Passport control at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) matters for passengers travelling between Schengen and non-Schengen destinations. Some flights do not require border control, while others require passport or ID checks before departure, after arrival, or both.
This guide explains how passport control at BER Airport fits into the passenger journey, which documents to prepare, what non-Schengen passengers should expect, and how EES, EasyPASS, arrival timing and pickup planning can affect your trip.
Important: entry rules, visa rules, EES procedures and passport requirements depend on nationality, destination, residence status and route. Always check official government, airline and BER information before travelling.
Passport control at BER Airport at a glance
- Airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt
- IATA code: BER
- Main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
- Relevant flights: mainly non-Schengen departures and arrivals
- Documents: passport, ID card, visa, residence permit or electronic travel authorisation when required
- Main tip: allow extra time for non-Schengen routes and document checks
When do passengers need passport control at BER?
Passport control is usually relevant when travelling to or from destinations outside the Schengen area. For Schengen flights, passengers normally do not pass border control as part of the standard travel route, although airlines and authorities may still check identity documents.
For non-Schengen departures, passengers may pass security first and then continue to passport control before reaching the non-Schengen gate area. For non-Schengen arrivals, passengers may pass border control before continuing toward baggage claim and the public arrivals area.
For the full airport overview, see BER Airport Guide 2026. For arrivals, see BER Airport Arrivals Guide. For departures, see BER Airport Departures Guide.
Schengen vs non-Schengen at BER Airport
The Schengen area affects whether border control is part of the airport process. Flights within the Schengen area usually have a simpler passenger flow. Flights to or from non-Schengen countries add passport control and sometimes additional document checks.
Non-Schengen routes can include countries outside the EU or outside the Schengen travel area. A passenger may be an EU citizen but still fly to a non-Schengen destination, or a non-EU citizen may fly within Schengen. The route, nationality and residence status all matter.
Do not assume that “Europe” means “no passport control.” Always check whether your destination is in the Schengen area and what documents your airline requires.
Documents to prepare before passport control
Before travelling through BER, prepare all documents that may be requested by your airline or border authorities. Depending on the trip, this can include a passport, national ID card, visa, residence permit, onward ticket, hotel address, invitation, return ticket or electronic travel authorisation.
BER official information reminds passengers that many countries request valid travel documentation and may also require a visa or electronic travel authorisation. The passenger is responsible for observing travel regulations, and non-compliance may result in travel being rejected.
Official source: BER ID and passport control information.
Passport control for departures from BER
For non-Schengen departures, allow extra time after check-in and security. BER official FAQ states that passengers travelling to non-Schengen destinations should allow additional waiting time for passport control.
The exact order can depend on terminal, gate area, airline and current airport operations. Usually, passengers first complete check-in or baggage drop if needed, pass security, and then continue toward passport control and the gate area for non-Schengen flights.
If you travel to a country with additional checks, follow airline instructions and go to the gate early. Some routes can require extra verification before boarding.
Passport control for arrivals at BER
For non-Schengen arrivals, passport control can add time before baggage claim and the public arrivals exit. This matters for pickup planning because scheduled landing time is not the same as the time a passenger reaches the arrivals hall.
After leaving the aircraft, passengers follow signs for arrivals and border control if required. After passport control, passengers with checked baggage continue to baggage claim and then exit into the public area.
For baggage after border control, see BER Airport Baggage Claim Guide. For pickup after arrival, see Transfer from BER Airport.
EES at BER Airport
The European Entry/Exit System, or EES, is a digital system for recording entries and exits of many non-EU nationals travelling for short stays in the Schengen area. BER official information states that EES can mean longer waiting times when entering or leaving the Schengen Area.
BER also explains that EES records entry and exit digitally instead of passport stamps and can include personal data, a facial image and fingerprints. Non-EU nationals travelling for short stays may be affected, while EU citizens and people with a German residence permit are described by BER as not affected in the same way.
Because the rollout and exact passenger flow can change, check the official BER EES page before travel.
Official source: BER European Entry/Exit System information.
