EES – Entry/Exit System – What is it?
An automated border control system called the Entry/Exit System (EES) has been designed to take the place of manual passport checks. The EES applies to you if you are a non-EU national visiting Gran Canaria or any other country in Europe for a brief visit.
Visas are not needed for non-EU citizens visiting Gran Canaria for a brief stay (no longer than 90 days in a 180-day period); nevertheless, if you stay longer than permitted, the EES system will monitor you as well as record this information.
If you are a national of any of the European nations that use the EES, including Ireland, Cyprus, and Croatia, the EES does not apply to you.
When is it going to be initiated?
The system’s launch has been repeatedly postponed. While it was originally scheduled to go live on November 10th, 2024, this date was subsequently pushed back again. The new launch date has yet to be confirmed.
What is the objective of the EES?
The new entry/exit system will performs border checks and passport stamping automatically, saving time. Furthermore, it improves security by recognising fake passports and IDs in the capture of criminals crossing border controls and identifying persons overstaying the 90 day period.
Understanding the 90-day window for non-EU citizens
UK nationals and non-EU citizens are now subject to the 90-day visa-waiver stay limitation during a 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. A tourists entry into the Schengen Area is counted from the moment they arrive until the day they leave.
Repercussions of staying longer than necessary
Each EU country has its own rules and consequences, and until it is up and running it is hard to predict the fines and penalties imposed by the Spanish government. There may be exception for unexpected occurrences like a major sickness, but overstaying will most certainly have legal repercussions like fines or deportation.
For further information about EES visit the Official website of European Union
More information: Entry Requirement to Gran Canaria