Americans flying to Europe will need to be fingerprinted under new EU regulations being brought in next month.
From October 12, US citizens will have to go through the EU’s Entry and Exit System to enter 29 countries, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
Under the new system, passport control agents will take fingerprints, a facial image and passport details.
It will be introduced gradually over six months, according to advice from the US Department of State website, which also includes the full list of countries impacted.
The new digital border program is likely to prompt longer wait times at security on entry to the EU countries as travelers have to register upon their first entry to the impacted zone, known as the Schengen Area.
American passengers will pass through e-gates and a computerized system which will automatically check passports on entry to the 29 countries within this zone.
However, once a traveler is within the borders of the Schengen Area, they are free to travel between the 29 countries with minimal security checks.
The zone includes 25 EU member states, and four non-EU member states – Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Americans flying to Europe will need to be fingerprinted under new EU regulations being brought in next month. From October 12, US citizens will have to go through the EU’s new Entry and Exit System to enter 29 countries, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain
Under the new system, passport control agents will take fingerprints, a facial image and passport details, while storing each passenger’s entry and exit dates
Under the new rules, passports of American travelers will no longer be physically stamped, and the entry will be recorded digitally instead.
The system has been put in place to ensure that the EU can track foreign visitors and ensure they don’t outstay their trip time.
American tourists are subject to a ’90-day’ rule which means they can only stay for 90 days within any 180-day period.
‘This process can be quicker if you register some of your data in advance,’ the EU said in a statement.
‘You can do this by using the dedicated equipment [‘self-service system’], if available at your border crossing point; and/or a mobile application – if made available by the country of arrival or departure.
‘In any of the instances above, you will meet a passport control officer.’
American passengers will pass through e-gates and a computerized system which will automatically check passports on entry to the impacted countries
American travelers will only be asked to submit their biodata once, as it will be stored in the system for any future travel to the EU countries.
Those who travel to the Schengen Area for a second time after October 12 should be able to enter more quickly.
‘The passport control officers will only verify your fingerprints and photo, which will take less time,’ the EU said.
‘In rare cases, it may be necessary to collect and record your data again.
‘If you hold a biometric passport, you will be able to enter more quickly using the self-service system [if available at that border crossing point].’
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