Love passport stamps? Get an EU stamp by November 10, before it’s eliminated

Brussels: If you love the tradition of collecting passport stamps, you might be in for disappointing news, and would want to prioritise getting one from the EU before November 10, 2024.

This is because, after this date, the manual stamping of passports will become a thing of the past, and will be replaced by a new automated system that could leave stamp enthusiasts longing for a nostalgic keepsake.

As per the latest news reports, the European Union is phasing out passport stamps in favour of the Entry/Exit System (EES), a significant upgrade designed to streamline border controls and improve security. According to the EU, the current manual stamping process is cumbersome, lacks systematic data collection, and fails to effectively track overstayers. The EES aims to address these issues by registering travellers digitally, capturing their biometrics, and recording their entry and exit details with precision.

Under the new system, each time a non-EU visitor crosses an external border, the EES will log their name, type of travel document, biometric data (such as fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of their entry and exit. The system will also document refusals of entry, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate record of border crossings. This shift is expected to enhance border security and expedite the travel process, reducing wait times and improving efficiency for travellers.

However, this transition has not been without its challenges. The EES, originally slated for a 2022 launch, has faced delays and is now set to go live on November 10, 2024. There are concerns about potential teething problems and the preparedness of the airline industry and border control authorities. Despite these uncertainties, the EU is optimistic that the EES will ultimately benefit travellers by streamlining border procedures and reducing manual processing.

For those who relish the charm of traditional passport stamps, the shift to digital registration may come as a disappointment. The physical stamp, often considered a treasured souvenir and a tangible reminder of one’s travels, will soon be replaced by an electronic record. So, if you are seriously keen on adding an EU passport stamp to your collection, it’s advisable that you plan your trip before the November deadline.

While the new system promises more reliable data and quicker border crossings, it may also lead to the loss of a beloved travel tradition. As travellers will kind of take their sweet time to adjust to the new EES, they may, hopefully, find solace in knowing that long waits at European borders could soon be a thing of the past, even as they bid farewell to the lovely charm of passport stamps.