EU to No Longer Stamp Passports: New Registration System

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned about a new entry registration system for Spain and the EU. A new border system has been launched in the European Union, the Entry/Exit System (EES), which introduces electronic registration for citizens from outside the bloc, according to Reuters.

The EES is an automated system that requires travelers from third countries to register when crossing the border, including scanning passports, taking fingerprints (not mandatory for children under 12), and capturing photographs. It will be available in the Schengen Area (25 EU countries, excluding Ireland and Cyprus).

The full implementation of the system is expected to take six months. By April 10, 2026, the EU plans to completely eliminate passport stamps, replacing them with entries in an electronic database. This will not eliminate passport control.

The agency notes that the system will help identify those overstaying their allowed time in the EU, combat forgery, and deter illegal immigration.