Overview

• The system is now live at initial checkpoints, with Germany starting operations in Düsseldorf before expanding to Frankfurt and Munich.
• Non‑EU travelers, including visa‑exempt visitors, must submit fingerprints and a facial image on first entry, with records retained about three years and accessible to national authorities and Europol.
• Passport stamping continues during the transition, with full deployment across all Schengen external borders scheduled for 10 April 2026.
• Border agencies and industry expect slower processing, with Germany’s federal police estimating roughly 40% longer checks and some simulations suggesting up to triple delays in certain scenarios.
• Mitigation steps include self‑service biometric kiosks, a Travel to Europe pre‑registration app and contingency rules that allow temporary suspension of the system in case of major disruption.