A new European digital border check system will go into effect Oct. 12, 2025, with a gradual rollout across 29 countries over six months. U.S. European Command is advising Defense Department personnel traveling in Europe that they may be face delays and requests for additional documentation. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
NAPLES, Italy — U.S. military personnel traveling in Europe may face delays at borders across the Continent as the European Union rolls out a new traveler check program.
Beginning Oct. 12, the European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) gradually will be implemented over the next six months across 29 European countries.
That number includes Germany, Italy and Spain, where large numbers of Defense Department personnel live and work. The system is being instituted in the EU’s Schengen Area, which also includes Switzerland and Norway, among others.
Delays and confusion could occur during the program’s early stages, which could result in “requests for further documentation,” according to online guidance from U.S. European Command.
EES is an automated identification check system that digitally records the entry and exit of most non-EU nationals to Schengen countries. It eventually will replace passport stamping.
American service members traveling for official purposes to a NATO country aren’t subject to EES and should show only their orders and military ID card, not their passport, the command’s guidance said.
The guidance goes on to say that the federal government’s position “is that U.S. members of the force assigned temporarily or permanently to a NATO country are not subject to EES, even for leave travel.”
That stance also applies to military civilians, contractors and dependents living and working in a NATO country under the same conditions, the guidance notes.
“U.S. government officials are engaging with the EU, NATO allies and partners to ensure the EU issues guidance to member states consistent with this position,” EUCOM said.
However, EUCOM also warns that some leave travel may not be exempt from the new system. In that case, people will have to provide their personal data to be recorded in a digital file. A passport also will be required, the guidance states.
DOD personnel who are not assigned to a NATO country are subject to EES when traveling to any of the Schengen countries on leave, according to the command.
The system collects personal information, such as a person’s name and birth date, from travelers staying in a country 90 days or fewer. A facial photo and fingerprints also are collected and are among data stored for about three years, according to the EU.
That data can be accessed by a range of European government agencies, including immigration and law enforcement authorities. It also can be transferred to another country under certain circumstances, according to the EU.
EU officials say the system makes the border check process more modern and efficient while helping authorities fight crime and terrorism.
According to the EUCOM guidance, people should ensure that their official identification and documents, such as passports and orders, are valid. Passports that are within six months of expiration should be renewed, the guidance recommends.
“Present the appropriate identification and documents consistent with the U.S. position stated above,” the guidance states.
DOD personnel should always consult the electronic foreign clearance guide to obtain the latest information regarding travel requirements, EUCOM said.
