New Entry Requirements for Americans Traveling to Europe Starting November 2024

For many years, Americans have enjoyed easy access to most of Europe, often without stringent checks or the need for specific entry permits. In airports such as Charles de Gaulle in Paris and Fiumicino in Rome, U.S. travelers could even utilize eGates, similar to European citizens.

However, beginning in November 2024, there will be new entry requirements:

In response to modern challenges like security threats and irregular migration, the European Union is updating its border policies after prolonged discussions.

American passport holders must now anticipate additional measures when traveling to Europe. From November 10, 2024, Americans will need to undergo fingerprinting and registration upon entering Europe–a change that's unavoidable.

Why Is Europe Implementing Stricter Border Controls for Americans?

U.S. tourists arriving in Europe will encounter the newly introduced Entry-Exit System (EES), slated to launch on November 10. This advance in border control—confirmed by Ylva Johansson, the EU Commissioner—aims at updating Europe's borders and improving security.

The EES is not a brand-new concept; it has been under discussion for years, but this is the first time its launch date has been officially confirmed after several delays.

The EES will operate as a biometric system, using travelers’ digital photos, personal data, and fingerprints to track border movements and monitor their length of stay.

For Americans, the length of stay typically allowed in Schengen Area countries is 90 days within any 180-day timeframe. For example, spending a month in Italy would leave only 60 remaining days for travel within the other 28 Schengen countries.

Currently, European border officials use passport stamping to track this, but changes are coming.

What Will Change Starting November 10?

According to Johansson, the introduction of the EES marks the end of passport stamping and the beginning of digital checks for all non-European travelers.

As of November 10, Americans and other non-European citizens must register their biometric data upon landing in Europe. This information will be stored for three years.

This timeframe aligns with the upcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) validity period, implying that re-registration will be necessary with each ETIAS renewal.

For frequent travelers, this means applying for ETIAS and updating EES registrations every three years or when obtaining a new passport.

Although the ETIAS will not roll out until 2025, it will eventually require travelers to complete an online application before flying to Europe.

Submitting for an ETIAS will be a straightforward online process, with most applications, especially from low-risk nationals like Americans, receiving quick approval. There will be a €7 fee, but holding an ETIAS does not guarantee entry—border officials will still have the final say, considering factors like compliance with the 90-day rule.

Digital Transformation of European Borders

Once EES is operational, travelers won't need to undergo the registration process each time they enter or leave Europe.

In summary, the transition involves replacing passport stamps with fingerprinting and digital checks.

"At every airport, harbor, and road entry into Europe, digital border controls will be fully synchronized and operational," Johansson emphasized.