Spain begins testing EU’s new border system

The EU's Entry/Exit system is being deployed across Schengen Borders.

The Government is advising the public to check which countries are using the system when making travel plans across Europe.

In Spain, it’s being tested in Madrid Airport first.

It's reported Spanish authorities will not apply the system at the Gibraltar Spain border.

Gibraltar's Government says the intention is that it won't ever be implemented at the land border, as per the treaty agreement,

However, the Deputy Chief Minister confirmed to GBC the EES will be implemented at the Airport to manage non-EU, non-Gibraltar resident arrivals.

The Schengen Entry Exit System is a digital border management system that will record non EU citizens crossing in and out Schengen Borders. It will essentially replace the stamping of passports with biometric checks.

Though the system is not expected to be implemented at the Gibraltar Spain border, the Government has issued a Technical Notice. It advises that if you are crossing a border between a Schengen and non Schengen state the system may be in use and you might be required to register on it as a non-EU citizen.  For example, as it is implemented more widely it's possible it will be applied at Malaga airport in respect of flights coming from non-EU destinations, like London.

Government recommends checking whether the system is being used where you might be travelling to, to factor in potential delays.

Number Six highlights arrangements under a treaty are designed to exempt legal residents of Gibraltar from EES requirements.

It adds that it continues to work to finalise the the legal text of the agreement.