30/09/2025
EES - Are you ready?
From 12 October 2025, the EU will introduce new border checks. Implementation will be phased over a six-month period. In Spain, roll-out will start at airports. You may encounter different border requirements at different ports where you enter/exit Spain until roll-out is completed in April 2026.
Once fully operational, the system will replace the manual stamping of passports. Until then, your passport may be stamped.
🔵Visitors - Your fingerprints and photo may be taken at the EU border. This might take a few minutes, so be prepared to wait at busy times.
🔵TIE holders - If you're a UK national living in Spain with a TIE, you do not need to register in the EES.
🔵Green certificate holders - Apply for a TIE as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might be treated as a tourist when entering the EU and asked to register in the EES.
For more information about entering Spain as a resident: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain
Everything about the EES: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees
For more information about Spain’s EES implementation plan: https://www.interior.gob.es/opencms/es/detalle/articulo/La-Union-Europea-activa-su-nuevo-sistema-de-control-de-fronteras-el-12-de-octubre/
