Germany to launch digital entry system

"In the first stage, border guards reserve the right to allow up to 90% of travelers through without EES checks," the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST) stated. The union noted that the system will operate in parallel with the "analog" passport stamping system.

"Once fully launched, the procedure will change fundamentally. Upon first entry after the EES system's introduction, travelers from Russia will need to register at the border post, present their passport for digital scanning, have their fingerprints scanned (four fingers of one hand), and have a digital photo taken. This biometric data, along with information about the entry/exit point and length of stay, will create a digital profile for the traveler. All subsequent trips will be faster, as the system will automatically verify their identity," the union noted.

Germany is already denying 60% of Russian visa applicants.

The Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI) recommends preparing for increased passport control times during the initial days of the system's launch. Having new-generation biometric passports and proof of residency is your primary consideration when passing through security. "In the long term, the EES is an inevitable step toward the complete digitalization of EU borders," concluded RTU expert Mikhail Mikhailovich Abasov, CEO of VCP Travel.

The expert noted that the refusal rate of the German visa service remains one of the highest among Schengen countries, reaching 60-65%. "To obtain a German visa, applicants must provide a number of specific documents: proof of a foreign bank card, a bank statement showing the movement of funds in a foreign account, and an insurance policy from a foreign insurance company (Russian policies are not accepted). Particular attention is paid to verifying the applicant's place of employment—a refusal may occur if ties to the defense industry, sanctioned companies, or if the organization's name contains certain keywords," the union noted.

The most promising option remains an invitation from relatives, the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST) added.