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For decades, the ritual of entering Europe has been the same: a friendly greeting, a quick glance at your passport, and that satisfying ‘thump’ of a fresh passport stamp. But that whole process is about to change in a big way, and the first major shift is happening next month.
Here at Travel Off Path, we’re all about giving you the real, on-the-ground intel you need to travel smarter. The European Union has been talking about new, high-tech border systems for years, creating a ton of confusion. Now, it’s finally happening, and it’s kicking off with a confusing, country-by-country rollout.
The big news? Starting October 12, 2025, Americans heading to the stunning coastlines of Croatia will be the first to experience a completely new entry process, one that includes getting fingerprinted and photographed.
First, What Is This New System?
This new process is part of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES). The simplest way to think about it is this: the EES is officially replacing passport stamps.
Instead of a border officer stamping your passport, you’ll use a self-service kiosk to scan it. On your first entry into a country using the system, you will also have to provide your biometric data: specifically, four fingerprints and a facial photograph.
This information is then stored securely for three years. On subsequent trips, the process will be much faster; you’ll just need a quick facial scan to verify your identity against the profile already in the system. The goal is to speed up border crossings and enhance security.
Hold On, Is This The Same as ETIAS?
This is the most confusing part for travelers, so let’s make it crystal clear: No, the EES is completely separate from the ETIAS.
Think of it like this:
- EES (The Kiosk): This is the physical process at the border. It’s the new high-tech system that takes your fingerprints and photo instead of stamping your passport.
- ETIAS (The Website): This is the online travel authorization you will need to apply for before you leave home. It’s the $7.50 pass that is still scheduled to launch in the last quarter of 2026.
You can’t have one without the other, which is why the rollout has been so complicated. The ETIAS system can’t launch until the EES infrastructure is working.
What To Expect in Croatia Starting October 12
Croatia’s Ministry of Interior has confirmed it is officially activating its system, making it the first European country to do so.
If you are flying into Zagreb or Dubrovnik, or crossing another international border into Croatia after this date, you will be directed to the new EES kiosks. You’ll scan your passport, provide your fingerprints and photo, and answer a few questions on the screen. It’s a change, but it’s designed to be a straightforward process.
What About The Rest Of Europe?
This is where the “confusing rollout” comes in. If you fly into major airports like Paris (CDG), Rome (FCO), or Madrid (MAD) this fall, you will probably see the new EES kiosks already installed. However, they are not yet mandatory for all travelers.
For now, these other countries are sticking to the plan of a coordinated, Schengen-wide launch in the first half of 2026.
Europe’s New Travel Rules: The Simple Guide
It’s confusing, we get it. Choose a system below to get a simple, easy-to-understand breakdown of what’s changing.
👆The EES (Entry/Exit System)
- What it is: A new, automated system at the border that replaces passport stamps with digital scans.
- What you’ll do: On your first entry, you’ll provide your fingerprints and a facial photo at a self-service kiosk.
- When it starts: Croatia begins the rollout on October 12, 2025. The rest of the Schengen Area will follow in the first half of 2026.
🛂The ETIAS Travel Pass
- What it is: A mandatory online travel authorization, similar to the ESTA for visiting the U.S. It is NOT a visa.
- What you’ll do: Apply online before your trip. It costs about $7.50 and is valid for three years.
- When it starts: The ETIAS will launch *after* the EES is fully operational, currently scheduled for the last quarter of 2026.
This means that for the time being, you’ll face a patchwork of systems. You’ll get your fingerprints scanned in Croatia, but you’ll still get a classic stamp in your passport if you fly to France or Italy.
This is the first, concrete step in a major shift for European travel. To stay on top of this and any other changes, the best tool is our 1 Minute Trip Check, which gives you the real-time entry requirements for any destination.
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