EES Spain

If you are wondering what the EES system is and how it will affect you, then you are in the right place.

EES Spain: What is it & who does it apply to?

The EES will apply to all non EU/EFFTA citizens who are entering or leaving the Schengen area. It is an electronic identification system which will require travellers to scan their biometric passport page and their faces.

EES Spain: How is it different from ETIAS?

The ETIAS is a travel permission system which is required for visa exempt travellers to the Schengen Area. The EES is a border identification system which will apply to all non EU/EFTA citizens, regardless of whether they have a visa or an ETIAS pass.

What does the EES System mean for me?

The EES system will detect if you have the right to enter the Schengen Area. It will also calculate whether or not you are complying with the 90/180 rule, & how many days left you have in any 180 day period. If you have overstayed or there is an issue with your entry/exit procedure, you will be sent to a border guard.

When you arrive in or depart from the Schengen Area, you will need to:

Approach the EES device.
Scan the first page of your biometric passport.
Turn to face the camera when the automatic gate opens and the additional lights turn on.
Stand still for the device to capture your photograph and compare it to your documents and data stored on the EES.
Walk through the second gates as soon as they open.

The EES system will store your:

Facial image
Surname or family name
First name or given names
Date and place of birth
Nationality or nationalities
Gender
Passport number, date and country of issuance as well as the expiry date
Valid ETIAS or Schengen visa along with its duration and/or validity
Travel information including the visitor’s points and dates of entries and exits, as well as overstays within the Schengen Zone
Fingerprints