If you are lucky enough to have an EU passport you can ignore all of the below.
You may have heard about EES, and if you passed recently through Malaga Airport, you will have seen the banks of machines waiting. They are now starting to be used, although this is a gradual start and it is not planned to be complete until April 2026.
The EES applies to all short term non-EU visitors to the EU, and on first entry you will need to register with biometrics and passport. Later entries are easier and validity is 3 years.The system will then track your time in the EU, and against the 90/180 days. Overstayers will be caught at the border, with penalties possible. This is an EU wide system so it tracks your total time in the EU, not just Spain.
You should follow the signs at the airport for EES.
If you are a non-EU citizen with a TIE it does not apply to you. You are a long term resident. When arriving at the airport DO NOT follow EES signs. Go to the manned border kiosk and present your passport and TIE. If you try to use the machines it is possible you will be flagged as a tourist and tracked for 90/180 days. This applies wherever you enter the EU, not just Spain. Always go to the manned border kiosk with your passport and Spanish TIE.
The old green residence paper/card is not valid for this – you must have a TIE to cross the border correctly. If you still have one please exchange it asap for a TIE. If you are not sure how to do this then please contact us, as below.
There are many sources of help/articles in the press about this.
- EuroWeekly News have one HERE
- Travel Europa, the official EU organisation have one HERE
- You can always come to one of our Advice Centres at the Age Concern Community Centre if you have questions.
- Or contact us on our Helpline or Email – details at bottom of mail.
Given how new the EES is, there are likely to be queues at busy times while everybody (including Border Control) gets used to it. If you are able it may be better not to travel the weekend before Christmas, or the weekend after New Year. Although this applies most years!
We wish you many Happy Border crossings with no problems.
