British holidaymakers travelling to Spain are being warned to allow extra time at the border as the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is implemented across the Schengen area. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Spain, noting that short-stay visitors may now be required to register biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph.
There is no charge to register for EES, but travellers have been told the new process could mean spending longer at border control. On their first trip to a country using the system, passengers may be directed to a special booth to register their details before continuing to an immigration desk.
Biometric checks at borders
Holidaymakers could also be asked to provide either a fingerprint or photograph when leaving the Schengen area. Children aged 11 and under will not have their fingerprints scanned, although they may still need to have their photograph taken.
The FCDO says travellers do not need to do anything before arriving at the border. However, it is warning people to prepare for the checks to take longer than they may have previously been used to.
Extra time for flights and Eurotunnel
Brits flying home from Spain are also being advised to leave extra time to reach their departure gate as EES checks could take place before boarding. Anyone entering the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International will have their information taken at the border before leaving the UK.
The new digital system is replacing the manual stamping of passports for short-stay visitors entering and leaving the Schengen area. Travellers may be asked to provide biometric details each time they cross the border. Once created, a traveller's digital EES record will remain valid for three years.
Passport rules and visa-free limits
Separate passport rules also remain in place for Brits visiting Spain. Passports must have been issued less than 10 years before the date of arrival and must expire at least three months after the date the traveller intends to leave the Schengen area.
Brits can normally visit Spain and other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Those who exceed the visa-free limit could face being banned from entering Schengen countries for up to three years.
