Travelling to Spain in autumn has always been a favourite for British holidaymakers. The heat of summer begins to mellow, crowds thin out, and prices drop across hotels, flights, and attractions. From relaxing on Costa del Sol beaches to strolling the Gothic streets of Barcelona or discovering Andalusia’s historic palaces, Spain is a timeless destination for UK tourists.
But this autumn brings something different — a major new change to how British citizens enter Spain and other European Union (EU) countries. Beginning October 12, 2025, the EU will roll out its long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES), which will change how passports are checked at Schengen borders. For the millions of UK nationals who visit Spain every year, understanding these rules is crucial to avoid delays, missed flights, or confusion at the airport.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- What the new EES system is
- How it will affect British travellers entering Spain
- What documents and checks you’ll face at the border
- Practical tips to avoid long queues and stress
- Why the EU delayed the system multiple times
- How workers, frequent travellers, and families should prepare
What Is the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The Entry/Exit System is a new EU-wide digital border control programme. Instead of manually stamping passports as has been done for decades, the system will use biometric checks — specifically fingerprints and facial scans — to register when a non-EU traveller enters or leaves the Schengen Area.
For British tourists, this means that every trip to Spain (or any other EU Schengen country) will involve registering biometrics at the border. This system applies to visitors staying for short-term trips of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Key features include:
- No cost: Travellers don’t pay anything for registration.
- Automatic logging: Your passport will be electronically linked to your entry and exit data.
- Security upgrade: The EU says the system will strengthen border security and track overstays.
While the concept is simple, the reality may be less smooth. Experts warn that the initial rollout could lead to long queues at airports and ferry ports, especially at peak travel times like the October half-term or Christmas holidays.
Why the Changes Matter for British Tourists
Before Brexit, UK citizens enjoyed freedom of movement across Europe. Since leaving the EU, however, Brits are treated the same as other “third-country nationals.” This means:
- UK passports must be stamped at entry and exit
- The 90/180-day rule applies (you can only stay 90 days in any rolling 180-day period in Schengen countries without a visa)
- Now, with the EES, biometric data will be collected and stored digitally
For British holidaymakers heading to Spain, this means longer processing times at airports, seaports, and land crossings. Families travelling with children may face extra delays, as each traveller must be scanned individually.
Travel industry experts, like Yasmin Pekel from Blue Cruise, warn of a “perfect storm” if airports and ports aren’t fully prepared. She notes that confusion among travellers — combined with unprepared facilities — could lead to chaos: long queues, missed flights, and frustrated families.
What Will Happen at the Spanish Border?
If you’re flying into Spain after October 12, here’s what you should expect:
- Passport Control
- You’ll present your UK passport as usual.
- Instead of just a manual stamp, border officers will direct you to a biometric kiosk.
- Biometric Registration
- Your fingerprints will be scanned.
- A facial image will be taken.
- The system will link this biometric data to your passport and travel record.
- Basic Travel Questions
- You may be asked about your trip:
- Where you’re staying (hotel or private accommodation)
- How long you plan to stay
- Your return flight details
- These questions are standard under the Schengen Border Code.
- You may be asked about your trip:
- Extra Time
- The new checks will likely take longer than the old stamp system.
- Travellers are advised to allow additional time at airports, ports, and land borders.
Do You Need to Register in Advance?
Good news: No pre-registration is required. You don’t need to fill in forms or apply online before travel. Everything happens at the border when you arrive in Spain (or any other Schengen country).
However, once your data is in the system, it will remain valid for three years. This means that for your next trip, the process may be quicker since the system will already have your biometrics on file.
Why Has the EU Delayed the EES So Many Times?
The EES has been in the works for years but has faced multiple delays:
- Originally scheduled for 2022, it was postponed to November 2023.
- EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson admitted the system was “no longer on the table” for 2023 due to technical complications.
- France, Germany, and the Netherlands raised concerns about whether border IT systems were ready.
- France, in particular, worried about Dover-Calais bottlenecks. At Dover, French border police check passports before boarding ferries, which would require travellers to leave their cars for biometric checks — causing significant delays.
Now, with the October 12, 2025 rollout, the EU insists it is ready. The system will be gradually introduced, with a six-month adjustment period before it becomes fully operational.
How Long Will It Take at the Border?
Nobody knows exactly how much time EES will add, but early trials suggest:
- First-time registration may take 1–4 minutes per traveller.
- Families with children could take significantly longer.
- Peak times like school holidays may result in hours-long queues if airports aren’t staffed adequately.
Airports, ferry ports, and the UK government have warned travellers to arrive earlier than usual to avoid missing flights or ferries.
Practical Tips for British Travellers to Spain
To make your journey smoother after October 12, here are some tips:
- Arrive Early
- Add at least an extra hour to your airport arrival time.
- For ferries or Eurotunnel crossings, allow even more time.
- Keep Documents Handy
- Passport
- Proof of accommodation booking
- Return flight/ferry/train details
- Travel insurance confirmation
- Explain Your Trip Clearly
- Be prepared to answer simple questions about your visit.
- Officers want to confirm your stay is temporary and within the 90-day rule.
- Check Family Requirements
- Children must also be registered in the EES system.
- Families should stay together at border checks to avoid confusion.
- Stay Updated
- Monitor Gov.uk travel advice and your airline/ferry company’s updates.
- Rules may evolve during the six-month transition phase.
What About British Workers and Long-Stay Visitors?
The EES applies to short-term visits (up to 90 days). If you’re a British citizen who:
- Works in Spain
- Owns property in Spain
- Spends winters in Spain (“snowbirds”)
…you’ll still need to comply with visa and residency rules. The EES will record your movements, so overstaying beyond the 90-day allowance without the right visa or residency could cause problems on your next trip.
If you work in Spain, make sure your visa or residency permit is up-to-date, as border officials will be able to see how often and how long you’ve been staying in the Schengen Area.
The Bigger Picture: EU Travel Is Changing
Spain may be the UK’s favourite holiday spot, but these rules apply everywhere in the Schengen Zone: France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Germany, and beyond. By 2026, the EU also plans to introduce ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which will require UK travellers to apply online for an electronic travel authorisation before visiting.
This means that the days of simply showing your passport and breezing through are over. Border controls will be more structured, more digital, and more time-consuming.
Final Thoughts
Spain will remain a top choice for British tourists in autumn 2025 and beyond — with its warm climate, rich culture, and affordable off-season deals. But from October 12, 2025, the experience of entering the country will change.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will require Brits to provide fingerprints, facial scans, and basic trip details at the border. While there’s no cost or pre-registration, the process is expected to increase waiting times significantly.
To avoid stress:
- Plan ahead
- Arrive early at airports and ports
- Keep travel documents ready
- Stay informed as the system is phased in
Awareness is everything. The more prepared you are, the smoother your trip to Spain will be under the new rules.
