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Spain’s EES Rollout Brings Biometric Checks and Early Queues at Malaga and Tenerife South

Officials attribute delays to the biometric registration learning curve during the six‑month transition before full activation in 2026.

Overview

  • Malaga Airport has used the EU Entry/Exit System since October 20, with airport management acknowledging occasional longer waits after passengers reported queues of more than an hour.
  • Tenerife South has begun introducing the system for some arrivals, and British travellers are being advised to arrive earlier to allow time for first‑time biometric enrollment.
  • The EES replaces passport stamping with a digital record that captures passport details, a facial image for all travellers, and fingerprints for visa‑exempt non‑EU visitors, with children under 12 exempt from fingerprinting.
  • Manual stamping continues alongside EES during the initial rollout, with full implementation due by April 10, 2026.
  • Spain has allocated €83 million to upgrade border posts as National Police handle passport control and the Guardia Civil manages customs.