Border Control at Düsseldorf Airport

Border control at Düsseldorf Airport

Information on the Entry/Exit System (EES) and EasyPASS

When entering or leaving the European Union via Düsseldorf Airport, different border control procedures apply depending on your nationality. Here you can find out:

whether you can use EasyPASS,
who is subject to the new Entry/Exit System (EES),
how to pre-register for the EES at a Self-Service System.

EasyPASS

Automated border control for:

Citizens from the EU, EEA, Switzerland (aged 12 and over)
Travelers with a German residence permit (aged 12 and over)
EasyPASS-RTP registrants (aged 12 and over): citizens of the USA, Great Britain, Korea, Taiwan, or Hong Kong (China)

Simply scan your passport and take a facial image at the automated control lane – the gate will open automatically. Please note: You must have an electronic passport (ePass) or German electronic ID card.

Can't use EasyPASS? Then follow the signs to the border control.

For more information visit easypass.de

Entry/Exit System (EES)

Border control for non-EU nationals staying in the European Union for a short stay (up to 90 days within a period of 180 days).
The following data will be registered*:

Travel dates
Personal data
Facial image
Fingerprints

Self-Service Systems are available at Düsseldorf Airport for pre-registration.

Further information can be found on the websites of the Federal Police and the European Union.

* In Germany, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be introduced in phases over a period of six months. Therefore, not all travelers will be subject to the new procedure.

Entry/Exit System (EES)

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Use the Self-Service System to pre-register

With your biometric passport, at Düsseldorf Airport you can pre-register at a Self-Service System. Please make sure that only one person uses the kiosk at a time and follow the step-by-step instructions on the screen. Then proceed to the border control, where your data will be checked and your fingerprints will be scanned again.

Where do I find the Self-Service System?

You will find the Self-Service System near the border control. Please follow the signage. For departures, there are also six additional Self-Service kiosks in the public area of the terminal (check-in area C, near café Mosaic).

Who cannot use the Self-Service System?

Travelers without a biometric passport
Children under 12 years of age
Travelers with disabilities

Their data will be registered directly at the border control.

The three steps of EES registration

Place your passport on the left side of the Self-Service System to scan your data.

The screen guides you through the process of the facial image capture.

The fingerprints of the right hand (excluding the thumb) are scanned on the right side of the kiosk.

Should travelers expect longer waiting times due to EES?

Yes, travelers should expect longer waiting times, especially during the initial implementation phase. Even in the long term, border control may take more time due to the additional steps required for EES registration.

Do non-EU travelers always have to register when entering the EU?

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.

What should I do if my flight is delayed or you miss a connecting flight due to border procedures?

If you experience delays at border control that could affect your flight, please contact your airline immediately. They can assist you and guide you through the next steps.

Can I register other passengers, my children or family members?

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.

What should be considered when traveling with children and minors?

Are children also required to register in the EES?
Yes, children are also required to register in the EES. For all non-EU nationals, including infants, an EES file will be created containing passport details and a facial image. Fingerprints are only required for travelers aged 12 and above. Specific rules apply to minors and may vary by country; please refer to official guidelines for more information.

What is the procedure for travelers with minors who don’t have their own travel documents?
Each traveler, including minors, must have their own valid travel document in order to be registered in the EES. If a child is only listed in a parent’s passport and does not have an individual document, EES registration is not possible. In such cases, entry may be denied or subject to manual processing, depending on the rules of the border authority. Please check with your airline or relevant embassy in advance.

Do you have questions about data storage or data protection?

Which information is needed for EES?
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

What happens with my data? Will it be reused/stored?
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.

How does the EES ensure data protection?
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.

How long is my data stored in the EES?
Your personal data is stored in the EES for three years after your last border crossing. If you overstay or violate entry conditions, your data may be stored for up to five years.