Germany Travel Alerts & Entry Updates
Germany has extended internal land border checks through September and implemented secondary inspections for travelers despite falling asylum claims. Recent Lufthansa pilot strikes caused over 800 flight cancellations at Frankfurt and Munich, while the new EES rollout has triggered two-hour airport queues. Starting in late 2026, visa-exempt travelers must obtain a €7 ETIAS authorization to enter the country.
The small print in Germany's Sept. 15 border check extension
Germany will maintain internal border controls for the foreseeable future despite a drop in asylum claims. Travelers and expats should expect longer secondary inspections and may be required to show proof of health insurance or accommodation upon entry.
Germany EES rollout triggers 2 hour airport queues for non-EU travelers
Schengen travel is no longer 'seamless' for non-EU passport holders. Allow at least 4-5 hours for international connections at Frankfurt or Munich. Ensure your biometric data is correctly captured; failures here are already causing secondary screening delays for long-term travelers.
Lufthansa Strike Cancellations Near 90 Percent for Germany Transit Travelers
Lufthansa pilots (Vereinigung Cockpit union) struck on April 13–14, 2026, causing hundreds of cancellations. Frankfurt Airport saw ~570 take-offs/landings cancelled (mostly Lufthansa); Munich reported a combined ~720 cancellations over the two days. Over 50,000 passengers were affected at Frankfurt alone. Two-thirds of short/medium-haul and half of long-haul Lufthansa flights were cancelled; Eurowings was also heavily impacted. Additional strikes (pilots April 16–17; cabin crew around April 15–16) created nearly a full week of disruption across German hubs. International connections were affected, with ripple effects for travelers routing via Frankfurt/Munich. Passengers on eligible tickets could rebook free of charge.
Germany's 4-Day Strike Wave Cancels 800+ Flights at FRA and MUC
Lufthansa pilots (including at Lufthansa Cargo, CityLine, and Eurowings from German airports) staged a 48-hour strike on April 13–14, 2026, over pension and pay disputes. This led to hundreds of cancellations (reports vary from ~122–800+ on the first day alone, with over 1,100 impacted across the two days at major hubs), primarily affecting Frankfurt and Munich (majority of European departures canceled). Some domestic flights were replaced by rail. A follow-on cabin crew strike was announced for April 15–16. Lufthansa offered rebooking flexibility (e.g., to rail or later dates through ~April 21 for tickets issued by April 11) and used partner airlines where possible. Middle East routes were largely exempt. This directly disrupts travelers, expats, and digital nomads relying on Lufthansa or connections through German hubs.
Germany Updates Entry Requirements for Visa-Exempt Travelers
Travelers from 60 visa-exempt countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, will require an ETIAS authorization to enter Germany starting in Q4 2026. The permit will cost €7 and remain valid for three years, maintaining the standard 90-day stay limit within any 180-day period.
Germany Extends Land Border Checks Through September
Germany has extended temporary identity checks at all nine land borders to manage migration and security. Expats and travelers should expect potential delays and must carry valid passports or residence permits when crossing by road or rail.