Germany Leads The Way In Modern Border Security With Full EES Rollout At Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Hanover, Cologne/Bonn, Berlin-Brandenburg, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Dortmund, And Leipzig Airports

Published on December 12, 2025

Germany has started implementing the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) at major airports to modernize border control and improve security. This biometric system, which involves fingerprint and facial scans, aims to replace manual passport stamping and streamline the entry process for non-EU travelers. With the roll-out beginning in October 2025, airports like Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, and several others have already launched EES, marking a significant shift toward automated, more efficient border management across the Schengen zone.

Germany has begun rolling out the European Union’s long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES), starting in October 2025. Düsseldorf Airport became the first to implement biometric checks, marking a significant step toward modernizing border controls. The EES, which includes fingerprint and facial scans for non-EU travelers, is set to replace the current manual passport stamping process and will be gradually introduced across Schengen area airports over the coming months.

The EES is part of the EU’s ongoing effort to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures. The system is designed to automatically record the entry and exit times of travelers, while also improving the efficiency of passenger processing. Travelers will now undergo biometric verification, which involves scanning their fingerprints and taking a facial photo. This new process is set to replace the traditional passport stamps that have been used at border crossings for decades.

The EES rollout began on October 12th, 2025, with Düsseldorf being the first to implement the system. Airport authorities made preparations for the introduction of biometric checks by expanding non-EU zones and installing new signage to guide travelers through the updated process. Following Düsseldorf’s lead, Frankfurt Airport introduced the system on October 29th, and Munich followed on November 11th. These two major hubs, being Germany’s largest airports, are pivotal in the smooth integration of the new system.

By December 1st, smaller airports such as Hanover and Cologne/Bonn began offering the new biometric checks. Other airports across Germany, including Berlin-Brandenburg, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Dortmund, joined the transition on December 2nd. Leipzig/Halle Airport is scheduled to implement the EES by December 10th. According to a spokesperson from Germany’s Ministry of the Interior (BMI), the full implementation of the system across all border points in Germany is expected to be completed by April 9th, 2026.

The implementation of the EES is part of a broader EU-wide plan to improve border management and enhance security measures at external borders. The system’s gradual roll-out will help ease the transition for travelers and ensure that the new procedures are adopted smoothly. Once fully operational, the EES will be in effect at all Schengen border entry points, ensuring a seamless experience for both travelers and border officials.

Travelers from non-EU countries should be aware that the new system applies specifically to them, and they will be required to undergo biometric checks even if they already possess a Schengen visa. Citizens and residents of Germany, along with other EU nationals, will not be affected by the changes. The biometric checks will be conducted upon entry into the Schengen zone for tourists or those staying for a short period.

For those who need to undergo an EES check, the process will be similar to the standard border check but with the addition of biometric data collection. Travelers who possess a biometric passport may be able to use automated EES machines for quicker processing. Otherwise, they will need to complete the process with the assistance of a border guard. For first-time users, personal details will need to be provided during the registration process.

To make the transition as smooth as possible, it is recommended that travelers pre-register for the EES before arriving at the airport. This pre-registration will help speed up the process and ensure that travelers can easily pass through border controls. Once registered, travelers will not need to re-register unless they get a new passport, making future border crossings more efficient.

The introduction of the EES is a significant milestone in modernizing border control systems and will ultimately help to improve the security and efficiency of the Schengen area. As the system continues to be rolled out across Germany’s airports, travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new process to ensure a seamless experience when crossing borders. With the full implementation of EES set to be completed in April 2026, the system promises to enhance the overall travel experience for millions of international visitors to the EU.