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EU Biometric Border Checks Go Live Across Schengen, Germany Leads on Speed

Biometric checks replace passport stamps to tighten control of short stays.

Overview

  • The EU’s Entry/Exit System is now running at all external Schengen borders, with more than 51.5 million crossings logged and over 27,000 refusals since launch.
  • Germany has recorded over 3.5 million non‑EU crossings under the new system and has refused entry to more than 2,000 travelers, mostly at airports.
  • Border checks in Germany take about 30 seconds per transaction on average, compared with roughly 70 seconds across the EU.
  • The system records fingerprints, facial images and travel details for non‑EU short‑stay visitors and replaces passport stamps to deter identity fraud and spot overstays.
  • EU officials call the rollout an important milestone and are working with countries to resolve technical issues, as airlines warn of possible queues and truckers have protested stricter stay rules.