Collecting passport stamps is a hobby with a nostalgic background that invites us to relive travel experiences. It gives us the opportunity to reflect on the cultural diversity of the world, as each country gives its stamp a unique design: the symbols and colors vary according to the territory we visit. Unfortunately for those who enjoy this pastime, the European Union is introducing the Entry-Exit System (EES), which will replace stamps with digital controls as of November 10.
The SES aims to ensure the efficiency of border controls in the Schengen area. Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and 25 European Union countries – all but Cyprus and Ireland – are part of this area, which comprises nations that do not carry out border controls within their territory, but do manage controls at external borders in a coordinated manner.
The new SES will be responsible for recording biometric entry and exit data, to prevent identity fraud and detect cases of travelers who overstay their stay. It will apply to third-country nationals requiring a visa for stays of up to 90 days, and also to nationals of territories where a visa is not required.
According to the European Union, the digitization of the system (with the consequent disappearance of stamps) is also carried out to speed up the entry process to certain territories, as passports will now only be scanned.