European Travel is Changing in November: Say Goodbye to Passport Stamps

Starting November 10, 2024, travelers visiting the 29 European Union Schengen Area countries will no longer receive the classic passport stamp upon entry and exit. Instead, the new automated Entry/Exit System (EES) will take effect, replacing manual passport checks with biometric data collection such as fingerprints and facial scans. This move aims to enhance border security while streamlining the travel process. However, for those who cherish the nostalgic joy of collecting passport stamps, this change marks the end of an era.

This transition is separate from the upcoming ETIAS visa waiver program, scheduled to launch in 2025. ETIAS will require travelers from non-EU countries to pay a €7 fee for entry, valid for three years, further automating the travel experience across Europe.

As travelers gear up for this significant change, now is an excellent time to plan a European vacation and collect your last stamps while exploring destinations like Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Budapest’s grand Gresham Palace, or even venturing into Sweden, where the town of Götene is selling land for as little as 9 US cents per square meter.

For aviation enthusiasts, there’s exciting news as well. Istanbul Airport, only operational since 2018, has been named the best-connected airport in the world, with more than 300 direct flights to unique destinations. Meanwhile, an Australian airline made headlines after accidentally offering first-class tickets at a whopping 85% discount, much to the delight of 300 lucky passengers.

Whether you’re dreaming of Europe, exploring Asia, or heading to the Middle East, these upcoming travel changes highlight a shift toward a more automated future, yet there’s still time to savor the old-school charm of traditional travel mementos.