The European Union will introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES) for foreign travelers, including U.S. citizens, beginning October 12, 2025. The new system will require most visitors to EU countries, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images at border crossings when entering and leaving these countries.
The EES is being implemented gradually over six months. According to information from the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova, "most U.S. citizens travelling to and/or visiting most EU countries, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein for short stays should expect to have their biodata, including fingerprints and facial images, digitally collected at the border (upon arrival and departure)."
More details about the EES can be found on the European Union’s official website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees.
U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad are encouraged by embassy officials to enroll in the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov. This program provides safety and security alerts from local embassies or consulates.
For travel advice tailored to specific destinations within Europe or elsewhere, Americans can consult https://travel.state.gov/destination.
Assistance remains available through several channels: the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau can be reached at +373 22 40 8300 or via email at ChisinauACS@state.gov. Further resources are provided by the State Department – Consular Affairs at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 and on https://md.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.
Travelers are also advised to follow embassy updates on Facebook and Twitter for timely information.