Published on
October 5, 2025
Spain has united with the US, Taiwan, UAE, Australia, and the UK in issuing a travel warning due to the upcoming implementation of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), set to begin on October 12, 2025. This collaborative warning stems from the fact that the new biometric border control system, which will replace traditional passport stamping with digital records and biometric data collection, is expected to cause significant delays at border crossings, especially during its initial rollout. As these countries prepare for the transition, travelers are urged to be aware of potential disruptions and ensure their travel documents meet the updated requirements to avoid issues at border controls.
Starting October 12, 2025, Spain will implement significant updates to its border control procedures in line with the European Union’s enhanced Entry/Exit System (EES). This overhaul is part of a broader effort to bolster border security and streamline immigration processes across the Schengen Area. The new system, which introduces biometric checks including fingerprinting and facial recognition, aims to replace the traditional method of passport stamping, providing more efficient and secure tracking of travelers. However, as the system gradually rolls out, travelers may face longer waiting times and potential delays. Several nations, including the United States, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and the United Kingdom, have also issued travel advisories or warnings about the changes. These new rules are expected to have widespread implications for tourists, business travelers, and all international visitors to Spain and the Schengen Area.
The European Entry/Exit System (EES): A Step Toward Enhanced Security
The European EES represents a key shift in how the EU monitors entries and exits. The system replaces manual passport stamping with an electronic process, capturing biometric data—fingerprints and facial scans—at designated border points across Schengen Area countries. These biometric details will be stored digitally to provide real-time tracking of a traveler’s movements, aiming to enhance security and reduce illegal immigration, overstays, and potential threats.
The new system is being gradually implemented, and its full-scale operation is expected by April 10, 2026. The changes are designed to make border control more efficient and secure but may cause delays, especially during the transition phase.
Key Features of the EES System:Biometric Data Capture: Fingerprints and facial recognition will be collected at entry and exit points for all non-EU nationals.Digital Record Keeping: Rather than manually stamping passports, the system will electronically track travelers’ entries and exits.Security Enhancement: The system aims to detect overstays, illegal immigration, and potential security threats more effectively.The Implementation Timeline:October 12, 2025: The initial phase of the EES will begin, with at least one border point in each country operational under the new system.December 2025: By this time, biometric checks will be active at select border points.January 2026: Half of the border points across the Schengen Area will implement the EES system.March 2026: The system will be fully implemented at 100% of border points, with at least half of all travelers processed using biometric checks.April 10, 2026: All EU borders will fully transition to the EES system, including biometric data collection for every traveler.Why the New EES System Matters
The European EES system is not just a technical update; it’s a significant shift in how border security is managed. By replacing manual passport stamps with digital tracking and biometric identification, the EU aims to:
Enhance Border Security: The biometric system allows for better monitoring of who enters and exits the Schengen Area, significantly reducing the chances of illegal immigration.Improve Efficiency: The system promises faster processing times, but initial delays are expected as the transition takes place.Ensure Accurate Records: Electronic tracking helps ensure that all entries and exits are accurately recorded, which is crucial for detecting overstays.Spain’s Role and the Impact on Travelers
Spain, a key member of the Schengen Area, is at the forefront of implementing the new EES rules. The Spanish government has already issued guidance for travelers about the upcoming changes. From October 12, 2025, visitors entering Spain will experience the following:
No More Manual Passport Stamps: Travelers will no longer have their passports stamped manually. Instead, biometric data will be captured at designated border points.Additional Border Delays Expected: Travelers should prepare for longer wait times at border control due to the processing of biometric data.Updated Entry Requirements: Spain will strictly enforce updated travel document requirements, ensuring that all visitors’ documents meet the new criteria for entry.Spain’s Travel Document Requirements:Passport Validity: Passports must be issued within the last ten years from the planned date of arrival. Those issued before October 1, 2018, may be deemed invalid if their date of issue exceeds ten years.Expiry Date: Passports should be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen Area.Other Required Documents: Travelers may be asked to present proof of accommodation, travel insurance, sufficient financial means, and a return or onward ticket to ensure they meet the conditions for short-term travel.Travel Advisory: Warnings from the US, Taiwan, UAE, Australia, and the UK
In addition to Spain’s efforts, several other nations have also issued warnings and advisories regarding the upcoming changes to border control procedures in Europe:
United States
The U.S. Department of State has informed American travelers heading to Spain and other EU nations about the new biometric system. Starting October 12, 2025, American citizens will be required to provide fingerprints and facial scans upon entry and exit at Schengen Area borders. Travelers are advised to allow extra time for processing at border control points to accommodate the biometric checks.
The system is designed to streamline immigration processes but may lead to longer wait times initially. U.S. travelers departing from the UK, for example, will have their biometric data collected at UK departure points such as Dover, Folkestone, and St Pancras International.
United Arab Emirates
Emirates and Air Arabia, major airlines based in the UAE, have issued travel advisories informing passengers about the new biometric requirements in Europe. The EU’s EES system will apply to travelers departing from the UAE to Schengen countries, including Spain. Full implementation is expected by April 10, 2026, with biometric data being captured at all border points.
Travelers are encouraged to allow additional time for processing at airports and border points to accommodate the new biometric checks.
Taiwan
Taiwan has introduced its own entry system and digital arrival card requirement, with all incoming travelers required to apply for the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) before traveling. In line with global trends, Taiwan’s new system aligns with the European Union’s EES by requiring biometric data to enhance security. European travelers, including those heading to Spain, are also expected to encounter the new biometric system, which will gradually be rolled out across the Schengen Area starting October 12, 2025.
United Kingdom
The UK has issued a travel warning about the new EU biometric checks, particularly for UK travelers going to Spain. Border points in the UK will begin collecting biometric data from travelers departing for the Schengen Area, and travelers should anticipate additional processing time. The UK Department for Transport has allocated significant funds to help airports and ports adapt to the new system. Travelers are urged to plan for longer wait times at departure points and to ensure their travel documents meet the new entry requirements.
Australia
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has informed Australian travelers about the EES system. Starting October 12, 2025, Australian citizens traveling to Spain and other Schengen countries will undergo biometric checks at the border. The system aims to improve border security and streamline entry procedures but may result in delays as travelers adjust to the new process.
Preparing for the New Border Control System
To ensure a smooth entry into Spain and other Schengen Area countries, travelers are advised to:
Double-check Travel Documents: Ensure passports meet the validity requirements and have the necessary validity for travel.Allow Extra Time at the Border: The biometric data capture process may take longer than traditional passport stamping, so travelers should factor in extra time for border control.Be Prepared for Delays: The gradual implementation of the EES may lead to some congestion at border points, especially in the initial phase.Have Supporting Documents Ready: In addition to passports, travelers may need to present proof of accommodation, travel insurance, financial means, and other documents as part of the new entry requirements.
Spain has united with the US, Taiwan, UAE, Australia, and the UK in issuing a travel warning due to the implementation of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will introduce biometric checks and potentially cause delays at border crossings starting October 12, 2025.
Spain’s new entry procedures, in line with the European Union’s Entry/Exit System, represent a significant shift in border security and immigration processes. While the system promises to improve security and efficiency in the long term, travelers should be prepared for potential delays during the transition period. With advisories from countries like the US, Taiwan, UAE, Australia, and the UK, travelers are strongly encouraged to ensure their documents are up to date and allow for extra time at border control points. As the EES system is rolled out gradually, both travelers and border authorities will need to adjust to the new digital procedures, but the ultimate goal is a safer, more efficient border experience for all.
