UK tourists traveling to Spain are facing significant delays at major airports due to the implementation of the new EU Entry/Exit System. This system requires travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, to undergo biometric checks, including fingerprint and facial scans, at each border crossing. While aimed at improving security and tracking visitors' stays, the system's rollout has caused processing times to skyrocket, leading to long queues and frustration for passengers, particularly during peak travel periods.
UK Holidaymakers Warned of Long Waits at Spanish Airports Due to New EU Border System
British holidaymakers heading to Spain could experience significant delays at passport control as a new EU border security system creates disruptions at major airports. The Entry/Exit System (EES), which officially launched on Sunday at Madrid-Barajas Airport, marks the beginning of a Europe-wide initiative aimed at enhancing border security. The system, introduced by the European Union, requires travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, to provide their fingerprints, facial images, and passport details every time they enter or leave the Schengen Area.
While the new system is designed to improve security and track visitors' stays more efficiently, its implementation has already led to warnings about long queues and processing delays. According to reports from Vozpópuli, airlines and airport staff have expressed concerns that the checks could significantly extend processing times. While passport control previously took around 30 seconds per traveller, the new biometric system could take between three to five minutes per passenger. This means that during peak travel times, such as busy holiday flights, queues could stretch for hours, causing major frustration for travellers.
Madrid-Barajas Airport has become the first airport to implement the EES system. However, major Spanish airports like Barcelona-El Prat, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga-Costa del Sol, and those in the Canary Islands are set to follow in the coming days. These airports are especially popular with British tourists, and the new system is expected to cause major delays, particularly during half-term and summer holidays when travel numbers are high.
The Spanish government has committed significant resources to the roll-out of this new border security system. Spain's Ministry of the Interior has confirmed that the National Police will continue to be responsible for border controls, while the Civil Guard will handle customs and fiscal checks. The government has invested approximately €83 million in the technology required to implement the system, which will be expanded gradually until it meets the full compliance targets set by the EU by April 2026. The current phase of the rollout is expected to meet about 10% of the EU's overall compliance goals.
While Spain's authorities insist that the transition to the new system is progressing smoothly, there are concerns about the initial teething problems. Passengers, particularly those travelling during busy holiday periods, are being advised to allow extra time for airport security and passport control. With additional biometric data collection and scanning procedures, the process could take longer than usual, leading to longer waiting times.
For most adult travellers, the EES system will require both fingerprint and facial scans, along with a passport check. For those requiring a visa to enter Spain, the process will only involve the submission of a photo and passport details. However, there is an exemption for children under 12 years of age, who will not be required to undergo the biometric registration process.
The system is intended to boost security by providing more accurate data on the length of stay of non-EU visitors, while also making it easier to monitor border entry and exit points. By collecting biometric data from all non-EU nationals, the system aims to streamline border control processes, making it more difficult for people to overstay their permitted stay within the Schengen Area.
Despite the government's efforts to ensure a smooth transition to the EES system, it is clear that initial implementation will bring significant challenges. Passengers who are used to quick and efficient border control procedures may face longer wait times, especially as the system continues to be rolled out at other major airports throughout Spain. These delays may become more pronounced as the busiest travel periods approach, including the upcoming school holiday seasons.
For those planning to travel to Spain in the coming months, it is highly recommended to allow for extra time at the airport, especially during peak periods. While the system will eventually help streamline the process in the long term, early adopters may find themselves caught in lengthy queues.
The introduction of the EES is expected to have a mixed impact on tourism. On the one hand, the system will improve security and make it easier for Spain to track visitors, potentially reducing overstays and illegal immigration. On the other hand, the immediate effect on holidaymakers could be a rise in wait times and frustrations at border control. This could make some visitors reconsider their travel plans or seek alternative, less congested routes into Spain.
In addition, UK tourists, many of whom travel frequently to Spain for holidays, will likely bear the brunt of these delays due to the country's exit from the EU. With Spain being one of the most popular holiday destinations for British travellers, the EES system may pose a particular inconvenience, especially during peak travel seasons.
As the EES system continues to roll out across Spain, holidaymakers should prepare for potential delays at passport control. With the introduction of fingerprint and facial scans, along with passport checks, travel time through Spain's airports is expected to increase. While the system aims to improve security and better track visitors, passengers should plan accordingly and allow extra time at airports. With the government investing millions in the infrastructure to support this system, the changes are expected to improve security in the long term, but travellers may face short-term disruptions.