New EU border system sparks airport chaos as Spain travellers face long delays

Travellers flying to and from Spain are being told to allow extra time at the airport after the EU’s new Entry Exit System went live and immediately led to long queues, delays and missed flights. The system, which became fully operational on 10 April 2026, replaces passport stamping for non EU visitors with digital checks, and the first days have already shown how much longer border control can now take.

For many passengers, especially those travelling from the UK, the change is being felt straight away. What used to be a quick check at the border is now a slower process, and at busy times, the queues are building up fast.

Why the new EES checks are slowing things down at airports

The Entry Exit System is designed to modernise border control, but in practice, it adds a few extra steps that quickly make a difference when thousands of people are arriving at once.

Instead of a simple passport stamp, travellers may now need to go through passport scanning, facial recognition and fingerprint registration, particularly on their first trip under the new system.

On paper, each step only takes a short time. In reality, when every passenger has to go through it, delays start to build. Reports from the first days mention queues stretching for hours in some airports, with some travellers missing their flights as a result.

Airports and airline groups have already raised concerns, warning that the system is putting pressure on border control at the worst possible time, as travel numbers begin to rise again.

What has changed for UK travellers heading to Spain

Since Brexit, British travellers are no longer treated as EU citizens when entering Spain or other Schengen countries. That means they are now fully subject to these new checks.

For anyone travelling for the first time since the system went live, the process may take longer than expected. Passengers could be asked to provide a facial image, fingerprints and passport details before being allowed through.

Once registered, future trips should be quicker, but for now, the first experience is where most delays are happening.

The system also automatically records entry and exit dates, helping authorities track how long visitors stay in the Schengen area. This replaces the old passport stamp and makes it easier to enforce the 90 day limit.

For travellers, it means there is less room for mistakes, and border checks are more detailed than before.

Queues, missed flights and growing pressure on airports

The early days of the rollout have not gone unnoticed. Airport groups across Europe have warned that the system is already causing disruption, with some passengers facing long waits at border control.

The problem is not limited to one country. Reports suggest delays at several Schengen entry points, including airports serving Spain, where large numbers of British tourists pass through.

With the  summer season approaching, there are concerns that the situation could get worse if nothing changes.

Some airport organisations have called for more flexibility in how the system is applied, especially during peak travel times, to prevent queues from becoming unmanageable.

What travellers should do before flying to Spain now

For now, the safest approach is to plan ahead and give yourself more time than usual.

If you are travelling to Spain from the UK, it is a good idea to arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would, especially if your flight is during a busy period.

Checking your airline’s guidance before you travel can also help, as some airlines are already advising passengers to adjust their arrival times.

If possible, avoid tight connections. A delay at border control could leave very little time to catch a connecting flight.

It is also worth making sure your passport is valid and that you are familiar with the Schengen rules, including how long you are allowed to stay.

Will things improve as the system settles in

Officials expect the situation to improve over time. Once travellers have completed their initial registration, future crossings should be quicker, as their data will already be stored in the system.

Even so, the first days have shown that the transition will take time. Airports will need to adapt, and travellers will need to adjust their expectations.

For now, anyone flying to Spain should be prepared for a different experience at the border. It may not stay this way forever, but at the moment, the new system is already changing how people move through Europe.