From the 12th October 2025, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will be introduced at Schengen borders over a phased rollout period.
The new EU Entry/Exit system (EES) is a long-awaited change to the immigration system and will significantly alter requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area.
The current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU will now be scrapped and trips in and out will now be electronically logged. It has been designed to improve border security within the EU, and its neighbouring countries, and help reduce illegal migration in the Schengen area. More control will now be in place to stop visitors overstaying.
How long can one stay in the Schengen area for without overstaying?
If you frequently travel to countries within the Schengen area for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. There will be penalties and enforcements for exceeding the immigration limit in any individual Member State you plan to travel to, or through.
What will the process be once EU Entry/Exit system (EES) is implemented?
When travelling with a UK passport, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photograph, when you arrive in the country of destination. You may also be asked some questions as to your reason of travel, where you are staying and if you have a return trip booked.
The digital EES record is valid for 3 years and each time you enter or exit the Schengen area, you need to provide your fingerprints or have your photo taken.
If you enter the Schengen area through ports or the Eurotunnel, EES checks will be completed at the border, before you leave the UK. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area.
There is no cost for the EES registration, and nothing needs to be done in your home country before you travel.
What does the EU Entry/Exit system (EES) mean for those that still hold the green residency card?
The UK Foreign Office and the Spanish Government recommend that any UK nationals still in possession of a green Residency Certificate should exchange it for the biometric TIE card (that was introduced in July 2021) as soon as possible.
Although the Green Residency Certificate (Card) remains a valid residency document, it is not a biometric ID card and due to being established prior to Brexit, it is as a result, not included in the Withdrawal Agreement or the Schengen Border Guard Handbook document.
It will therefore not be accepted as proof of your right to residency in Spain and you could be denied entry into the EU due to being classed as an overstayer.
Are you exempt from the EU Entry/Exit system (EES) if you are a Spanish TIE card holder?
Yes. Travellers holding a Spanish TIE card should not register for EES. Instead, upon arrival at the border, they should present their exempting documentation along with their passport to a border guard.
If for any reason an EES record is created for them, this should retrospectively be deleted. Normally, this can be done at the border by a border guard, or by the relevant authorities within the Schengen area. In some cases, EES records may be deleted automatically, e.g. where the traveller has been granted a residence permit after entering the Schengen area.
How can we help you?
At Nockolds Lawyers Spain, our expert team can help you with the application of a TIE card in an efficient and stress-free manner.
For anybody looking to apply for residency in Spain, we are also specialists in visas and can assist with guiding you through the entire application process, as well as officially translating all the necessary paperwork.
For further information on the new EU Entry/Exit system, please contact us on (+34) 951 552 254 or complete an online enquiry form, and a member of the team will be in touch.