Overview

• Spain activated the system on October 12 at Madrid–Barajas as the first step toward nationwide deployment across external border points.
• Third-country nationals, including Russian citizens, must provide a photograph and fingerprints at first entry and first exit.
• Spanish authorities will extend the checks to air, sea, and land crossings in stages.
• Russia’s foreign ministry advised travelers to plan for the new procedures and arrive early for border control.
• EU officials say the Entry/Exit System is intended to provide reliable border data and detect overstays and document fraud.