scanned and picture taken when they arrive in a number of countries such as Germany, Italy and France. Those who aren’t willing to provide such biometric data will be turned away.
This change comes as the European Union rolls out a new Entry/Exit System for all visitors from outside Europe’s Schengen Area, a group of countries that allows people in the zone to travel across borders freely without going through customs checks, per CBS News.
The new system will be introduced gradually, starting Oct. 12 to April 10. According to CBS News, this system will eventually replace passport stamps.
How does the new system work?
When arriving in the Schengen Area, not only will travelers be photographed and have their fingerprints scanned, but they will also have to provide details such as their full name and date of birth. The system will collect data, including when and where they’re entering and leaving the area.
“U.S. citizens traveling to most European countries should expect new automated border checks and to have their biodata digitally collected upon arrival and departure,” the State Department said in a post on X.
Any travelers who refuse to provide the required biometric data will not be allowed to enter the region. The system will also be keeping track of people who were denied entry.
As of now, only those older than 11 years old will have to provide their fingerprints, per CBS News.
The changes comes as part of an effort to increase security in the Schengen Area. The system will help authorities track who enters and leaves the area. It will also help them crack down on people who stay longer than they’re allowed.
The EU has been working on this system for nearly a decade, and it was originally intended to begin in 2022, per The Financial Times.
Citizens of the U.K. who travel to Europe will also have to provide biometric data under the new system.
After fingerprints have been recorded, travelers will only need to have their picture taken and scan their passports in future crossings, until they change their passport or if they don’t travel again for three years, per The Financial Times.
The data recorded through the system will be retained for three years after a traveler departs the area.
According to The Register, the EU says this system will improve security, make border checks more efficient and make it easier to enforce visa rules.
Where will these new requirements be in place?
The EES system will be in place in the 29 Schengen Area countries that share border controls. This includes all EU countries except for Cyprus and Ireland, and four countries that aren’t EU members: Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, per The Register.
Here are the 29 countries where the system will be in place, per CBS News.