EU countries prepare to share biometric data with US in return for visa-free travel

EU member states are moving toward granting the US access to national biometric databases, including facial scans and fingerprints, in order to ensure continued visa-free travel. The requirement, part of the Enhanced Border Security Partnerships (EBSP) scheme, was mandated by Washington in 2022 for all EU countries participating in its Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The European Commission will lead framework negotiations this year to establish general regulations, after which individual states will negotiate specific access directly with the Trump administration. Denmark and Ireland remain exempt due to specific treaty carve-outs and Schengen status. Most member states have already approved the mandate, with only one country raising objections during December discussions.

The framework permits the transfer of data on ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, and biometric information, provided it is strictly necessary to prevent crime or terrorism. Safeguards include limits on how long the information can be stored and adherence to proportionality principles. 

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