EU rolls out biometric entry/exit checks for visitors
Beginning Oct. 12, 2025, rolled out over roughly six months, most visitors to 29 Schengen-area countries will undergo biometric entry/exit checks that collect four fingerprints and a facial photograph at self-service kiosks, along with passport biographical details and entry/exit timestamps; children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting. The biometric data—including the photo used to verify ID on subsequent visits—will generally be retained for three years (or up to five years if no exit is recorded), and travelers who refuse to provide data may be denied entry; the U.S. State Department has warned citizens to expect automated border checks.
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Americans traveling to most European countries will have fingerprints scanned under new system
New information:
- Specifies that travelers will be asked to provide four fingerprints (not just 'fingerprints').
- Says collection will occur at self-operated kiosks and that the facial photo will be used for ID verification on subsequent visits.
- Confirms biometric information will be stored for three years.
Americans will soon have fingerprints scanned when they go to most of Europe
New information:
- Rollout date: begins Oct. 12, 2025 and is phased over roughly six months.
- Scope: will be used in 29 countries covering most Schengen-area states (e.g., France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Poland).
- Operational rules: fingerprints and a photograph will be collected on entry and exit; passport biographical details and entry/exit timestamps recorded; children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.
- Data retention: personal data retained for about three years after departure, or five years if no exit recorded.
- Enforcement: travelers who refuse to provide biometric data may be denied entry; the State Department has notified U.S. citizens to expect automated border checks.