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.