Biometric border control: Germany to launch entry/exit system in October

Germany's border controls will be gradually upgraded technologically from October 12. Germany then wants to put the new European Entry and Exit System (EES), including automated biometric verification procedures, into operation – within the EU timeframe. This was announced by the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI). The Ministry, led by Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), and the Federal Police have therefore completed the planning for this together with other partners, following initial problems with the connection to the EES central computer.

According to the BMI, the introduction will begin at Düsseldorf Airport, followed by the airports in Frankfurt am Main and Munich. Thereafter, all other airports and seaports will be successively connected. The aim is a controlled and gradual introduction in order to ensure a smooth process. The EU Commission has set a deadline of April 9, 2026 for this introduction.

The EES is a digital, Schengen-wide system that replaces the previous manual stamping of passports. It records entries and exits of third-country nationals who are authorized for a short stay in the Schengen area. This includes both visa-exempt and visa-required travelers.

Biometric super database in the background

In the EES, citizens from third countries must register in the EU with four fingerprints and a biometric facial image as part of the "Smart Borders" program. The database is intended to enable "intelligent border control" based on the US model, calculate the permitted duration of a short stay and automatically warn the national security authorities in the event of an overstay. The EES will not change anything for EU citizens.

People who can enter the EU without a visa are also to be screened in advance using ETIAS. They must use an online application to provide the authorities with personal information such as their identity, travel document, place of residence, contact details, infectious diseases or education. The data will then be automatically compared with numerous other European IT systems in a virtual biometric super database and Interpol registers.

In addition to biometric features, the EES stores a wide range of information. This includes personal data such as name, date of birth and other details from the travel document. The time and place of entry and exit are also stored.

Significant technical challenges

According to the BMI, the switch to the digital system has advantages: Security at the EU's external borders will be improved and identity fraud will be made more difficult. Furthermore, the length of stay of travelers in the Schengen area can be tracked more easily, making unauthorized stays more recognizable. In the long term, the system will contribute to faster and more efficient border crossings.

"Full operation of the EES was originally planned for November 2024," the ministry notes critically. Due to "considerable technical challenges in providing a stable EU central system", the launch was postponed several times. The procedure that has now been agreed should ensure a stable and smooth implementation.

The BMI recommends that affected travelers from third countries obtain information about the exact regulations from German diplomatic missions abroad, airlines or the federal police. This will help to avoid unnecessary waiting times. EU states should work towards ensuring that at least 10 percent of border crossings are recorded at individual checkpoints after the first month. During the first 60 days, they can use the EES without biometric functions. After six months, "complete registration of all persons" is to take place.

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