The U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo has issued a notice regarding the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will begin implementation on October 12, 2025. The EES is designed to collect biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, from most foreign travelers entering or leaving participating EU countries.
The system will be introduced over a six-month period and will affect U.S. citizens making short visits to the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia (Czech Republic), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
According to the embassy's announcement: "Effective October 12, 2025, most U.S. citizens visiting EES-Participating Countries for short stays should expect to have their biodata, including fingerprints and facial images, digitally collected at the border (upon arrival and departure)."
The embassy also advises American travelers in Bosnia and Herzegovina to register for safety alerts via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov. Travelers can find more details about EES on the official European Union website or obtain destination-specific information at travel.state.gov/destination.
For further assistance or inquiries related to these changes or other consular matters in Bosnia and Herzegovina, individuals can contact the U.S. Embassy Sarajevo by phone at +387 33 704 000 or by email at SarajevoACS@state.gov. Additional resources are available through the State Department – Consular Affairs by calling 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444.