Eiffel Tower and river Seine at sunrise in Paris, France. Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Beginning in spring 2025, Americans wishing to travel to European Union countries will be required to register online prior to their visit, as announced by EU officials on Friday. The introduction of this system, known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias), means U.S. travelers arriving in Europe will no longer receive passport stamps. Instead, from next fall, a digital registration system will scan and log their facial and fingerprint data.
This shift towards biometric screening at border crossings is reflective of a global trend, and while the EU has postponed these changes multiple times, travelers won't need to apply for permission until after the Paris Olympics, scheduled for July and August next year.
The Etias system will be applicable to not just Americans, but also citizens of other countries that are exempt from EU visas. Designed for stays of up to 90 days, the system encompasses brief vacations. The EU suggests travelers furnish their details on the Etias platform prior to making flight or hotel reservations. Even countries outside the EU, such as Switzerland and Norway, will necessitate this authorization. Although the majority of applications will be swiftly processed, some may extend to 30 days if an interview becomes necessary.
Despite these changes, travelers should continue carrying their passports. Electronic gates will scan passports, and all entry and exit data will be saved in a digital database, along with other traveler specifics. There will be no option to bypass biometric screening. However, countries like Cyprus and Ireland will retain manual passport stamping.
According to officials, these modifications aim to expedite the entry process and reduce wait times. The system will empower the EU to meticulously monitor overstays and bolster security, granting digital access to travel logs for law enforcement.
However, electronic privacy groups express concerns over diminished privacy rights. They caution that the new system will save facial and fingerprint information in databases overseen by other governments, potentially intensifying surveillance.
An EU representative noted that the proposed launch windows of fall 2024 and spring 2025 grant the 27-member bloc sufficient time to gear up technologically and ensure staff readiness.
As a point of reference, Americans might have previously encountered similar facial comparison systems during their travels. Electronic gates are operational at Cancún International Airport in Mexico and various international airports in the U.K. Singapore’s Changi Airport, in September, declared its intent to initiate an automated clearance mechanism. In addition, several airlines have transitioned to face-scanning systems, doing away with traditional boarding passes.
Advertisements
