Since mid-October 2025, the new European Entry/System (EES) has been gradually introduced in Germany. This simplifies the entry process. Passengers will mainly notice the change in the form of significantly faster entry checks.
EES has been introduced at Hannover Airport Airport since 1 December 2025.
The self-service systems are located on the departure and arrival levels of Terminal C, in the immediate vicinity of the border control counters. The self-service systems are signposted.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new EU-wide system that automatically records when non-EU nationals enter and leave the Schengen area. It replaces manual passport stamping and helps monitor the permitted duration of short stays, ensuring compliance with entry and exit regulations.
The EES applies to non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided they do not hold a residence permit or a long-stay visa.
Self-Service Systems are automated kiosks located before border control. They allow travelers to scan their passports, provide required travel information, and register biometric data such as fingerprints and a facial image.
The EES does not apply to EU citizens or citizens of Schengen-associated countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein). It also does not apply to their non-EU family members who hold residence cards, or to travelers with residence permits or national long-stay visas issued by a Schengen country.
If self-service kiosks are available at your airport, please use them to pre-register your data. There, you will scan your travel information and capture your biometric data.
After completing this step, proceed to the border control desk for the regular entry process. Border officials will verify your registration and complete the formal entry check.
The same applies when leaving the EU: your exit will be recorded and you may be asked to use a kiosk or go directly to a border control booth.
To register in the EES, you need a biometric passport – one that contains a chip storing your personal and biometric data. This is required to use automated systems at border control.
The Entry/Exit System records the following information: – personal data such as surname, forename, date of birth, and nationality; – passport number, issuing country, and type of travel document; – biometric data including a facial image and four fingerprints (excluding thumbs); – travel details such as entry and exit dates, border crossing points, and the duration of your authorized stay
No, if your biometric data was already registered during a previous trip and is still valid (within a 3-year retention period), you do not need to register again. However, each entry and exit is still automatically recorded by the EES.
Your personal data is processed in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The EES stores your data solely for border control purposes and will not be used commercially. Data is stored for three years, or five years in case of an overstay. Only authorized authorities may access this information.
The EES is designed in full compliance with EU data protection laws. All personal and biometric data is encrypted, stored securely, and accessible only to authorized personnel under strict legal regulations.
No, each traveler must register individually, including children. Parents or guardians can assist children with the registration process at self-service kiosks or at manual border control.
You can keep piercings and glasses on during registration as long as your face remains clearly visible. If the system cannot capture a clear image, border staff may ask you to remove certain items temporarily.
