{"id":448706,"date":"2025-09-24T20:05:21","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T20:05:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/448706\/"},"modified":"2025-09-24T20:05:21","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T20:05:21","slug":"foreign-office-warns-of-spain-new-travel-entry-requirements-from-october-12-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/448706\/","title":{"rendered":"Foreign Office warns of Spain new travel entry requirements from October 12 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Officials have said it could lead to extra delays and people may be asked a number of questions at the border<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_GettyImages-1245977578.jpg\" alt=\"European Union will start implementing its new Entry\/Exit System on October 12 including taking biometric data\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>European Union will start implementing its new Entry\/Exit System on October 12 including taking new biometric data(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"men\">People travelling to Spain have been warned there are new rules for entry from October 12. Under the change EU states are bringing in biometric entry requirements, with officials having previously said there are concerns it could mean delays.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"men\">From October 12, 2025, the <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/all-about\/european-union\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">European Union<\/a> will start implementing its new Entry\/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travellers to the Schengen area, which includes 29 countries. This automated system will replace manual passport stamping by digitally registering travelers&#8217; biometrics (fingerprints and photos) and travel data to enhance border security and manage stays.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"men\">The Foreign Office advice for Spain says people need to be aware of the change. Official say: &#8220;From 12 October 2025, the European Union\u2019s (EU) new Entry\/Exit System (EES) will begin. When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\" publication=\"men\">\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">have your fingerprints and your photo taken<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">answer the Schengen Border Code questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"men\">&#8220;If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, this information will be taken at the border, before you leave the UK. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"men\">&#8220;EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border once the system starts. &#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Typical Border Questions<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\" publication=\"men\">\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Purpose of your trip:<\/strong> Why are you visiting the EU?<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Duration of your stay:<\/strong> When do you plan to leave?<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Financial means:<\/strong> How will you support yourself during your trip?<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Where you will stay:<\/strong> Do you have confirmed accommodation?<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Return ticket:<\/strong> Do you have proof of onward travel or a return ticket?<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Travel insurance:<\/strong> Are you covered by travel insurance?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>How it will be phased in<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"men\">EES will be introduced in phases from 12 October, meaning your experience of it after it goes live will vary depending on where you are travelling to. This is a summary of the phases:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\" publication=\"men\">\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">12 October launch<\/strong>: At least one border point in each country should operate the new system, increasing to 10% of border points after the first 60 days.<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">December 2025<\/strong>: Borders operating EES start to take biometric checks (facial scan and\/or fingerprints).<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">January 2026<\/strong>: Half of border points should be operating EES, with at least a third of passengers going through the system.<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">March 2026<\/strong>: All borders are operating EES and taking biometrics, processing at least half of passengers through the system.<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">10 April 2026<\/strong>: System fully live, with all borders processing all passengers through EES, and taking biometrics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Passport validity requirements<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"men\">Spain follows <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/europa.eu\/youreurope\/citizens\/travel\/entry-exit\/non-eu-nationals\/index_en.htm\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Schengen area rules<\/a>. Your passport must:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\" publication=\"men\">\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">have a \u2018date of issue\u2019 less than 10 years before the date you arrive \u2013 if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">have an \u2018expiry date\u2019 at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"men\">Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/renew-adult-passport\/renew\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Renew your passport<\/a> if you need to. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"men\">The Foreign Office adds: &#8220;If you\u2019re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"men\">&#8220;If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"men\">At Spanish border control, you may need to show:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"UnorderedList_unordered-list__gzblI\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"unordered-list\" publication=\"men\">\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">a return or onward ticket<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">proof of your travel insurance<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">you have enough money for your stay &#8211; the amount varies depending on your accommodation<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if you\u2019re staying at your own property<\/li>\n<li class=\"sc-700e1ff3-0 VljCu\">an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a \u2018carta de invitation\u2019 completed by your hosts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"men\">For more information on the entry requirements for Spain <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice\/spain\/entry-requirements\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Officials have said it could lead to extra delays and people may be asked a number of questions&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":448707,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5312],"tags":[19975,2000,299,3578,2520,104,183],"class_list":{"0":"post-448706","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-spain","8":"tag-commonwealth-and-development-office","9":"tag-eu","10":"tag-europe","11":"tag-foreign","12":"tag-foreign-office","13":"tag-spain","14":"tag-travel"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115261075432687118","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/448706","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=448706"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/448706\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/448707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=448706"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=448706"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=448706"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}