Each year, millions of Brits go on holiday to Spain to soak up the sun in the likes of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Mallorca.
It’s such a popular destination that by 2040 it’s expected to become the most visited country in the world.
But those jetting off soon, be warned, as there are new rules for entering the country, which will be rolled out on October 12.
From this date, the European Union is implementing a new entry and exit system (EES) at airports, ferry ports and other border crossings.
Designed to track border crossings digitally using fingerprints and facial recognition, the stricter system has been in the making for years — and delayed several times.
As such, the Foreign Office has shared advice for tourists heading to Spain, letting you know what you need to be aware of.
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Officials say that for short stays, you might be required to:
- Have fingerprints and photos taken, on arrival and departure
- Answer Schengen Border Code questions
A full list of questions has yet to be provided. But based on what we know so far, they could ask about your reason for travelling, whether you have enough money for the duration of your stay, and where you’re staying.
All of this will naturally make wait times a bit longer, so be prepared to allow more time than you’re used to.
As always, anyone travelling to Spain must have a passport with a date of issue less than 10 years before the date you arrive and an expiry date at least three months after the date you plan to leave.
Those travelling to Spain for up to 90 days can stay without a visa within any 180-day period, as long as they aren’t planning to work there.
The new EES rules aren’t just for Spain, though — they’re being rolled out across the EU.
They’ll be coming in phases, rather than all at once, starting with the 29 countries in the Schengen area.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the entry and exit EES system?
The entry and exit system is a digital system that will replace passport stamping at the border control when arriving or leaving the destination.
Those with non-EU country passports, like the UK, are required to use the system once it launches.
How does the EES system work in the EU?
Most travellers from outside the EU, known as third-country nationals, have to register their passport details and biometric data when crossing into an EU country for the first time.
Biometric data includes fingerprints and facial pictures. Borders are likely to be kitted with self-service kiosks where passengers can input this information.
This data and the entry and exit details will be stored for subsequent visits.
Future visits will only require a verification of the biometric data, which can speed up the process.
On subsequent visits, border officials will also ask extra questions and proof like accommodation, enough money for the trip, insurance and a return ticket.
Children are not exempt from the checks, although children under 12 do not need to give fingerprints, but they will also need to have their face scanned.
Will ESS checks happen in the UK?
Usually, the new checks will be carried out at the destination airport or port upon arrival and when departing.
The exceptions are:
- Port of Dover
- St Pancras International
- Folkestone
Travellers heading to the EU will go through the checks there, as these are dual British and French border locations.
It means you don’t then need to go through the checks again when stepping off the train or ferry on the European mainland.
The EES border system is separate from the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will introduced towards the end of 2026.
ETIAS, which is not live yet, means people who are not citizens of an EU or Schengen country will need to apply for it when travelling to the European Union.
When does the EES start?
The new border checks will be rolled out gradually from October 12.
The launch date is just days before the UK school half-term, when tens of thousands of families are set to travel abroad.
European countries will introduce the system at their external border progressively, leading up to the full launch by April 10, 2026.
What countries will use the new EU entry and exit system?
Including Spain, the new system will eventually be in use in the 25 EU countries, plus Schengen members Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Meanwhile, manual passport stamping will still be used in Ireland and Cyprus.
Who is exempt from the EU entry and exit system?
- EU passport holders, including Irish and Cyprus
- British passport holder with EU residency permit or long-stay visa
- Nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and passport holders of the Vatican City State/the Holy See
Why was the EES launch delayed?
The most recent delay was in October last year, when EU leaders hit pause on the massive border upgrade after concerns that the launch of the untested system could wreak havoc on travel and logistics.
What countries already use biometric border controls?
Many countries across the world have already implemented digital border control checks involving biometric data like the EES.
These include China, Saudi Arabia, United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
A version of this article was first published on August 9, 2025 and has been updated.
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