Officials have stated it may result in further delays and other people could also be requested plenty of questions on the border
People travelling to Spain have been warned there are new guidelines for entry from October 12. Under the change EU states are bringing in biometric entry necessities, with officers having beforehand stated there are issues it may imply delays.
From October 12, 2025, the European Union will begin implementing its new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travellers to the Schengen space, which incorporates 29 international locations. This automated system will change guide passport stamping by digitally registering vacationers’ biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) and journey knowledge to reinforce border safety and handle stays.
The Foreign Office recommendation for Spain says individuals want to pay attention to the change. Official say: “From 12 October 2025, the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start. When travelling into and out of the Schengen space, for brief stays, you could must:
- have your fingerprints and your picture taken
- reply the Schengen Border Code questions
“If you enter the Schengen space via the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, this data will probably be taken on the border, earlier than you permit the UK. You might also want to supply both your fingerprint or picture if you go away the Schengen space.
“EES might take every passenger just a few further minutes to finish so be ready to attend longer than standard on the border as soon as the system begins. “
Typical Border Questions
- Purpose of your journey: Why are you visiting the EU?
- Duration of your keep: When do you propose to go away?
- Financial means: How will you assist your self throughout your journey?
- Where you’ll keep: Do you might have confirmed lodging?
- Return ticket: Do you might have proof of onward journey or a return ticket?
- Travel insurance coverage: Are you lined by journey insurance coverage?
How will probably be phased in
EES will probably be launched in phases from 12 October, that means your expertise of it after it goes stay will differ relying on the place you might be travelling to. This is a abstract of the phases:
- 12 October launch: At least one border level in every nation ought to function the brand new system, growing to 10% of border factors after the primary 60 days.
- December 2025: Borders working EES begin to take biometric checks (facial scan and/or fingerprints).
- January 2026: Half of border factors must be working EES, with at the least a 3rd of passengers going via the system.
- March 2026: All borders are working EES and taking biometrics, processing at the least half of passengers via the system.
- 10 April 2026: System totally stay, with all borders processing all passengers via EES, and taking biometrics.
Passport validity necessities
Spain follows Schengen space guidelines. Your passport should:
- have a ‘date of difficulty’ lower than 10 years earlier than the date you arrive – should you renewed your passport earlier than 1 October 2018, it might have a date of difficulty that’s greater than 10 years in the past
- have an ‘expiry date’ at the least 3 months after the day you propose to go away the Schengen space (the expiry date doesn’t must be inside 10 years of the date of difficulty)
Check along with your journey supplier that your passport and different journey paperwork meet necessities. Renew your passport if you should. You will probably be denied entry should you should not have a sound journey
The Foreign Office provides: “If you’re a customer, border guards will have a look at your entry and exit stamps to test you haven’t overstayed the 90-day visa-free restrict for the Schengen space.
“If your passport is lacking a stamp, present proof of when and the place you entered or left the Schengen space (for instance, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards so as to add the date and site in your passport.”
At Spanish border management, you could want to indicate:
- a return or onward ticket
- proof of your journey insurance coverage
- you manage to pay for to your keep – the quantity varies relying in your lodging
- a resort reserving affirmation or proof of handle should you’re staying at your individual property
- an invite or proof of handle if staying with a 3rd social gathering, buddies or household, resembling a ‘carta de invitation’ accomplished by your hosts
For extra data on the entry necessities for Spain click on right here.
