Home » America Travel News » Switzerland Joins US, Iceland, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Italy and More to Make Passport Marks a Thing of the Past with New Digital Entry Systems
Published on
September 11, 2025
By: Rana Pratap
Switzerland Joins US, Iceland, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Italy and More to Make Passport Marks a Thing of the Past with New Digital Entry Systems as part of a global movement towards more efficient and secure border controls. These countries are embracing biometric data—such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning—to replace the traditional passport stamp. By doing so, they aim to speed up travel processes, reduce fraud, and enhance security. This shift, set to be fully operational by 2026, promises travelers faster, smoother, and more reliable entry and exit procedures, marking the end of the passport stamp era in favor of digital innovation.
Switzerland Leads the Charge in Europe
Starting in 2025, Switzerland, along with other countries in the Schengen Area, will roll out the Entry/Exit System (EES). This game-changing system will replace the traditional passport stamp with biometric data, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Non-EU travelers entering Switzerland will have their personal data captured digitally, making the process faster and more secure.
By April 2026, the system will be fully operational across all Schengen Area countries, including Switzerland, meaning you can say goodbye to those beloved passport stamps. This is part of a broader push to modernize border control and improve security across Europe.
The United States: A Pioneer in Biometric Border Control
The United States has long been a leader in integrating technology into its immigration processes. With programs like Global Entry and Clear, the U.S. has made use of biometric technology (fingerprints and facial recognition) to streamline the border entry process. Global Entry, which was launched in 2008, has already made it easier for trusted travelers to breeze through U.S. immigration without the need for passport stamps.
Over the years, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has rolled out biometric entry/exit systems at major airports. While Global Entry is widely available, the full integration of biometric technology across all airports is expected to be complete by 2026, allowing for faster and more secure travel experiences for everyone, not just those in trusted programs.
Iceland: Part of Europe’s Digital Revolution
Iceland, a key player in the Schengen Area, is moving quickly to adopt the EES system. Travelers entering Iceland will no longer need to worry about getting a stamp in their passport. Instead, biometric data, such as facial recognition and fingerprints, will replace the traditional process.
Iceland is on track to have the system fully in place by April 2026, in line with the broader European push toward digitizing border controls. This means that whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, your experience will be faster and more efficient than ever before.
Canada’s Focus on Efficiency and Security
Canada has already integrated biometric data collection at major airports, and NEXUS (a trusted traveler program) allows for expedited entry using fingerprints and facial recognition. The eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) system, launched in 2016, has already reduced the need for physical stamps for many travelers entering the country.
By 2025, Canada will expand its biometric screening processes to include all international travelers at all major airports. The use of eGates and biometric kiosks will ensure smoother and more secure border crossings.
Brazil: A Step Forward for Brazilian Travelers
Brazil has already started incorporating biometric passports and eGate systems at major international airports, such as São Paulo-Guarulhos and Rio de Janeiro-Galeão. With biometric data (including facial recognition and fingerprints) being collected at border points, Brazil is set to enhance its travel experience by eliminating passport stamps.
By 2026, Brazil plans to have its eGate systems fully operational across all major international airports, further increasing the speed and security of travel for both Brazilian citizens and international visitors.
Mexico: A Strong Push for Digital Travel
Mexico is also a part of this digital transformation. The country has already implemented biometric systems at airports like Mexico City and Cancun, using facial recognition and fingerprint scanning to expedite the process of clearing customs.
In addition to eGate systems, Mexico is a participant in the Global Entry program, and by 2026, biometric screening will be fully implemented at all major airports in the country. This will ensure that international travelers have a faster and more secure entry into Mexico.
Italy Joins the Digital Revolution
As a member of the Schengen Area, Italy is set to adopt the EES by 2026. Travelers entering Italy will no longer receive passport stamps, as biometric data will be collected at all major airports. The system will use facial recognition and fingerprint scanning to verify entry and exit information, making it easier for travelers to move through Italian airports efficiently.
Italy is already testing eGate systems at major airports like Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa, and by 2026, the full EES system will be operational across all airports in the country.
Why the Shift to Digital Entry Systems Matters
This move away from passport stamps is about much more than just convenience. It’s about enhancing security, improving efficiency, and reducing the chances of fraud. By capturing biometric data, countries can verify the identity of travelers much more accurately, preventing individuals from using forged or fake documents to enter the country.
Furthermore, the digital entry systems provide countries with real-time tracking of who is entering and leaving their borders, which is a huge advantage for both national security and the smooth functioning of immigration processes.
What Travelers Need to Know
For travelers, the shift to digital entry systems will mean faster border crossings, fewer delays, and more secure travel experiences. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Biometric Data: Be prepared to have your facial image and fingerprints captured at the border. These systems are designed to make the process faster, but they also require accurate data.Check Entry Requirements: While many countries are phasing out passport stamps, some might still require travelers to apply for pre-travel authorizations or fill out online applications.Valid Passports: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, as some countries still require this for entry.
Switzerland, along with the US, Iceland, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, and others, is replacing passport stamps with digital entry systems by 2026. This change is driven by the need to improve travel efficiency, enhance security through biometric data, and reduce the risk of fraud, making border crossings faster and more secure.
A New Era in Travel
With Switzerland, the US, Iceland, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, and more countries embracing digital entry systems, we are entering a new era of travel. The days of collecting passport stamps as souvenirs may soon be behind us, but the benefits of smoother, faster, and more secure travel will certainly make the journey worthwhile. So get ready to breeze through airport lines and say hello to the future of travel!
