Palma Airport’s New Digital Border System In Spain Enhances The UK Travel Experience With Groundbreaking Technology

Published on November 21, 2025

Majorca’s Palma Airport in Spain has introduced a groundbreaking new digital border control system aimed at transforming the UK travel experience. This advanced system replaces the traditional passport stamping process, making travel more efficient and secure for British visitors. With biometric scanning, facial recognition, and fingerprint collection, the new system streamlines entry procedures, reducing wait times and improving border management. This change is part of a broader effort to modernize Europe’s border control systems, ensuring smoother, faster travel for non-EU citizens, including UK nationals. The implementation of this system is expected to greatly enhance the overall travel experience, aligning with the EU’s goals of improving security and facilitating seamless movement across borders.

New Digital Border Control System Rolls Out Across Europe for British Travellers

A new European border control system has officially begun operations across major airports in Spain, including Palma Airport in Majorca, a top destination for British holidaymakers. This marks the start of a sweeping change for travellers from the UK, as the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) gradually replaces the traditional passport stamping process that has been in place for years.

The EES, a digital border management system, is designed to streamline the entry and exit process for non-EU and non-Schengen travellers, including those from the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. This new system will digitally track the entry and exit times, locations, and movements of travellers within the Schengen Area. As part of the process, first-time arrivals at Palma Airport will be required to scan their passport, take a facial photograph, and provide four fingerprints. The information gathered will be stored in a secure EU database, helping authorities monitor the length of stays and ensuring compliance with the 90-day stay limit within a 180-day period.

The change is part of a broader initiative to modernise border controls across Europe. The new system is already operational at Palma Airport and has been introduced at other major Spanish airports such as Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Alicante, and Menorca. The phased rollout across Spain and Europe is expected to be completed by April 10, 2026.

Gradual Transition and Initial Challenges

While the digital system is designed to improve efficiency, travellers should anticipate some teething problems during its rollout. Palma Airport’s website notes that although the new EES system is now active, the traditional manual passport stamping process will still be in place during the initial phase. Passengers may experience longer wait times as the system becomes fully integrated, and airport authorities work to familiarise travellers with the new biometric verification process.

The digital entry and exit tracking system is intended to enhance border security and efficiency. By automating passport control and eliminating manual passport stamps, the EES aims to reduce the potential for overstays and identity fraud. It will also enable faster and more accurate entry and exit checks in the future, once travellers have registered in the system. After initial registration, biometric data will be valid for up to three years, or until the traveller’s passport expires, after which only a quick verification will be needed for subsequent trips.

What British Travellers Need to Know

One of the primary benefits of the EES is the improved efficiency of border checks. After registering once, British travellers will be able to breeze through future entries, as biometric data will be automatically recognised. This should reduce waiting times at entry points and allow for quicker transitions through airport and border controls.

However, there are some important exceptions and nuances that travellers should be aware of. For example, children under the age of 12 will be able to use the system with just a photograph, and registration will be free of charge for minors. Additionally, British nationals residing in Spain with a valid TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) will not be required to register in the system.

With the new system now in place at select airports, passengers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the process ahead of their trips to avoid delays. As this system is phased in, authorities are expecting some initial hiccups, and travellers should remain patient as the transition unfolds.

Impact on Travel Plans and Future Requirements

The EES is just the beginning of broader changes for non-EU citizens, including UK nationals. In the future, British and other non-EU travellers will also need to apply for authorisation through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before travelling to any EU member state, except Ireland. The ETIAS is a separate system designed to enhance border security and facilitate the entry process for eligible non-EU nationals.

ETIAS will cost around €20 (£18) and will be valid for up to three years. It will be required for short-term trips to the Schengen Area, and its implementation is expected to coincide with the full operationalisation of the EES. ETIAS will become mandatory once the EES system is fully rolled out, and is anticipated to begin processing applications in the final quarter of 2026.

Key Changes and Quick Tips for Travellers

• Biometric Registration: Travellers from the UK will need to scan their passport, provide fingerprints, and undergo a facial recognition scan at their first entry point into the Schengen Area. This process will only need to be repeated every three years.
• Children Under 12: Kids will not need to provide biometric data, but a photograph will be required for registration.
• British Citizens Living in Spain: Those with a valid TIE card are exempt from registration in the new system.
• ETIAS Requirement: Starting in 2026, UK citizens will need to apply for ETIAS to travel to Schengen Area countries. This will cost approximately €20 and will be valid for up to three years.
• Longer Wait Times: During the rollout phase, travellers should expect longer queues and some delays as the system is fully implemented.

The EES and ETIAS systems are designed to make travel to the Schengen Area more secure and efficient. Though these changes may initially cause some disruption, they are ultimately intended to streamline the entry and exit process, helping to create a safer and more manageable border system across Europe. British travellers should stay informed and prepared for these changes, ensuring that their trips are as smooth as possible when the new systems come into full operation.