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After many years of delays, it’s finally happening, my friends.

No, not the Electronic Travel Authorization, the other (equally) bureaucratic hurdle facing travelers when landing in the European Union (EU) in the near future—and this includes Americans.

The 27-country-strong block is gearing up to launch its much-postponed Entry-Exit System, commonly shortened to EES, as early as this upcoming fall, and for those of you who are still in the dark about Europe’s new plans, you better get ready for some stricter screening.

EU member states will start fingerprinting and entering your private information into their database for immigration checks from October 2025, and this is how it’s going to play out:

What Is Even An EES?

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past three years, the EU has been considering introducing an Entry-Exit System that will considerably tighten border controls, including fingerprinting all new arrivals.

This is not only to ensure the information on their passport matches their biometric data, but also to crack down on irregular migration, or even just overstayers.

As you might be aware, as a U.S. citizen, you can only be present in the border-free Schengen Zone, which comprises all 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, for 90 days out of any 180-day period.

In other words, if you fly to Paris, France, on May 1, 2025, and you spend 7 days exploring the City of Love and other medieval gems nearby easily-accessible with the TGV train, you will then have 83 days left to travel around the Schengen territories until October 28.

This includes countries like Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece, and many more.

As of right now, the only way border officials have to know whether you’re within the 90/180-day rule is verifying entry and exit stamps manually.

You know where we’re going with this…

Once the EES launches, fingerprinting will make these checks way easier, as it will act as both a ‘check-in’, and ‘check-out’ device every time you cross an external European border, and any overstayers will be immediately flagged by the system.

And trust us when we say, if you don’t want to get a hefty fine, or worse, even banned from returning to the Old Continent, you should make sure you’re in compliance with the rules.

How Do We Know The EES Is Launching In October?

It seems that, following months of endless debates and back-and-forth, an agreement was reached by the EU’s Interior Ministers in Brussels last March.

In the words of the Polish Minister of the Interior, Tomasz Siemoniak, ‘October is our horizon‘ for the start date of the EES.

No official date has been set yet, but at least we have a month to work with now.

The one major roadblock is the various stages of preparedness seen across the EU: while some countries already have the technology in place and are ready to start the fingerprinting, others are nowhere near launching.

We have to remember that this will apply not only to passport, but all land and sea borders, and a number of European countries have multiple border checkpoints with non-EU, or non-Schengen states in the vicinity, that are not as well-equipped as an international airport.

For that reason, the European Commission is planning to be ‘flexible’, and allow for a phased introduction of the Entry-Exit System.

What Is The Path Ahead?

In short, European nations will have 2 options: either launch the system all at once, across all its checkpoints, or in a ‘phased manner’.

Those opting for the latter would kick off a 6-month transition period from October, and would be required to properly register 10% of incoming travelers after the first month.

For the first 60 days, they may also operate the EES without the biometric controls, i.e. the much-dreaded fingerprinting.

After 3 months, they must be ready to operate the system with all biometric functionalities, and they should finally be able to register ‘all people’ towards the end of the 6 months.

This will avoid any further delays, as it will enable European states to move at their own pace.

The wait is over, guys: get ready for some (more) border scrutiny by fall 2025.

How Will The EES Work?

If you’re wondering how exactly the EES will work, it’s simple:

You’re still required to bring a valid passport to the EU, and on top of that, it should remain valid for an additional 3 months beyond your intended date of departure.

Come October, however, once you scan your U.S. passport in an e-Gate, you will be instructed to provide your fingerprints and get photographed—this should take an additional 2-3 minutes for every traveler, and that’s considering they’re tech-savvy and don’t faff around, so beware there might be significant delays.

Once that’s done, you’re good to go, and you won’t have to do it a second time, or at least until your biometric data is stored in the EU database.

Based on what we’ve been informed previously, this might be a 2-year period if you’re not a frequent traveler, though that’s yet to be confirmed, and we’ll be sure to rectify this should it be necessary when the time comes.

As for the ETIAS, the new ‘digital visa’ applying to Americans and visa-exempt travelers, in general (or dare we say it, the other European boogeyman), you don’t have to worry about that until late 2026… at the earliest.

Worry not; we’ve got you covered, and we’ll be sure to fill you in on any updates on that front, too.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

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If you’ve ever been to Europe before, you know how incredible it feels crossing from country to country without ever having to clear customs, be it flying, taking a train, or simply driving across a border: that’s all thanks to the Schengen Zone!

Going from Italy to France is as easy as crossing the state line between Arizona and California: no border posts, and definitely no questions asked.

In effect since 1995, this customs union unlike any other in the world has effectively abolished passport control traveling between 29 countries, greatly facilitating movement, trade, integration… and also leading to security concerns in recent years.

Considering people can move freely between most of Europe, whether they’re law-abiding citizens or not, one cannot so easily discredit Schengen-skeptics, especially following the recent migrant crisis and how exposed some countries have become to external threats.

Now, Schengen seems to be hanging by a thread as numerous members suspend the accord and reinstate border control with their neighbors.

Could this be the end of an era?

