Spain's temporary border controls have ended, but the Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to cause multi-hour delays at Schengen borders.
Spain's temporary border controls have expired, but travelers entering the Schengen zone should expect continued delays from the Entry/Exit System (EES), the new EU digital border system that records entry and exit data for all non-EU travelers. EES rollout has been uneven across Schengen borders, with some checkpoints reporting waits of up to 4 hours.
The EES requires all non-EU travelers to provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial scan) upon entry. EU citizens use a separate, faster lane. If you're a non-EU expat or digital nomad entering Schengen, arrive at the border with extra time—especially at major airports and land crossings. Have your passport ready and expect to be fingerprinted and photographed.
EES delays can exceed 4 hours at Schengen entry points; plan accordingly on your first arrival.
Once you've been registered in the EES, subsequent entries within the Schengen zone should be faster. If you're moving to a Schengen country or planning frequent border crossings, factor in extra time for your first entry. Monitor your country's immigration authority for updates on EES implementation at specific borders.
Source: original report ↗
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