Americans face strict new requirements to enter over 25 countries

Traveling to other countries is something a great many Americans do. 

In fact, according to Pew Research Center, 76% of Americans have traveled to at least one other country. A quarter have traveled to at least five. And even among the 23% who haven’t been to another country, most said they would go if they could.

Unfortunately, traveling to foreign destinations could soon come with new requirements. And not everyone may be comfortable with them.

The requirements will be put in place in over 25 countries, marking a pretty major change for those in the U.S. who want to explore the world.

Americans face new entry requirements in over two dozen EU countries

The State Department provided information about the major change to travel policies that will affect Americans.

Here is what the State Department said is happening:

Attention U.S. citizens! Starting October 12, the European Union is rolling out a new automated Entry/Exit System (EES). U.S. citizens traveling to most European countries should expect new automated border checks and to have their biodata digitally collected upon arrival and departure.

What new European entry requirements mean for U.S. passengers

A requirement to have “biodata” digitally collected sounds both frightening and like something out of a sci-fi movie. 

But according to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, here’s what will actually be required:

• A fingerprint scan
• A facial image capture
• Collection of passport data, such as your full name, date of birth, and travel document number

While the EU has said data safeguards will be in place, some travelers are still concerned about turning over all of this personal and sensitive information. 

In fact, multiple comments on a Fox News article about the change showed that travelers were skeptical about providing these details, with commenter usaf-vet2 stating sarcastically:

Don’t worry…the EU will put safeguards on your data file. If your data is stolen, then expect that the company responsible for its protection will receive a sternly worded letter of dissatisfaction from the EU.

Which countries have the new EU entry requirements?

The new requirements apply to all countries participating in the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES). This includes:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

Reasons behind new biometric policies for EU travel

The new policies on biometric scanning in place under the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) serve multiple purposes. ETIAS lists some of the goals, including:

• Modernizing border checks instead of using the old system of stamping passports
• Preventing overstays and illegal migration, as electronic systems will calculate the number of allowable days remaining for someone to stay in the country.
• Enhancing security and making travelers safer.

ETIAS stated:

Security is at the heart of this initiative. The EES plays a crucial role in detecting identity fraud, spotting forged passports, and flagging unauthorized entries. By storing biometric data, it allows authorities to verify your identity with far greater accuracy than manual checks.

When EU's new biometric data rule goes into effect

Partial implementation of the new rules begins October 12, 2025. Full implementation is expected by April of 2026.

This means that passengers traveling in the coming weeks will very soon be put in a position where they have to turn over biometric data just to be able to enter any of the countries participating in the EU’s scheme.

Which travelers are subject to the new rule?

The new biometric system requirements will apply to:

• Short-stay visa holders: Anyone who comes from a country where a visa is required, even for short visits.
• Visa-exempt travelers: This includes nationals from countries that don’t require visas to enter, which typically includes travelers from the U.S.

According to Fox News, U.S. travelers will have to follow this rule, or they could face a big problem. 

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Here’s what the article said:

If a traveler refuses to provide biometric data, that person will be denied entry.

So if you are heading to Europe, be prepared to provide these required details on your next trip. 

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a trip.)

Please make a free appointment with TheStreet’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at [email protected] or call or text her at 386-383-2472.

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