EU entry procedure: Entry-Exit System (EES)

Since mid-October 2025, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has been gradually introduced in Germany.
This digital procedure affects travelers from non-Schengen countries. The EES applies exclusively to third-country nationals who wish to enter the country for a short period. The aim is to make border controls more efficient, secure, and uniform across Europe.

The EES will be launched at Leipzig/Halle Airport on December 10, 2025.

What will change with the EES?

For third-country nationals, entry checks will continue to be carried out primarily at counters 7 to 10. Travel documents will be checked there as usual.

However, the following changes will be introduced:

  • Collection of biometric data (facial image and fingerprint data)
  • Digital storage of this data in a central EU database
  • In future, entry and exit times and the length of stay will be recorded automatically and digitally. However, passport stamping will continue during the gradual introduction of the system.

These measures are intended to increase security and improve the efficiency of border controls in the long term.

Important information for travelers

  • Allow extra time for your entry or exit, especially during the introductory phase of the new system.
  • There will initially be longer waiting times, as biometric registration is only required once.
  • After the initial registration, the process will be significantly faster for subsequent trips.

Further informationen

The Federal Police provides up-to-date notices and travel information.

Federal Police

Further information is available on the European Union's EES information page.

EuropEAN Union

Questions and answers

If you refuse to provide biometric data, your registration cannot be completed, and you may be refused entry into the Schengen area. Providing this data is a legal requirement for non-EU nationals entering the EU.

Yes, travelers should expect longer waiting times, especially during the initial implementation phase. Even in the long term, border control may take more time due to the additional steps required for EES registration.

If you experience delays at border control that could affect your flight, please contact your airline immediately. They can assist you and guide you through the next steps.

Your personal data is stored in the EES for three years after your last border crossing. If you overstay or violate entry conditions, your data may be stored for up to five years.

Yes, children are also required to register in the EES. For all non-EU nationals, including infants, an EES file will be created containing passport details and a facial image. Fingerprints are only required for travelers aged 12 and above. Specific rules apply to minors and may vary by country; please refer to official guidelines for more information.

Each traveler, including minors, must have their own valid travel document in order to be registered in the EES. If a child is only listed in a parent’s passport and does not have an individual document, EES registration is not possible. In such cases, entry may be denied or subject to manual processing, depending on the rules of the border authority. Please check with your airline or relevant embassy in advance.