New Digital Border Control System Causes Concerns for Travelers to Spain
Since the introduction of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) in October last year, an automated digital border system for non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, entering the Schengen Area, the process has not been smooth. The EES was first implemented in Madrid and later in Palma in November, but it has been plagued by teething problems, causing concerns for travelers planning to visit Spain over Easter. The system’s implementation has led to fears of chaos at airports, with passengers advised to allow extra time for check-in and security due to the ongoing issues.
Summer of Flight Chaos Predicted
Ryanair has warned of a potential summer of flight chaos, citing European air-traffic-control (ATC) strikes as a major concern. The airline has advised UK travel buyers to prepare for widespread cancellations if the strikes proceed as planned. This news comes as the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (CEHAT) has called on the Ministry of the Interior to urgently reinforce police personnel and ensure that control systems are fully operational at Spain’s main international airports.
Long Queues and Prolonged Waiting Times
The CEHAT has highlighted the issue of long queues and prolonged waiting times at passport control, which has become a structural problem that damages the traveler’s experience and Spain’s image as a top tourist destination. This situation is particularly affecting airports with a high volume of international passengers, such as those in Madrid and Palma. The massive arrival of non-EU travelers, especially from the United Kingdom following Brexit, is causing recurring bottlenecks at border controls, slowing down the flow of people entering the country.
Confusion for British Travelers
There continues to be confusion among British travelers, particularly those with a TIE card and resident in Spain, who are having their passports stamped, which is not supposed to happen. The British Embassy in Spain has clarified that during the initial six months of EES, passports may be stamped on entry and exit, but this will not affect the rights of residents in the EU country or countries where they live or work. The Foreign Office states that to be exempt from registering with the EU’s Entry Exit System (EES), British residents in the EU will be required to show a uniform-format biometric card, such as the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) for residents of Spain.
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