A significant change is coming to how people travel into the European Union. Starting October 12 2025, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin its rollout, fundamentally changing border control procedures for non-EU nationals. This automated system will replace the traditional practice of manual passport stamping, aiming to create a more modern, secure, and efficient process.
This post will guide you through everything you need to know about the new EES. We will explain what it is, how it affects your travel, and what specific groups, like Spanish residents and digital nomads, should consider. Understanding these changes now will help ensure your future trips into the Schengen Area are as smooth as possible.
What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EES is a large-scale automated IT system that will electronically register the entry and exit of non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen Area for a short stay. It will capture biographic data (like your name and passport details) and biometric data (fingerprints and a facial image) the first time you cross an EES-equipped border.
The Purpose Behind the Change
The primary goal of the EES is to modernize and strengthen the management of the EU's external borders. By replacing manual stamping, the system aims to achieve several key objectives:
- Improve Border Security: The EES will help prevent irregular immigration by reliably identifying individuals who overstay their authorized visit period. It also assists in the fight against terrorism and serious crime.
- Increase Efficiency: Automating the process will speed up border checks for travelers. Instead of waiting for a border guard to find a free page and stamp a passport, travelers will use self-service kiosks to complete the process quickly.
- Provide Accurate Data: The system will provide member states with precise data on travel flows, replacing the often inconsistent and hard-to-read information from passport stamps. This ensures an accurate calculation of each traveler's permitted stay.
How Will the New System Work?
When you arrive at an external Schengen border (like an airport or land crossing), you will approach a self-service kiosk. Here, you will scan your passport, have your four fingerprints scanned, and a facial image captured. This data is recorded in a central database.
On subsequent visits, the process will be even faster, as only your passport and either your facial image or fingerprints will be needed for verification. The system will automatically calculate the duration of your authorized stay, which for most non-EU visitors is 90 days within any 180-day period.
The End of Passport Stamps and the Transition Period
The introduction of the EES marks the beginning of the end for traditional passport stamps. However, the change will not happen overnight. A crucial 6-month transition period will begin on October 12.
During these six months, both the new EES and manual passport stamps will operate in parallel. This allows border authorities and travelers to adapt to the new procedures. After this transition period, manual stamps for entry and exit will be completely phased out for travelers subject to the EES.
Who is Affected by the EES?
The EES applies to all non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals traveling to the Schengen Area for a short stay. This includes tourists, business travelers, and family visitors. However, there are important exceptions.
Good News for TIE Holders in Spain
If you are a non-EU citizen legally residing in Spain and hold a Spanish residence card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero - TIE), you are exempt from the EES. Your TIE card proves your residency status, so you will not need to register your biometric data or have your entries and exits logged by the system. When traveling, you should present both your passport and your TIE card at the border.
Navigating Uncertainty: Spanish Digital Nomads and the EES
For those holding or applying for a Spanish digital nomad visa, the EES introduces some significant questions that remain unanswered. The Spanish government, specifically the Large Business and Strategic Collectives Unit (UGE), has not yet clarified how these changes will impact visa and residency processes.
Proof of Entry into Spain
Currently, many digital nomad visa applications require a passport stamp as proof of legal entry into Spain. With the phasing out of stamps, it is unclear what will serve as an alternative. While the EES records your entry into the Schengen Area, it does not specify which country you entered through.
If you fly directly into Spain, your EES record will show a Spanish point of entry. However, if you enter the Schengen Area through another country (e.g., France or Germany) and then travel to Spain, your EES record will not reflect your arrival in Spain. In these cases, it is likely that you will still need to obtain an "entry declaration" (declaración de entrada) from a police station upon arrival in Spain.
Future Permanent Residency Applications
Looking ahead, the shift to a digital system also raises questions about proving continuous residency for future permanent residency applications. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency in Spain, a process that requires demonstrating your physical presence in the country.
Since the EES applies to the entire Schengen zone, it cannot serve as definitive proof of your presence specifically in Spain. To prepare for this, it is highly advisable to start keeping meticulous records that demonstrate your life in the country.
Practical Advice: Keep Your Own Records
To be safe, all non-resident visa holders and those planning to apply for residency should maintain a file of documents that prove their physical presence in Spain. Good examples include:
- Bank Statements: Showing local purchases, ATM withdrawals, and daily transactions.
- Mobile Phone Invoices: Records showing data usage and calls made within Spain.
- Padrón Certificate for the entire period: Proof that you were legally registered as a resident.
- Travel Tickets: Boarding passes for flights into Spain or train tickets for travel within the country.
Prepare for the Change
The launch of the EU's Entry/Exit System is a major step toward digitizing border management. While it promises greater efficiency and security, it also requires travelers to be aware and prepared.
Remember that TIE holders are exempt, but digital nomads and other visa applicants face some uncertainty. The best course of action is to stay informed through official government channels and proactively keep detailed records of your presence in Spain. As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates to help you navigate these new travel regulations.
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