Spain has lifted temporary border controls, but the EU's new Entry-Exit System is creating long queues at airports and land borders.
Spain has allowed temporary border controls to expire, but travelers are not seeing a smooth return to pre-pandemic crossing procedures. The EU's Entry-Exit System (EES), which replaced the old stamp-in-passport model, is still generating significant delays at Spanish airports and land borders, with some travelers reporting wait times exceeding four hours.
The EES is a digital system that records the entry and exit of non-EU citizens traveling within the Schengen area. It requires biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) and replaces the manual passport stamp. While the system is now live across the EU, implementation has been uneven, and Spanish border posts are experiencing bottlenecks as officers process the digital requirements alongside traditional document checks.
The EU's Entry-Exit System is creating delays; plan for extra time at Spanish borders.
If you're traveling to or through Spain, arrive at the airport or border with extra time. The EES process is mandatory for all non-EU travelers, and delays are common during peak hours. EU and Schengen citizens are not subject to EES but may still face standard document checks. Check the Spanish government's border authority website for real-time updates on wait times before you travel.
Source: original report ↗
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