Germany Unites Ireland and UK with New Avenues for Technological Innovations at European Airports: The New Future is Here

Published on December 11, 2025

Travelling through European airports is about to become a different experience. Governments and airport operators across the continent are introducing digital systems across Germany, UK and Ireland that promise faster security checks and smoother journeys. Starting in 2026, visitors will need electronic permissions, biometric enrolment and, in some cases, a digital wallet. These initiatives come from official announcements by the European Union, national authorities and airport operators and reflect a common goal: harness technology to improve security while making airports more efficient.

ETIAS and the Entry/Exit System

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is one of the most visible changes. According to the EU’s official travel site, ETIAS will begin operating in the last quarter of 2026[1]. Visitors from visa‑exempt countries will need to apply online, pay a fee and receive an electronic approval before travelling. ETIAS allows authorities to check travellers’ details against security, migration and health databases ahead of time, so it functions as an automated security pre‑clearance.

ETIAS will be underpinned by the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will register non‑EU visitors when they enter and leave the Schengen area. The EES information page notes that the system began operating on 12 October 2025 and will be fully implemented by 10 April 2026[2]. Rather than stamping passports, border officers will collect travellers’ fingerprints and facial images at their first entry. These biometric identifiers and recorded travel dates will help authorities detect overstays and quickly verify a visitor’s identity on return trips.

Digital Travel Credentials and Identity Wallets

To further streamline border crossings, EU legislators are designing a digital travel application. A Council of the EU press release explains that travellers would use a mobile app to capture the chip data from their passport or identity card and create a digital travel credential[3]. The credential could then be sent electronically to border authorities before departure, allowing officers to verify the document and run security checks in advance[4]. Because it is generated from the passport, it could be reused for multiple trips or visa applications[5]. Participation will be voluntary, and travellers can always show a physical document if they prefer[6].

The EU is also planning Digital Identity (eID) wallets for citizens and residents, to be provided by member states by the end of 2026. These wallets will allow travellers to present verifiable passport or visa details while controlling which pieces of personal data they share.

United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorisation

The United Kingdom, no longer part of the EU, is building its own digital border. From 25 February 2026 most visitors from visa‑exempt countries will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)[7]. The ETA is a digital permission that travellers apply for online; airlines and ferry operators must verify it before boarding[8]. The policy is described by the Home Office as a step toward a contactless border and is part of a wider move to replace physical immigration documents with digital statuses[9].

Smarter Security and Boarding

Modern technology is also changing how passengers move through checkpoints and boarding gates. At Dublin Airport, advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners mean passengers do not need to remove liquids, gels or electronics from their carry‑on bags; the previous 100 ml limit has been scrapped and containers up to two litres are permitted[10]. CT scanners produce three‑dimensional images that allow security officers to inspect luggage without asking passengers to unpack. Ireland’s embrace of this technology is prompting regulators to encourage similar adoption across Europe by 2026.

Germany’s Frankfurt Airport is pioneering biometric boarding. According to technology provider SITA, Frankfurt is the first European airport to offer facial recognition at check‑in, security and boarding to all airlines[11]. Once enrolled via a mobile app or self‑service kiosk, passengers can move through checkpoints without presenting boarding passes or passports[12]. Fraport AG plans to expand the system across the airport, and early trials suggest that biometric boarding reduces queues and enhances security by matching each passenger to their flight and identity document[13].

Conclusion: Towards a Seamless Journey

Taken together, these initiatives point to a near future where travel across Europe is largely paperless. Visitors to the Schengen area will need to apply for ETIAS and have their biometrics recorded in the Entry/Exit System. Those who choose to create digital travel credentials or use an eID wallet will be able to submit their data in advance and move more quickly through border controls. In the UK, travellers will need an ETA and may be able to use eVisas instead of physical documents. At airports, CT scanners will allow liquids and electronics to stay in bags, and facial recognition will replace boarding passes and passports. Each initiative will require travellers to adjust their routines—filling out online forms, paying fees and possibly enrolling facial or fingerprint data. Officials emphasise that privacy and data protection remain priorities, with voluntary options and robust security built in[6]. The rewards for adapting will be shorter queues, fewer forms and a more seamless journey through Europe’s airports from 2026 onwards.