If you’re used to a Europe without borders, here’s how traveling in the continent could feel somewhat different in 2025:

France Sends A Clear Signal To The Whole Of Europe

This month, France caught the European community by surprise by reinstating border control on all of its land crossings, affecting travel to and from six neighboring countries, as well as airside checks, in response to a noticeable increase in cross-border crime.

For the time being, travelers coming into France from Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland will be required to produce valid documentation, and inform border officers on the reason they’re visiting the country.

This just sounds like any international border crossing experience, which doesn’t seem like a big deal at first, but again, this is the passport-free Schengen Zone we’re talking about, that people have been able to transit virtually unchecked for decades.

Despite the nature of Schengen, member states have always reserved the right to impose border control, albeit temporarily, if they feel there is a need for stricter checks: that’s been case during the global pandemic, and earlier in 2015 during the peak of the migrant crisis.

As per Schengen rules, the introduction of checks can only be temporary, up to six months––does that mean this measure will be short-lived, and that in half a year, France and the Schengen territories will be back to normal?

Well, not quite.

France Is Not The Only One…

There is a six-month validity period, yes, but this can be renewed immediately should a country deem it necessary: that’s been the case with Denmark for years, that has notified the European Commission of intra-Schengen border controls every six months.

In Denmark’s case, renewals have been incessant since at least 2016.

So far, France’s temporary controls are set to expire on April 30, 2025, but we have good reason to believe further renewals are in the cards, looking at the bigger picture: currently, there are 7 other countries that have effectively suspended Schengen.

These are:

Until May 11, 2025, due to high levels of irregular migration, an increase in smuggling activities, disproportionate pressure on the asylum system, and security risks associated with the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East––land borders reinstated with Hungary and Slovenia.

Until May 11, 2025, due to terrorism-related events and organized crime in neighboring Sweden, instability caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine, Russian espionage, increased migratory pressure, and others––all land, air, and sea borders with other Schengen countries.

Until March 15, 2025, due to migration flows that pose threats to public order and security, smuggling activities, safety concerns pertaining to the Russo-Ukrainian war, and the situation in the Middle East––all land borders with Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg and The Netherlands.

Until December 18, 2024 (pending renewal), due to the Middle Eastern turmoil and risk of terrorist infiltration in Italian soil, as a result of an increase in migration flows, and the continuation of violence in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian war––all crossing points with Slovenia.

Until June 8, 2025, due to high levels of irregular migration, migrant smuggling, cumulative pressure on the migration system, and an increase in criminal incidents at reception centers––land and air borders reinstated with Belgium and Germany.

Until May 11, 2025, due to threats aimed at their energy sector, likely sabotage attempts on Russian intelligence service’s part, and ongoing improvements in infrastructure protection––all land, air, and sea borders between Norway and any Schengen country.

Until December 21, 2024 (pending renewal), due to the unstable situation in the Middle East that poses a threat to Slovenia’s public security, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and organized crime––land borders with Croatia and Hungary.

Until May 11, 2025, due to the recent escalation of terrorism in Europe, an increase in gun violence and gang-related activity, and ongoing armed conflicts––all internal Schengen borders, including land, air, and sea crossing points.

Though not officially declared, spot checks have also been known to take place in Croatia, the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia), Spain, Switzerland, and Finland, and border control via land continues be enforced for Bulgaria and Romania.

You can check all the latest information on the temporary reintroduction of border control within the Schengen Zone here.

What This Means For U.S. Travelers And Other Non-European Tourists

Traveling to and from the countries listed above, you’ll be required to clear customs, even if your point of departure is another European country.

How will this work, you may be wondering?

After all, most of these European borders are but imaginary lines now that border posts have been dismantled, and you’re right: for the most part, it still doesn’t feel like a hard border.

However, if you’re traveling by bus or train, you shouldn’t be surprised if border guards step onboard––you won’t get stamped again, if you’ve already been stamped in another Schengen country, but they will verify your passport and travel documents, as well as ask you questions.

Digital nomads and long-term travelers in Europe should be particularly vigilant, as there is no tolerance for overstayers: the Schengen accord may be paused temporarily in these areas, but the 90-day rule still applies, and those caught staying longer will face severe consequences.

These may be in the form of a hefty fine, immediate deportation from the Schengen Zone, or in extreme cases, even a re-entry ban, so make sure you keep you follow the rules.

In other words, you should:

• Respect the 90-day rule: Americans cannot be present in the Schengen territories for longer than 90 days out of any 180-day period
• Have your documentation ready: this involves presenting your passport, supporting documents that you’re a tourist in Europe, and proof of return journey
• Be prepared for delays if you’re traveling via land: as police thoroughly checks vehicles and documents, border crossings will inevitably take longer

We don’t know how long Schengen will remain fractured the way it is now or if this is a new reality we’ll need to adjust to, but in any case, you should be prepared for stricter checks traveling to the Old Continent next year.

Fingerprinting And Travel Permits Required From 2025

Additionally, Europe is bringing in its new Entry-Exit System from 2025:

This means that, soon enough, Americans and other foreign visitors will be required to get fingerprinted and registered upon landing in a Schengen country, again for security reasons, with their information to be stored in a database for up to three years.

