29 countries are about to ditch passport stamps permanently — here’s how you’ll gain entry instead

They’re stamping them out.

If you’ve ever looked at your passport like a scrapbook of adventures from across the globe, brace yourself: stamps are disappearing.

Twenty-nine European countries will begin phasing out physical stamps in favor of digital entry systems, beginning October 12. 

By April 2026, the switch will be complete across much of Europe — and the rest of the world is following closely behind. 

For decades, a passport stamp was more than just a mark of entry — it was a personal trophy, a memento from a foreign adventure. But in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, countries are hoping this change will be more efficient. 

The U.K., Singapore, Hong Kong, and Argentina have already ditched stamps altogether. 

Europe and the United States are increasingly moving to biometric and digital entry systems that track your movements with facial recognition, fingerprints, and digital scans.

The U.S. is phasing them out quietly, expanding programs like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and Clear Plus that rely on biometrics and mobile check-ins.

The European Union is launching a system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, replacing physical stamps for non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area — a zone that includes 29 countries. 

By April 10, 2026, if you’re visiting Europe from the U.S., U.K., Canada, or any other non-EU country, you’ll be scanned — not stamped. The system will capture your facial image and fingerprints, and store your entry and exit digitally.

This means faster border checks, better security, and fewer opportunities for forged documents. But for many travelers, it’s also the end of a classic ritual.

According to travel experts, the shift is part of a broader global trend:

“The world is moving away from physical passport stamps and toward digital systems, all for the sake of increased security, more efficient border crossings, and a more standardized form of data collection,” Gabe Saglie, senior editor at Travelzoo, told HuffPost.

In other words, it’s less about nostalgia and more about speed, security, and tech.

If you’ve traveled internationally recently, you may have noticed the lack of a stamp when crossing borders. Countries like Australia began ditching stamps as early as 2012, and e-gates — automated lanes that use biometrics to let you in—are becoming standard

Let’s be real: this change hits differently for people who love collecting passport stamps.

“For many people, collecting passport stamps has long been a cherished tradition… eliminating that tangible record could have an emotional effect,” Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going, told HuffPost.

Just like checkbooks, printed boarding passes, and handwritten postcards, the passport stamp is fading. 

If you’re feeling nostalgic, don’t stamp your own passport — that’s illegal —But some airports offer commemorative stamps for visitors. It’s worth asking at customs or at a tourist information desk — they might still have a special “souvenir” stamp you can request.

While passport stamps may be going away, your passport is still essential. You’ll still need it to travel abroad, and digital systems will simply supplement the way your entries and exits are tracked.

Here’s what you can do to stay prepared. 

Check entry requirements before traveling, especially to Europe in 2026. Some countries will require pre-travel authorizations or online applications.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.

Want to stay ahead of the changes? The U.S. State Department offers a helpful tool for checking visa and document requirements for every country.

Don’t worry, this isn’t happening overnight. You’ll still get stamps in some countries for the time being, especially in smaller or less digitally advanced nations

But over the next 10 years, experts predict most major countries will move to digital systems, and the classic passport stamp will become a relic of the past.

So don’t forget to double-check your destination’s new requirements to avoid surprises at the border.

These are the countries phasing out passport stamps:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland