Alongside ETIAS, the European Union is modernising its borders with the Entry/Exit System (EES). If you are a non-EU traveller arriving at Frankfurt Airport, this changes how you cross the border — replacing the familiar passport stamp with a quick biometric check. Here is what to expect.
What Is the EES?
The EES is an automated system that registers non-EU nationals each time they enter or leave the Schengen area. Instead of an officer stamping your passport, the system records your entry and exit electronically, along with biometric data — a facial image and fingerprints.
What Happens at the Border
On your first entry under the EES, you register your biometrics at a kiosk or with a border officer. This first registration takes a little longer. On later trips, the system recognises you, so crossings are faster — often via self-service gates.
The first crossing is the slow one; after that, the biometric border is designed to be quicker than the old stamp.
When Is It Happening?
The EES is being rolled out in phases across Schengen external borders, including major hubs like Frankfurt, through 2026. Exact processes can vary as the system beds in, so allow a little extra time on your first EES arrival until you know the flow.
EES vs ETIAS — What's the Difference?
- EES = the border system itself (biometric entry/exit registration). No application; it happens at the border.
- ETIAS = an authorisation you apply for online before you travel. See our ETIAS guide.
You may deal with both: apply for ETIAS at home, then register under the EES on arrival.
How to Make It Smooth
- Have your passport ready and know which terminal you arrive at — see our complete airport guide.
- On a first EES trip, build in extra buffer for the border, especially after a long-haul flight.
- Pre-book your onward transfer with flight tracking, so a slower border never means a lost ride.
After the Border
Once you have cleared passport control and the EES, the rest of your arrival is the easy part: collect your bags, walk into the public arrivals hall, and your FrankfurtRide driver is waiting with a name board. Because we track your flight, a longer border queue simply adjusts your pickup — no stress, no extra charge. See all our routes.
