Spain’s Bilbao Port Now Requires Biometric Checks for Non-EU Travelers

Published on December 12, 2025

The Port of Bilbao in Spain has become the latest entry point to implement the European Entry/Exit System, which means additional border checks will be added for travelers arriving from outside the EU. With the new system, designed to enhance border security and enhance management of third-country nationals arriving in the Schengen Area, passengers traveling from Portsmouth to Bilbao on one of the busiest UK-Spain ferry routes via Brittany Ferries will now be subject to its provisions.

The EES System: What It Means for Travelers

The European Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new border control mechanism designed to streamline the process of tracking third-country nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Area. The system requires all non-EU citizens, including those traveling on ferries or arriving by air, to undergo automated passport checks upon arrival and departure.

For UK tourists and other travelers from third countries, this means a more detailed and efficient border control process. The system captures biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, along with entry and exit stamps, to track movement across Schengen borders. The aim is to enhance security by creating a digital record of travel patterns and preventing overstays by travelers who may have entered legally but overstayed their permitted duration.

In Bilbao, the implementation of the EES system will mean that passengers arriving on international ferries will be subject to biometric scans and additional checks upon arrival, similar to the procedures already in place at airports across Europe. This system is expected to reduce wait times at passport control and ensure greater accuracy in immigration records.

Impact on Tourists: Increased Border Security and Efficiency

For travelers, the implementation of the EES system at Bilbao Port may initially create some delays as new processes are integrated. However, in the long run, it is expected to improve the overall efficiency of border checks. By automating passport control and enhancing the security process, the EES system aims to reduce the risk of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and overstays, while also providing a smoother experience for law-abiding travelers.

While the system is designed to streamline border management, travelers should be aware that they will need to provide their biometric data at entry and exit points. This may mean additional time spent at passport control, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the new process. Passengers are advised to arrive at the port early to account for the potential delays during the transition period.

The Broader Impact of EES on European Travel

The EES system is not just a local initiative at the Port of Bilbao; it is part of a larger EU-wide effort to manage the flow of third-country nationals more effectively. As of 2025, various ports and airports across Europe have implemented or are in the process of implementing this system, which also applies to ferry routes, ensuring that both land and sea borders are subject to the same enhanced checks.

For UK citizens, post-Brexit travel has already introduced a series of new requirements for entering the Schengen Area. The EES system adds another layer of complexity to the travel process, requiring travelers to provide biometric data in addition to the standard passport check. However, it also provides a more secure and efficient way for travelers to enter the EU, with the added benefit of ensuring that border management is consistent across all points of entry.

The new checks also align with the EU’s wider goals of creating a safer and more secure travel environment. As security threats evolve, these technological measures allow for better tracking of individuals who enter and exit the EU, while also offering travelers a more streamlined process when it comes to managing entry requirements.

Impact on the Portsmouth to Bilbao Ferry Route

Brittany Ferries operates the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry, which is one of the main routes connecting the UK with northern Spain. With the implementation of the EES system at Bilbao Port, this ferry route will be subject to the same border checks as those conducted at major airports. This means that passengers on the ferry will need to go through passport control when disembarking in Bilbao, regardless of whether they are traveling for business, leisure, or other purposes.

For UK tourists and business travelers alike, this change is significant. The additional border checks may affect the overall travel time and the experience of passengers arriving in Bilbao. However, the streamlined processes that the EES system promises should make for a more efficient travel experience in the long term. The shift to biometric-based entry and exit tracking at the port will also make it easier for authorities to manage the movement of non-EU citizens, thus ensuring greater security at all points of entry into Spain and the EU.

What Travelers Can Expect at Bilbao Port

Travelers arriving at the Port of Bilbao on international ferries should be prepared for the following changes:

1. Biometric Data Collection: Passengers will need to undergo biometric checks, including fingerprint and facial recognition scans, when entering the port.
2. Longer Processing Times: While the EES system aims to streamline border control, there may be longer wait times during the initial rollout phase, particularly for travelers unfamiliar with the new procedures.
3. Enhanced Security Checks: In addition to traditional passport control, the EES system adds extra layers of security, allowing for more accurate tracking of arrivals and departures.
4. Earlier Arrival Times Recommended: To avoid missing their ferry, travelers are advised to arrive earlier than usual to account for potential delays during the biometric screening process.

Enhancing Travel Efficiency and Security

As tourists traveling to Bilbao, and more specifically as UK passport holders arriving via ferry services, it might take some time getting accustomed to the new EES system, but it represents an effort within a larger process aimed at modernizing border control within Europe. As a result of developing a more secure and streamlined process, it can be seen that the EU aims at addressing tourist and security needs.