Authorities have already reported 7,000 rejections by EES at airports

Imagine yourself standing in the arrivals hall of a European hub after a long flight, your clients' or family's passports at the ready – but the familiar routine is gone. A simple wave through, a fleeting glance from the border official is no longer enough. Instead, you look into a camera, your fingerprints are digitized, and in the background, a high-performance system in Brussels compares your data in milliseconds. What sounds like science fiction has been a harsh reality at the external borders of the Schengen Area since October 12, 2024. The initial figures are alarming and clearly show that the digital border has not only become more secure but also significantly slower for many travelers . As legal advisors, we are observing a development that is massively impacting the freedom of movement and planning security of third-country nationals.

The end of the stamp era and biometric total recording

The new Entry-Exit System, or EES for short, marks the definitive end of the traditional ink stamp in passports. Where officials previously had to painstakingly count days to determine overstay status, a comprehensive digital database now takes over. In the first few months, over 13.3 million entries and exits have already been recorded. For you, this means that personal data such as your name and travel documents are inextricably linked to biometric data. Around 60 percent of registrations to date have already involved the collection of fingerprints and facial images. The aim of this measure is to nip identity fraud in the bud and to automatically identify so-called " overstayers "—that is, people who exceed their visa validity. The EU Commission hails this as the modern backbone of migration reform, but for individuals, it primarily means one thing: complete transparency at the border.

Efficiency versus safety: The price of control

While politicians speak of a smooth start, the reality at airports paints a completely different picture . The figures from airport operators are clear and frustrating for travelers. Processing times at major hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, and Paris-Charles de Gaulle have increased by up to 70 percent. During peak periods, travelers must expect waiting times of up to three hours, as the initial registration of biometric data simply takes time. These delays are not merely an annoyance; they can jeopardize connecting flights and cause business appointments to be canceled. The system's success rate is particularly alarming: almost 7,000 entries were denied by just before Christmas , and around 100 cases of identity fraud were uncovered. The digital barrier is in place, and it is unyielding.

A transition period fraught with legal pitfalls

We are currently in a critical phase that will last until April 2026. At present, only about 50 percent of border crossings are fully connected to the EES (Electronic Entry System). This phased rollout is creating a dangerous inconsistency. Those entering via Berlin or Madrid are already fully registered digitally, while older procedures may still apply at smaller border crossings. Under the current political guidelines, which under Chancellor Friedrich Merz have adopted a significantly stricter approach at Germany's borders, every data record is meticulously checked. For third-country nationals, this means that incorrect information in visa applications or ambiguities regarding previous stays are now immediately and system-wide detected. The system's susceptibility to errors during initial registration should not be underestimated; incorrect data entry can have far-reaching consequences for future entries.

Conclusion: Preparation is the only defense.

The entry-exit system is here to stay, and it will permanently change how we cross the borders of the Schengen Area. While security may increase through the detection of identity fraud, the price is a massive increase in travel time and the constant monitoring of travel data. As a lawyer, I strongly advise allowing significantly more time when traveling through major European hubs and meticulously checking the validity of all documents. Automation leaves no room for human error or discretionary decisions. Anyone crossing a border today leaves a digital footprint that can determine their next entry for years to come.