Germany has officially activated the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), marking one of the biggest transformations in Schengen border control in years. The rollout began this week across major airports, land borders, and seaports, introducing biometric registration, automated checks, and a digital record of every non-EU traveler entering or leaving the Schengen area.
The system went live on Monday, with implementation across key German airports including Frankfurt, Berlin Brandenburg (BER), Munich, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Düsseldorf. Land borders with Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Denmark have also adopted the new procedures, while major seaports such as Hamburg, Kiel, and Rostock are now equipped for EES processing.
A major highlight of the rollout is Düsseldorf Airport, where authorities have installed new fingerprint scanners and facial-recognition kiosks to streamline identity verification. These biometric stations automatically capture fingerprints, face scans, and passport details, storing them in a secure EU-wide database for three years. The technology replaces traditional passport stamps and aims to offer faster, more consistent border checks once travelers complete their first registration. Düsseldorf officials have expanded border-control lanes and deployed additional staff to help passengers navigate the new process, acknowledging that initial queues may be longer during the adjustment period.
Germany’s decision to launch the EES is rooted in a broader EU push to strengthen external border security and modernize travel management. Rising post-pandemic travel, identity fraud, overstays, and irregular land entries have increased pressure on border systems particularly in high-traffic hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin. The EES directly addresses these challenges by providing real-time alerts for overstays, detecting multiple identities, and offering automatic timestamping of entry and exit events. This is especially important for Germany, which has struggled with increasing irregular migration routes across its eastern borders via Poland and Czech Republic.
The system impacts all non-EU travelers, including tourists, students, business visitors, and transit passengers. Travelers can expect longer processing times during their first biometric registration, especially at Frankfurt, Munich, and Düsseldorf airports, as well as crowded land-border crossings with Austria and Poland. However, officials emphasize that once travelers are registered, future crossings will be significantly faster and more efficient.
Major German cities are preparing for the transition. Frankfurt and Munich, handling millions of international passengers annually, have invested in thousands of self-service kiosks. Berlin and Hamburg are adjusting schedules and staffing to manage peak-hour congestion. Border towns such as Passau, Görlitz, Rosenheim, Aachen, and Kehl anticipate heavier traffic but expect smoother operations once travelers become familiar with the system.
At the EU level, Germany’s swift implementation sets a benchmark for Schengen members and aligns with the upcoming ETIAS travel authorization, expected soon. Together, these systems aim to create a safer, more predictable, and technologically advanced European border environment.
Germany will continue upgrading its systems through 2026, with federal police monitoring early performance and adjusting procedures. The government expects the EES to significantly reduce overstays, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and modernize one of Europe’s busiest travel corridors.
