Starting 12 October 2025, the European Union officially launched the Entry/Exit System (EES), a new border control system for non-EU travelers entering or leaving the Schengen Area.
This system replaces the traditional passport stamps with digital biometric registration, including fingerprints and facial scans, to track entries and exits automatically.
What is the EES and why is it being introduced?
The Entry/Exit System is part of the EU’s plan to modernize and secure external borders while making travel data management more accurate.
Instead of manually stamping passports, border officers will now record your data electronically — storing information such as:
The traveler’s name and passport details
The date and place of entry and exit
Biometric identifiers (fingerprints and a facial image)
This aims to reduce illegal overstays, improve security checks, and make border crossings more efficient in the long term.
Who will be affected?
The EES applies to all non-EU citizens traveling to or from the Schengen area, including:
Short-term visitors from countries like the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, etc.
Non-EU residents living legally in Germany or other EU countries (depending on their residence permit type).
If you’re an expat living in Germany, you might not be affected in the same way as tourists — but it’s important to check whether your specific residence status (e.g. Blue Card, permanent residency, or family visa) requires biometric registration upon re-entry.
Your Ausländerbehörde or local immigration office can confirm this.
What to expect at the border
Because biometric data will be collected, travelers should expect longer border checks during the initial months — especially at airports and land borders outside the Schengen zone.
Border agents will need to take fingerprints and a photo for first-time registrations, which may take several minutes per traveler. Once your data is in the system, future crossings should be faster.
If you plan to travel soon after the launch date, arrive earlier at the airport and allow extra time for the new procedure.
Expats Club Germany tips
- Always carry your valid residence permit and passport when traveling.
- Before your next trip, check if your residence card includes biometric data.
- If you have upcoming travel outside the EU, verify your status with the Ausländerbehörde to avoid delays when returning.