EasyPASS at BER Airport
EasyPASS is an automated border control option for eligible passengers with suitable biometric documents. BER official information describes EasyPASS as a free and voluntary supplement to conventional border control, using an electronic travel document and camera check.
Eligibility depends on age, document type, nationality and registration status. BER lists eligibility groups including travellers aged 12 and over with a biometric passport from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, German nationals with a national ID card, and certain registered third-country nationals.
Even if you are eligible, keep all travel documents ready and follow the current signs at the airport. Manual passport control may still be required depending on route, document, age, status or system availability.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 passport control
BER uses Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 for arrivals and departures. Terminal 1 is the main terminal and includes non-Schengen departure areas. Terminal 2 is close to Terminal 1 and within walking distance, with passengers following airport signs between terminal areas.
Terminal choice matters because it affects check-in, walking routes, security and the time needed to reach the correct gate. However, the need for passport control depends mainly on your route and travel status, not only the terminal name.
For terminal orientation, see BER Airport Terminals Guide, BER Airport Terminal 1 Guide and BER Airport Terminal 2 Guide.
How much extra time should you allow?
There is no fixed passport control time that applies to every passenger. Waiting time can depend on flight volume, route, document type, border control staffing, EES procedures, family travel, special checks and whether several non-Schengen flights arrive or depart close together.
For departures, build extra time into your airport plan if your flight is non-Schengen. For arrivals, avoid scheduling pickup for the exact landing time, especially if the passenger must pass passport control and collect baggage.
For planned airport drop-off, see Transfer to BER Airport. For airport service overview, see Airport Transfers from BER Airport.
Passport control tips for families and groups
- Keep every passenger’s passport, ID, visa and residence permit easily accessible.
- Check child document requirements before travel, especially for non-Schengen routes.
- Do not pack key documents in checked baggage.
- Keep boarding passes and travel confirmations ready.
- Allow extra time if a family member has a different nationality or residence status.
- Agree on a meeting point after passport control and baggage claim.
Passport control tips for business travellers
Business travellers should check document validity, visa requirements, electronic travel authorisations and return requirements before travelling. A tight meeting schedule can be disrupted by a document issue or longer border control queue.
If you land from a non-Schengen route and have a meeting shortly after arrival, include border control, baggage claim and transfer time in the schedule. For early departures, allow enough time between hotel pickup, check-in, security, passport control and boarding.
Common passport control mistakes at BER
- Assuming a national ID card is accepted for every destination.
- Forgetting visa or electronic travel authorisation requirements.
- Leaving passport or residence permit in checked baggage.
- Arriving too late for non-Schengen departures.
- Planning pickup at the scheduled landing time instead of realistic exit time.
- Using old travel rules instead of current official information.
- Ignoring EES information for non-EU short-stay travel.
Useful official BER links for passport control
- Official BER airport controls overview
- Official BER ID and passport control information
- Official BER EES information
- Official BER passenger FAQ
- Official BER terminal information
FAQ
Do all passengers pass passport control at BER Airport?
No. Passport control is mainly relevant for non-Schengen departures and arrivals. Schengen flights usually do not include border control in the standard passenger flow.
Should non-Schengen passengers allow extra time?
Yes. BER official information advises passengers travelling to non-Schengen destinations to allow extra waiting time for passport control.
What documents should I prepare?
Prepare your passport or ID card, visa, residence permit, electronic travel authorisation and any airline-required documents that apply to your destination and nationality.
Does EES affect BER Airport passengers?
BER official information says EES may cause longer waiting times when entering or leaving the Schengen Area. Non-EU nationals travelling for short stays can be affected.
Can passport control delay airport pickup?
Yes. For non-Schengen arrivals, passport control can add time before baggage claim and the public arrivals exit. Pickup should not be planned for the exact landing time.
Plan your BER journey with passport control in mind
Before travelling, check your terminal, route, documents, visa rules and current airport guidance. If you want a pre-booked ride after arrival or before departure, use online booking to arrange the route, vehicle and pickup details in advance.
