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EasyPASS-RTP

Attention NEW

With the full implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) on April 10, 2026, the previous EasyPASS-RTP procedure will change.

Duration of participation: While this was previously tied to the validity of the travel document, it can now be granted for a maximum of six years—but will end prematurely if the travel document, a visa, or a residence permit expires earlier. Thus, the shortest validity period applies in each case.
Initial registration: This is time-limited and valid for a maximum of one year.

NEW: Annual reassessment of eligibility requirements 
This is conducted during border control or at a service office. If the review is completed in a timely manner—within the last 90 days before the annual period expires—participation is extended accordingly.
If the timely reassessment is missed, participation ends automatically. However, re-registration is possible.

Facilitations: RTP participants can continue to use EasyPASS and benefit from simplified entry controls, as proof of purpose and means will no longer be required during border police checks. Participation in the EasyPASS-RTP procedure will be stored in the personal EES dossier in the future. 

What is EasyPASS-RTP?

eGates at Munich Airport.

EasyPASS Registered Traveller Programme (RTP) allows EasyPASS to be used as a simple, fast and convenient alternative to traditional border control. This requires an electronic passport from a country that has concluded a declaration of reciprocity for the use of automated border control procedures.

The Federal Republic of Germany has concluded the necessary cooperation agreements with the United States of America, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

EasyPASS-RTP is aimed primarily at frequent travellers. Participation in EasyPASS-RTP is free. Prior verification and registration at a service office of the Federal Police is a prerequisite.

The use of EasyPASS is possible for RTP participants aged 12 and over.

Registration

Registration for EasyPASS-RTP is only possible in the service offices of the Federal Police at the EasyPASS locations and can generally be done without an appointment during opening hours.

In the service offices you will be informed about the registration formalities and data protection.

After you have given your consent to voluntary participation in EasyPASS-RTP and data storage, the Federal Police will check your information and decide on participation. The participation in EasyPASS-RTP is limited to the duration of the validity of your electronic passport. Re-registration with a new passport is possible.

The check for registration is comparable to a border control. For example, your travel document is checked for validity and authenticity, and police information systems are queried.

If there are no doubts, your personal data will be stored in the EasyPASS-RTP database of the Federal Police.

After successful registration, you will receive an execution of your declaration of consent. You can start using EasyPASS immediately.

For an easy and quick registration, you can bring the completed registration form with you. You will find it in the download area.

eGate usage

EASYPASS


At airports equipped with EasyPASS, you will find symbols directing you to the automated border control system. For example:

Place your passport with the information page on the document reader at the entrance kiosk. Press the second half of the passport against the entrance kiosk at the same time.

Procedure on the document reader.

After checking the access requirements (12 years and older, valid electronic passport, valid RTP registration), the entrance door will open.

In the eGate, look directly into the camera located in the monitor in the exit door. The system will compare your live image with the data on your electronic passport.

After successful verification, the symbol for exit and stamping appears. Wait until the control officer opens the door.

Then proceed to the border control desk directly behind the eGates. You will be briefly questioned again there and receive your entry or exit stamp. After that, the border control process is complete.

Cooperations

The Federal Republic of Germany has concluded agreements with various countries on the mutual use of automated border control procedures. Based on the agreements, German nationals have the opportunity to apply for the respective partner programme.

USA

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers German nationals participation in the registered traveller Global Entry (GE) programme. After successful registration with CBP, a PASSID is generated for each GE account. The assigned PASSID must then be provided to the Federal Police by the applicant in order to have the obligatory pre-check carried out in a registration office of the Federal Police.

The pre-check of German Global Entry participants is only possible on site, at the Federal Police at the EasyPASS locations.

The following links offer further information on Global Entry:

Hongkong

German nationals can use the automated border control procedure "e-Channel" in Hong Kong. All you need to do is register once at Hong Kong International Airport or the Macau Ferry Terminal.

Here you can find more information on registration, availability and FAQs.

Republic of Korea

German citizens can register for the "Smart Entry Service" at the international airport "Incheon Gukje Gonghang" and use the eGates there for entry and exit under certain conditions. The one-time registration for the duration of the passport's validity includes taking a photo and fingerprints at the registration office and takes only a few minutes.

Here you can find additional details and the application form.

Taiwan

German citizens can register for automated border control in Taiwan and use the NIA eGates there under certain conditions (electronic passport valid for longer than 6 months, minimum 12 years old, at least 140 centimetres tall and no entries in Taiwan's police databases) for entry and exit for the purpose of a short stay.

The registration of German applicants takes place in registration offices in Taiwan.

Here you can make enquiries in connection with the registration or use of NIA eGates.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

German citizens can use the eGates in the United Kingdom under certain conditions (valid electronic passport, minimum age of 10, possession of an electronic travel authorization (ETA)) for entry for a short stay. Prior registration is not required.

Further information can be found here:

Frequently asked questions: EasyPASS-RTP

Which citizens can use EasyPASS?
  • Citizens of the European Union:
    Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
  • Citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA states):
    Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
  • Citizens of Switzerland
  • Additionally third-country citizens who are in possession of a German residence permit or a German long-stay visa (visa for departure only)
  • Additionally, the following third-country citizens (after successful registration in EasyPASS-RTP) can use the system:
    • United States of America
    • Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
    • Republic of Korea
    • Taiwan
    • United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Does EasyPASS also store people's entry and exit data?

The data collected during the check with EasyPASS is stored for 48 hours. In the context of police investigations, the storage period can be manually extended to a maximum of 30 days.

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