They’re not stopping there: in 2025, the ETIAS will come into force, too.

If you’re a U.S. passport holder, your nationality alone will no longer grant you the privilege of boarding a Europe-bound flight: you’ll need to apply for their online travel permit, costing 7 euros, to be allowed to travel in the Schengen Zone.

You read that right.

Unless you have obtained pre-authorization, you will not be permitted to enter Europe.

Intra-Schengen checks, fingerprinting, new travel permits… this is Europe 2025 for you (and you thought pandemic restrictions were bad enough).

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Heading to a sunny Cancun this winter, and as usual, you’re concerned with your personal safety after being bombarded with mainstream news stories on how crime in the Mexican Caribbean is rising?

While there is some truth to that, and we would definitely recommend you exercise greater caution visiting, Cancun remains one of the safest––if not the safest––beach destination in Mexico this season, especially if your primary reason for going is, well, basking in the tropical sun in a luxury resort.

Unless you’ve kept up to date with the latest developments on the security front lately, you may be wondering what exactly makes us so certain Americans have nothing to worry about visiting Cancun in the near future, so here’s why:

Why Is Cancun Safe For Americans?

For starters, Cancun is and always has been, a low-risk destination for U.S. citizens.

It is classified as a Level 2 city by U.S. authorities, which means they do not discourage Americans from visiting, and instead, simply warn them on the necessary precautions that need taken when vacationing south of the border, which we’ll get to in a minute.

It is highly-surveilled, with CCTV and patrol units everywhere to be seen, particularly in the Hotel Zone, and even a Tourist Police––a battalion charged with the care of visitors––having been formed to ensure Americans, and every other guest, feels protected.

Back in 2022, we even reported extensively on how the U.S. issued an alert on kidnapping risks for the whole state of Quintana Roo––including Cancun––over a single individual who had been abducted, in unknown circumstances at the time.

For comparison purposes, can you imagine if there was ever a safety warning that applied to all and mentioned a similar, very specific incident that occurred sporadically in a big U.S. city like Atlanta, New York, or San Francisco, as if it were recurrent?

In that year, there was a single kidnap in the state.

Cancun Is Less Dangerous Than You Might Think

All of this to say that, based on how travel alerts are issued, government bodies seem to play it conservative in how they assess safety risks in Mexico, and you may agree or disagree with that, but it’s evident that, in reality, the risk of kidnapping in Cancun is minimal.

That’s just one newsworthy event: we can’t exactly tell you the last time we caught wind of shoot-outs where tourists got injured within Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

This should already be enough encouragement, but we’re glad to report the Caribbean hub is going even further:

As of this week, Ricardo Morales Santos, director of the Tourist Police, has confirmed they will be ramping up security in the Hotel Zone, with a total of 8 units, each with 7 to 8 officers, being deployed to the area to ensure crime levels stay low.

Gun violence affecting tourists may be uncommon… extortion and corruption, on the other hand, are more common.

Cancun Is Low-Risk, Yes, But…

We can’t tell you the number of times we’ve had reports of readers claiming they were pickpocketed, or fined after breaking poorly-defined traffic rules, particularly when renting cars locally.

These are all seriously inconvenient, and Santos has stated the main objective of the latest deployment is to keep extortion under check, as well as curb drug trafficking, a major concern in Quintana Roo, and ‘high-impact crimes’.

We can’t promise you corruption will decrease in response, but based on what we have seen for crime trends in Cancun, petty criminals may feel less emboldened to target tourists:

Down in Mexico, they call it the ‘cockroach effect‘, when criminals feel cornered by an increased presence of police, and jump to the next town where surveillance isn’t as strict yet.

Interestingly enough, locals in Cancun’s direct neighbor to the south, Playa Del Carmen, are concerned that, now that state authorities have made it very challenging, if not impossible, for lawbreakers to operate from Cancun’s Hotel Zone, they’ll be flocking there instead.

That’s a concern raised by the National Association of Regional Business Councils (Ancer), and it’s not exactly a good thing, by any means, but it only goes to show how actually effective Cancun has been in driving the zero-tolerance message home.

On top of the 8 new Hotel Zone units, Santos is adding 16 motorcycle units, to attend more efficiently to incidents taking place from kilometer zero to 20, in the event there are traffic jams along Kukulcan Boulevard.

The result is a much-safer Cancun, as Mara Lazama Espinosa, the Quintana Roo State Governor, has remarked herself.

The Bottomline

In short, Americans truly have no major concerns traveling to the Caribbean destination, other than keeping an eye on personal belongings in public spaces, notably highly-crowded ones, avoiding marginal districts tourists have no business visiting anyway, and keeping valuables in a hotel safe.

Crime can occur, for sure, like in any popular tourism hotspot, but it’s often restricted to nonviolent mugging and pickpocketing on public beaches––within resorts that straddle their own private beach, it’s very rare––and shopping zones.

Either way, the Hotel Zone and adjacent streets and leisure centers are incredibly safe, with police being promptly available to help if needed, and English being widely spoken, in the very least at a basic level.

So… ready to unwind by the seaside yet?

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.