Get ready to feel a bit of disappointment with this one
We all know that little thrill of holding a fresh passport before a big trip—the smell of the pages and the sense that the world is just waiting for you. But if you’re planning a getaway anytime soon, you’re in store for some changes because there’s some major news shaking up international travel right now.
Starting this fall, that change will hit especially hard for travelers who love keeping mementos from the countries they’ve explored. Before your passport’s next renewal and your next trip, it’s worth finding out exactly what’s happening so you’re not unpleasantly surprised.
Read on to find out the big news and how it’s going to change the way we track our travels forever.
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How are passports changing?
The big change involves travelers heading to Europe: Starting on Oct. 12, 2025, the EU will begin rolling out its new Entry/Exit System (EES). Instead of having officials stamp your passport when you cross the border, the system will use your photo and fingerprints to log your entry and exit digitally. For a few months, it’ll be a mix, with some crossings still stamping, and others already recording this digitally. But by April 10, 2026, stamps will be gone at all Schengen external borders.
This means no more flipping through your passport to count stamps or check dates. The system will track your 90-days-in-180 automatically to make sure you aren’t overstaying your welcome. It’s a big shift, especially if you enjoy collecting stamps like souvenirs.
Why are these countries no longer stamping passports?
You can think of EES as Europe’s upgrade from analog to digital. Instead of a border officer hunting for a blank spot to stamp in your passport, the system will scan your fingerprints, snap a quick photo and log your entry automatically. According to the EU’s website, the process “will replace the current system of manual stamping of passports, which is time consuming, does not provide reliable data on border crossings or allow a systematic detection of overstayers.” In other words, no more guesswork about when you came in or when you have to leave.
The goal for travelers is to make border checks smoother. Instead of counting stamps and doing mental math on the 90/180 rule, the system does it for you. So, yes, stamp collectors might miss the ink, but most visitors will probably welcome fewer delays and fewer worries about getting it wrong.
Which countries will no longer be stamping your passport?
The 29 countries in the Schengen Area, including new members Bulgaria and Romania, will no longer be stamping passports. Here’s the breakdown:
- EU Schengen members: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Bulgaria and Romania
- Non-EU Schengen members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
There are two exceptions: Ireland and Cyprus. Since they are not part of Schengen, they will continue using passport stamps in the traditional way you know and love.
Are any other countries using similar technology at the border?
Yes. Europe isn’t the first to ditch passport stamps. The U.S. already logs entries and exits electronically through its I-94 system, so many travelers never see a stamp there anymore. The U.K. is heading the same way with its new ETA program and widespread use of eGates, which skip stamping altogether.
And places like Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the UAE have long relied on biometrics and digital checks instead of ink. In other words, the EU’s new system isn’t unusual; it’s just a catch-up with what’s already become the global norm.
What if I want a stamp in my passport?
Unfortunately, once the EU’s EES rolls out, passport stamps will be gone for good. Instead, borders will fully rely on biometric kiosks and digital logs. And no, you won’t be able to stamp your own passport, as doing so would make it invalid. Asking a border guard for a stamp won’t work either because their job is now focused on checking entries digitally.
Don’t worry, though: Border guards will still be there to help and guide travelers. So if you love collecting stamps as memories, now’s the perfect time to cherish the last few, or find creative alternatives like boarding passes, postcards or even souvenir stamps from tourist spots.
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Sources:
- European Union: “What is the EES?”
- European Commission: “Entry/Exit System (EES)”
