Storms plus new biometric queues cause 942 flight delays across Germany
Berlin tightens documentation checklist for re-entry (Wiedereinreise) visas at Jakarta mission
German Bundestag Updates Federal Police Act, Expanding Border-Control Powers
Latest News
Brenner Nordzulauf Planning Completed—Cross-Border Rail Capacity Set to Expand
DB InfraGo has completed the preferred alignment for the Brenner Nordzulauf rail line, removing a key uncertainty for the EU’s most important north-south freight and passenger corridor. The project will double cross-border capacity between Germany, Austria and Italy once the Brenner Base Tunnel opens, promising faster transit times and a significant shift from road to rail.
Police Commissioner tells Bundestag: current border checks “cannot be sustained”
In his annual report released 15 July 2026, Federal Police Commissioner Uli Grötsch said Germany’s 60 permanent land-border posts are straining staff and budgets, warning that the effort “cannot be sustained” much longer. Growing overtime, infrastructure gaps and discrimination complaints point to an urgent need for more flexible, risk-based controls—an issue mobility managers and cross-border shippers must watch.
UK Updates Entry Rules for German School Trips—ETA Required from 1 August 2026
Germany’s Foreign Office warns that, effective 1 August 2026, German school groups heading to the UK must obtain an individual passport and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for every participant. The abolition of the collective “Schülersammelliste” increases lead-times and administrative workload for tour organisers and signals tighter digital border controls.
Germany reminds travellers that EU Entry/Exit System is now live at all borders
German missions abroad have updated their websites to remind non-EU travellers that the biometric Entry/Exit System is now in force at all German borders. The change ends manual passport stamps and can lengthen first-time border crossings; companies should warn travellers and review data-privacy statements.
Lufthansa to Re-brand Miles & More as “Lufthansa Group Miles & More”
Lufthansa will rename and relaunch its frequent-flyer programme as “Lufthansa Group Miles & More,” turning it into a single loyalty platform for all group airlines by the end of 2026. The change promises broader earning and redemption options and a harmonised elite structure, affecting millions of German business travellers and the companies that manage their trips.
Auswärtiges Amt Confirms UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Now Required for German School Trips
A 15 July 2026 update to the Foreign Office’s UK travel page states that German school classes are no longer exempt from the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation. All pupils and accompanying teachers must apply online at least three days before travel, while visa-national pupils still need a regular visit visa. Businesses running training programmes in Britain should verify that assignees obtain an ETA to avoid boarding refusals.
German Embassy Jakarta Issues Detailed Guide on Re-Entry Visas for Lost or Expired Residence Permits
The German Embassy in Jakarta has published a comprehensive checklist on how foreign residents of Germany can secure a re-entry visa if their residence permit is lost, forgotten or expired while abroad. The document clarifies timelines, fees and the need for pre-approval from German immigration authorities, helping companies avoid costly travel disruptions.
Deutsche Bahn Warns of Summer Disruptions as Bridge Works Hit Erfurt Hub
A DB press release dated 15 July 2026 details bridge-replacement works at Erfurt’s Schmidtstedter Knoten that will disrupt ICE and regional services from 30 July to 30 September. Berlin–Munich Sprinter trains are partially cancelled and regional timetables altered, while local roads face detours. Travel managers should adjust summer itineraries and monitor DB Navigator for updates.
Cologne/Bonn Airport Deploys Next-Generation CT Scanners to Speed Up Security Checks
Cologne/Bonn became Germany’s first major airport to run all security lanes with CT scanners, letting passengers keep electronics and up to two-litre liquid containers in their bags. Throughput is expected to double, easing summer-holiday congestion and offering a template for nationwide roll-outs before the EU’s new digital border regime starts. The upgrade is highly relevant to corporate travel planners who can now factor in shorter dwell times and harmonised liquid rules.
German trade-fair body warns visa bottlenecks could erode competitiveness
AUMA’s ‘Trends 2026/27’ report, published 14 July, says sluggish Schengen visa procedures and ageing transport links threaten Germany’s dominance in the global trade-fair market. The industry urges faster, digital business-visitor visas and infrastructure upgrades to keep international exhibitors coming.