Getting started Mid-October 2025, The Entry and Exit System is being progressively implemented at European airports. This is important to know for all non-EU citizens traveling to 29 countries in Europe.
This system involves recording personal data, including fingerprints and facial images, upon entering the Schengen area. (excludes Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein)
So far, in Spain, the first airports to test this system are Barcelona and Alicante. They started on October 27, 2025. If you are a European citizen, including Cyprus and Ireland. You will not need to do this check.
When you arrive in Spain (or another European airport), you may be asked to use the new biometric border control machines. This system is digitized and replaces the stamping of passports at border control. This is simplified and just asks you a few basic questions and takes your fingerprints.
Initially, border controls may take a little longer. If you have a biometric passport, the process should be faster.
ETIAS travel authorization
Don’t confuse this with the ETIAS travel authorization, which will come into force on Fall 2026. This document will be required when visiting countries outside the EU for 90 days or less and has a fee of 20 euros. This will require pre-authorization and will be valid for use in 30 Schengen/EU countries. To find out more, visit the official website: ETIAS – What you need
EES + ETIAS Schedule – Overview
- Sunday, October 12, 2025 – start of implementation
- October 20, 2025 – EES gates in operation at Malaga airports
- October 27, 2025 – EES gates operating at Barcelona and Alicante airports.
- November 17, 2025 – EES Gates will be operating at Palma de Mallorca Airport.
- April 10, 2026 – Implementation of the system is completed in 29 European countries.
- Autumn 2026 – ETIAS Travel Authorization Scheme begins.
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