EES (in force)
- Applies to non-EU nationals on short stays, including visa-exempt travellers (UK, US, Canada, Australia and others).
- On your first entry after it starts, border staff take your fingerprints and photo. Later entries use these records.
- It replaces passport stamps and automatically tracks the 90/180-day rule.
- Rollout started on 12 October 2025 and was completed at all external borders by April 2026.
- Not applicable to EU citizens or to non-EU residents with a Spanish residence card.
ETIAS (expected)
- An online pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals, similar to the US ESTA.
- Fee: €20 (under-18s and over-70s exempt). Valid for three years or until your passport expires.
- Expected to begin operating in the last quarter of 2026, followed by a transition period before it becomes compulsory.
- Apply only through the official EU website or app. Many look-alike sites charge extra fees.
UK citizens living in Spain
If you hold a Withdrawal Agreement TIE, show it at the border; you are not subject to the 90/180 limits.
Official sources: EU travel: EES and ETIAS
