Travelers from so-called third countries must undergo a new procedure at passport control in German airports and seaports; this procedure, known as the “Entry/Exit System (EES),” came into effect across the EU in April 2026. This regulation applies to nationals of countries outside the EU, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The new procedure consists of a biometric registration system that typically digitally records a facial image and four fingerprints at self-service terminals before travelers proceed to the actual passport control.
For this purpose, travelers entering and exiting the country are directed to two separate, cordoned-off areas: one for EU citizens and nationals of the four other countries, and one for third-country nationals. The new regulation also means that travel documents are no longer stamped manually.
Goal: Combating crime and irregular migration
The collected data will be stored for three years. The new regulation applies to the entire Schengen Area based on an EU decision. In a statement, the Federal Police explains the purpose of the new regulation: “In addition to better, biometrics-based identification of individuals, the system enables more accurate recording of the length of stay and contributes to the fight against crime and irregular migration.” It is also intended to make it easier to detect overstays and identity fraud.
Further information:
Digital Recording of Entry into the Schengen Area (EES) – Federal Foreign Office
Nationwide rollout of the European Union’s digital entry and exit system launched – Federal Police
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