EES goes live at Tenerife South Airport on Thursday, 6th November
From Thursday, 6th November, the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) will be live at Tenerife South (TFS). The British Embassy has confirmed the rollout at the airport, and local authorities are urging travellers to arrive earlier than usual and come prepared for the new checks.
Quick take
- Who’s affected? Most non‑EU/EEA/Swiss visitors entering the Schengen Area for a short stay, which includes UK passport holders who are not Spanish/EU residents.
- What changes? First time you enter after EES starts, you’ll complete a one‑off biometric enrolment (photo and fingerprints) and answer a few basic questions at a kiosk or with an officer. Passport stamps will eventually be replaced by a digital record in April 2026.
- How long will it take? The first enrolment can take longer than the old stamp, so allow extra time before your flight. Subsequent trips should be quicker once you’re enrolled.
- Residents: If you live in Spain, including the Canary Islands, and travel with a valid TIE, EES does not apply to you for entries as a resident. Carry your residency document and use the designated lanes. However, if you still have a green residency certificate, you MUST exchange it for a TIE before April, or you will be treated the same as non-residents.
What to expect at Tenerife South (TFS)
1. Wayfinding & kiosks – Follow airport signage for EES/Third‑Country Nationals. You may be directed to self‑service kiosks before seeing a border officer.
2. Biometrics – A facial image will be captured, and fingerprints (ages 12+) may be taken. Children under 12 are typically exempt from fingerprinting but should be present for a photo.
3. Questions – You may be asked the purpose of your trip, intended length of stay, proof of return flight, where you are staying, and if you have sufficient funds for your stay.
4. Digital exit/entry record – In April, instead of a passport stamp, your entry/exit is logged electronically. Keep your boarding pass and itinerary handy in case an officer asks for them.
Who is and isn’t covered
- Covered by EES:
- UK visitors to the Schengen Area (including holidaymakers and second‑home owners without Spanish residency).
- Non‑EU nationals travelling visa‑free or with a short‑stay Schengen visa.
- Not covered by EES:
- Spanish residents with a valid TIE or green registration certificate (and their non‑EU family members with residence cards) when entering as residents (until April 2026).
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
How EES works (in brief)
- Will replaces manual passport stamping with a secure digital register of entries and exits at external Schengen borders.
- Records biometric data at first use, then reuses it for later trips to speed up processing.
- Will automate the 90‑days‑in‑any‑180‑day rule for more control of short stays.
Prepare before you fly
- Allow extra time at departure and arrival while the system beds in.
- Keep documents handy: passport, return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and means of subsistence (card/cash).
- Families: Make sure children can present themselves at the kiosk; explain the photo step to younger travellers to avoid delays.
- Residents: Always carry your TIE/green certificate and your passport.
- Mobility & assistance: If you need special assistance, book it with your airline/airport in advance and allow extra time.
Frequently asked questions
Will I still get my passport stamped?
Yes until the EES is fully in place. Once it is in place, your entry/exit is logged electronically, and stamps are phased out for the categories covered by EES.
Do I have to enrol every time?
No. Biometric enrolment is one‑off. On later trips, you’ll verify your identity quickly using the stored data.
What about ETIAS?
EES is separate from ETIAS, the upcoming travel authorisation for visa‑exempt visitors. ETIAS is not required yet at the time of this change; travellers should watch for a future start date.
I own a holiday home but don’t have residency. Does EES apply to me?
Yes, unless you hold Spanish residency, you’ll be processed as a short‑stay visitor under EES.
Bottom line
From 6th November, travellers passing through Tenerife South should expect new EES checks. If you’re a UK national without Spanish residency, plan for a longer first border crossing while your biometrics are captured. Bring the usual supporting documents and arrive early, future visits should be smoother once you’re enrolled.
Share:
