Home » Spain Travel News » Spain Issues Urgent Travel Warning As Major Changes To Entry Rules Will Take Effect From October 12
Published on
October 4, 2025
Starting October 12, 2025, Spain will implement new entry rules as part of the European Union’s updated border control system. This change aims to enhance security and streamline immigration processes by introducing biometric checks, including fingerprinting and facial scans. While these measures are designed to improve border efficiency, they may lead to longer waiting times for travelers as the new system is phased in. Visitors should prepare for potential delays and ensure their travel documents meet the updated requirements to avoid disruptions.
Holidaymakers planning to visit Spain should be aware of new entry procedures that will take effect from October 12, 2025. The European Union is implementing an upgraded entry system, which could impact travelers as they pass through border controls.
The new system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), is part of a broader effort to enhance border security across the EU. This digital system aims to replace the traditional method of passport stamping by using biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, to electronically track travelers’ movements. It will apply to visitors from outside the European Union who are traveling to the Schengen Area, which includes 29 member countries.
This system is being rolled out gradually across EU member states, and authorities have already expressed concerns that the changes could lead to delays at border control points. The goal is to strengthen the monitoring of entry and exit, as well as to reduce the potential for overstays in the Schengen zone. In addition, the system is designed to facilitate the detection of illegal immigration and improve border security.
Starting on October 12, 2025, travelers entering the Schengen Area will no longer have their passports stamped manually. Instead, biometric data will be collected at designated border points. The EES system will capture travelers’ fingerprints and photographs, which will be stored digitally, alongside other essential travel information, to track entries and exits.
The British government has issued guidance to travelers heading to Spain and other EU nations, advising them of the changes. Travelers will need to allow extra time at the border for the new system, as the biometric checks could take longer than the traditional stamping process. The government has specifically mentioned that individuals using ports like Dover, the Eurotunnel at Folkestone, or St Pancras International will have their biometric data captured at the UK departure point. Likewise, upon leaving the Schengen Area, they may also be asked to provide their fingerprints or photograph.
The authorities caution that the implementation of the EES may result in longer processing times at the border. Travelers should expect additional delays as the system is phased in, especially during the initial rollout phase.
The EES system is designed to capture several pieces of key information from travelers, which may include:
- The purpose of the trip (e.g., tourism, business, or family visit).
- The duration of the stay, including the planned date of departure.
- Proof of financial means to support oneself during the trip.
- Confirmation of accommodation arrangements, such as a hotel reservation.
- A return or onward ticket, demonstrating the traveler’s intention to leave the Schengen Area at the end of their stay.
- Travel insurance that covers the duration of the visit.
The EES system will be implemented gradually, with several key milestones expected over the next year.
The first phase will begin on October 12, 2025, with at least one border point in each country operating the new system. This number is expected to increase to 10% of border points within the first 60 days.
By December 2025, the system will include biometric checks at certain border points, capturing both facial scans and fingerprints.
In January 2026, half of the border points are expected to be equipped with EES technology, and at least one-third of passengers will be processed using the new system.
By March 2026, the plan is to have all border points operating the EES system, with half of the passengers processed using biometric checks.
The system will be fully operational by April 10, 2026, with all borders processing all travelers through the new system, including biometric data collection.
In addition to the new EES system, travelers are reminded of passport validity requirements when visiting Spain. The passport must be issued within the last ten years from the planned date of arrival. Passports issued before October 1, 2018, may have a date of issue more than ten years old, so travelers should ensure they meet this criterion.
The passport must also have an expiry date at least three months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen Area. While the issue date does not need to fall within ten years, travelers should still ensure their documents meet these requirements to avoid issues at border control.
Spain follows the standard Schengen Area rules, so visitors are strongly encouraged to check with their travel provider to ensure their passport and travel documents meet all entry requirements. Any discrepancies or expired documents may result in denied entry.
Border control officers will examine travelers’ passports and entry/exit stamps to confirm that they have not overstayed the 90-day limit for visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone. If there is any missing stamp, travelers may need to provide other evidence, such as boarding passes or flight tickets, to show when and where they entered or exited the area. They can then ask border control to record the date and location in their passport.
When passing through border control in Spain, travelers may be required to present several documents. These may include a return or onward ticket, proof of travel insurance, evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay (with amounts varying depending on accommodation), a hotel booking or address confirmation if staying privately, or an invitation letter if staying with friends or family.
The new entry procedures are part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to enhance border security while facilitating the safe movement of travelers across member states. As Spain and other Schengen Area countries prepare for these changes, travelers are encouraged to stay informed and ensure they meet all necessary entry requirements to avoid any disruptions during their trips.
