Doesn't sound much different than now in many countries, unless you have guilty fingerprints
Here's What To Expect When Europe's Mandatory Fingerprinting Starts This Fall - Travel Off Path https://share.google/7Z439b9wyJtuKKqdj
Posted by
Arlington TX
840 posts
Thanks phred, it was news to me, too. Guess I’ll see on Oct 14 when I land at CDG.
Posted by
The Netherlands
2039 posts
EES isn’t new. There are dozens of topics about EES already on this forum, some from 2 years ago. To list a few;
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tours/ees-implementation
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/ees-or-etias
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/ees-and-etias-start-dates-announced
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/ees-starting-november-10
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12994 posts
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past year or so, you know by now Europe will be doubling down on biometric checks and start fingerprinting foreign travelers on October 12, 2025—and this includes American travelers.
( 1st line from OP's link)
Quite a knack for subtlety
Posted by
Penzance
58 posts
Just to be clear this doesn’t apply to the whole of Europe.
The EES (Entry/Exit System) will be implemented in the 29 countries of the Schengen Area. This includes 25 EU member states (excluding Cyprus and Ireland) and 4 non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein).
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8917 posts
What's news? This (EES) has been discussed on here, as well as EITAS, for what seems over a decade, maybe two.
They have announced that finally, and really truly, things will start to go into effect later this year, no more delays...really, and continue implementation for the next year or so.
EES really is the overlooked segment of the whole entry scheme, people focus on Etias, but it is the element that will speed your entry. Similar to the e-gates seen in the UK and other places, walk up, scan your passport, smile (or maybe not) at the screen, touch the fingerpad, and on your way, no stamp, no 20 questions, just on to your adventures. Etias will just be risk mitigation for the whole system, to catch those that really do not qualify to enter.
There is no conspiracy here, no violation of your "rights", nothing to complain about.
Posted by
Arlington TX
840 posts
I don’t think anyone said conspiracy or rights being violated. I was unaware and thanked phred for the update. Simple, no drama.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8506 posts
Thank you, phred. This was news to me, too.
I renewed my Colorado Driver License last month, which required submitting to fingerprinting on a glass reader, which didn’t go smoothly. Apparently my fingertips were too dry for the scanner to accept them without rubbing on the Sortkwik I was given, and then trying additional times. There were several other less-than-thoroughly-pleasant things there that day, but the fingerprinting was ultimately successful. I hope my entry to Italy this fall is more pleasant than the time spent at the DMV at home.
Now going back under my rock …
Posted by
Michigan
244 posts
Thank you for the link. I guess I've been living under a rock. I've been reading this forum since the pandemic and a member since 2021. I do not recall reading anywhere about EES. ETIAS yes. EES no. I don't read the forum when traveling so likely missed the threads. Registering seems simple enough. Could be slow lines at first as we all learn the procedure. But nothing to lose sleep over.
Happy Travels!
Traveler Girl