New Border Systems Explained: EES, ETIAS and the UK ETA

The Entry-Exit System in Spain

If you have travelled through Palma Airport recently, you may have noticed the new passport kiosks and extra staff directing passengers into unfamiliar queues. These changes are part of a wider shift in how Europe manages its borders. New digital systems are being introduced across the Schengen area, alongside similar changes in the UK, and the result is a lot of confusion.

In a recent Majorca Mallorca podcast episode, Oliver spoke with Nick Brown, a regular contributor to the Majorca Mallorca community, to clarify what is changing and what travellers really need to know.

Here is a practical guide to the new systems and what they mean for visitors and residents.

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What is EES?

The Entry Exit System, usually called EES, is the new electronic system for recording arrivals and departures in the Schengen area.

Instead of passport stamps, travellers from non-EU countries will be recorded digitally. This includes British visitors, Americans, Canadians and other non-EU nationals who travel without visas.

The first time you use the system you will normally:

• Scan your passport at a kiosk

• Have your photograph taken

• Provide fingerprints

• Confirm your identity at an e-gate or with an officer

After your first visit the process should be quicker, as your biometric information will already be on record.

The system will automatically track how long you stay in the Schengen area.

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The 90 Days in 180 Rule

One of the biggest misunderstandings involves the Schengen rule that allows visitors to stay 90 days in any 180-day period.

There is no reset date and no fixed six-month block. The rule works on a rolling basis.

The key question is simple:

Today, have you been in Schengen for more than 90 of the last 180 days?

If the answer is yes, you must leave.

This rule affects people with second homes most often. Typical holidaymakers rarely come close to the limit.

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Why the New System Exists

The EES system replaces the old passport stamping process, which depended on border officers manually checking dates.

In practice, stamps were rarely counted in detail. The new system will automatically calculate time spent in Schengen and identify overstays.

It also records biometric information such as photographs and fingerprints to confirm identity.

This approach is already standard in countries such as the United States.

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Expect Longer Queues at First

While the long-term goal is faster processing, the early stages may be slower, especially at busy regional airports like Palma.

First-time registration takes longer and families with children may need assistance from staff rather than using kiosks.

Travellers should allow extra time both on arrival and departure.

Practical tips include:

• Do not assume passport control will be quick

• Allow extra time before flights

• Avoid booking tight airport transfers

• Have a backup transport plan if delays occur

If you arrive early, you can always wait. If you arrive late, you may miss your flight.

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ETIAS Is Coming Later

A separate system called ETIAS will be introduced in the future.

ETIAS is not a visa. It is an electronic travel authorisation that must be completed online before travelling.

It will apply to travellers who currently enter the Schengen area without a visa, including UK visitors.

The authorisation is expected to:

• Cost around €20

• Be valid for three years

• Be linked to your passport

• Be completed online before travel

ETIAS is not required yet, and travellers do not need to apply now.

However, scam websites already exist offering fake ETIAS applications, so it is important to wait for the official launch.

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UK ETA Rules

The United Kingdom has introduced a similar system called ETA, Electronic Travel Authorisation.

Non-UK citizens who do not require visas must apply online before travelling to the UK.

This system is already active and costs £16.

Like ETIAS, the ETA allows you to travel to the UK but does not guarantee entry.

Entry decisions are still made by border officers.

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Dual Nationals and Confusion

One complicated issue affects people who hold both British and Spanish nationality.

British citizens cannot obtain a UK ETA because they already have the right to enter the UK. However, airlines may require proof that travellers do not need an ETA.

This can create confusion for dual nationals travelling on non-UK passports.

In many cases, travellers may be asked to show a British passport to confirm their status. Airlines may allow travel with an expired British passport if identity details match, but policies vary.

This is an evolving situation and official guidance may change.

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Overstays and Penalties

The new digital systems make it easier to detect overstays.

If you stay beyond the permitted period, the consequences depend on the circumstances.

Minor overstays may result in a warning or small fine.

More serious overstays can lead to:

• Larger fines

• Entry bans

• Difficulties travelling in the future

Any ban normally applies to the entire Schengen area, not just one country.

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What Travellers Should Do

For most visitors the new systems will simply mean a few extra steps at the airport.

The most important things to remember are:

• Track your days if you stay frequently

• Allow extra airport time

• Do not rely on passport stamps

• Ignore ETIAS websites until the system launches

• Apply for a UK ETA if required

Most travellers will pass through the system without difficulty.

The main change is that time in Schengen will now be tracked electronically rather than relying on stamps and guesswork.

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The Bottom Line for Visitors

Europe and the UK are moving toward digital border control systems that record travel more accurately than before.

The transition period may bring some delays and confusion, especially at busy airports like Palma, but the long-term goal is more consistent and predictable border control.

For travellers, preparation and realistic expectations will make the biggest difference.

Understanding how the systems work is the best way to avoid problems and travel with confidence.

What About Residents With a TIE?

Many Mallorca residents hold a non-EU passport but have Spanish residency, usually in the form of a TIE card. This includes many British residents.

For these travellers, the situation is different from visitors.

If you hold a valid Spanish residency card (TIE):

• Your time in Spain does not count towards the 90 days in 180 rule

• You are allowed to live in Spain full time

• You do not need to worry about overstaying in Spain

• You usually do not need to use the EES kiosks

Instead, you normally present:

• Your passport

• Your TIE residency card

This shows that you are legally resident and not visiting as a tourist.

However, there are still some important details to understand.

Travel Outside Spain Still Counts

While time spent in Spain does not count towards Schengen limits, time spent in other Schengen countries does.

For example:

• A British resident in Mallorca can live in Spain year-round

• But can only spend 90 days in 180 in France, Italy or Germany

This rule surprises many residents.

You May Still Be Directed to the "All Passports" Queue

Even with residency, travellers with non-EU passports usually cannot use the EU passport lanes.

Instead they normally use:

• All Passports lanes

• Resident lanes where available

In practice, staff may direct residents differently depending on the airport and the day.

Always Travel With Your TIE

Your residency card is essential when travelling.

Without it:

• You may be treated as a tourist

• Your stay may be counted incorrectly

• You may be questioned about overstaying

Many experienced residents say the safest approach is simple:

Always carry both your passport and your TIE when travelling.

The Bottom Line for Residents

If you are a legal resident with a TIE:

• The new systems should not change your residency rights

• You can still live in Spain without time limits

• The main requirement is simply proving your residency at the border

For most residents, the biggest change will simply be allowing extra time at the airport rather than any change in legal status.

Thanks to Nick for his time explaining all the ins and outs of the system, and how it will affect travellers. Nick has a Facebook group which is dedicated to transport questions in Mallorca, you can visit it here.  

LISTEN HERE "EES, ETIAS and UK ETA, what changes at Palma Airport, and what travellers need to do"

Nick is retired and volunteers his time to help others. If anyone would like to support a charity on his behalf he asks that a donation be made to Es Tardor, the food bank in Palma. You can either make a bank transfer to EsTardor on their IBAN ES07 0133 0149 6441 0000 2865 or by Paypal  to tardorcomedor@gmail.com.

You can see more about the charity here. 

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by Vicki McLeod