What You Need to Know About the Entry/Exit System (EES) at Tenerife South Airport
What is the EES?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated system for registering the entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling to and from the Schengen Area.
When is the EES due to start?
The launch of the system has been delayed several times. While it was intended to go live on the 10th of November 2024, this date has now been pushed back again. A new start date has yet to be announced.
Practical Considerations
Who will be affected by the EES?
The EES will apply to non-EU nationals entering or leaving Spain and other countries within the Schengen Area for a short stay. This includes:
a) Nationals who need a short-stay visa to travel to the EU
b) Nationals who can visit the EU for a short stay visa-free (e.g. citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia and many more).
The system is not applicable to EU citizens or those with long-term residency permits within the Schengen Zone.
What will change at border control?
Automated checks
Border control booths will be equipped with biometric systems, such as fingerprint and facial recognition scanners. This means you will be asked to provide your fingerprints and allow a facial scan during the entry or exit process.
Digital entry/exit records
Instead of relying on traditional passport stamps, the EES will electronically log the time and location of your entry and exit, creating an accurate record of your movements within the Schengen Area.
Waiting times at border control
During the initial phase of implementation, there may be longer waiting times at border control as travellers and border staff adapt to the new system. However, the system is expected to save time and speed up the process in the long term.
How long is a short stay?
A short stay is defined as a visit to Spain and other EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Please see below for more information. The EES will keep track of your entry and exit dates to ensure compliance with these rules.
Do I need to apply in advance to enter the EU?
If you are a non-EU national who can visit the EU for short stays visa-free (e.g. citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia and many more), you do not currently need to apply in advance to enter the EU under the EES itself.
However, this may change in 2025, when the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is due to come into effect. This will require non-EU travellers (including UK citizens) to apply online for travel authorisation before entering the Schengen Area. See here for more information about ETIAS.
The Purpose and Advantages of the EES
Increased security
By automatically logging entry and exit data, the system will help authorities monitor who is in the Schengen Area and for how long, improving the ability to detect illegal overstays or fraudulent documentation.
Efficiency at borders
The goal of the EES is to streamline the border control process and improve the overall travel experience. Once the system is properly up and running, the EES is expected to make border crossings quicker and more efficient by reducing the need for manual passport stamping.
Better monitoring
The system will enable authorities to track the movement of non-EU visitors more accurately, helping to ensure compliance with Schengen stay regulations.
Understanding the 90-day timeframe
Multiple visits and staying within the timeframe
Visitors must ensure they don’t exceed 90 days within any 180-day period across all EU countries using the EES.
Checking how much time is left
Information on how much of your 90-day period is left can be accessed via the official EES website, at passport control using EES equipment, or by asking an officer at passport control.
Once your 90 days are used up
If you want to visit again once your 90 days are used up, you have two options:
- Wait until 180 days have passed since you first travelled to Spain (or another EU county). After that, you can visit again because your short-stay allowance will renew.
- Apply for a visa (this will need to be done before travelling).
Consequences of overstaying
Overstaying the allowed time may result in legal consequences, such as fines, entry bans, or other penalties. Exceptions may apply for unforeseen circumstances like serious illness.
Separating Facts from Fiction
Over the last few months, several myths and misconceptions have emerged surrounding the changes the EES will bring. Read our article “Understanding the Facts Behind the Entry/Exit System (EES): Dispelling Common Myths” for clarification on some of the issues.
Where to find more information
Detailed information is available on the official EES website, including tools to check remaining stay duration once the system is operational.