Spain has launched 24-hour stress-testing of biometric kiosks at major airports, marking the final preparation phase for the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) set to become mandatory on April 10, 2026.www.visahq.com This intensive testing at high-traffic Schengen border points like Madrid-Barajas Terminal 4S, Barcelona-El Prat Terminal 1, and Málaga-Costa del Sol aims to ensure the system can handle peak volumes, targeting 160 passengers per kiosk per hour. The move comes just over two weeks before the deadline, with all EU member states required to achieve full registration capability.

To support the rollout, Spain's border police have recruited 450 temporary agents and redeployed 200 Guardia Civil officers from quieter land borders. Technology providers Indra and everis confirmed that Spanish connections to eu-LISA’s central database passed recent resilience tests, paving the way for live operations. Airports are also expanding Fast Track lanes for VIP card holders and business-class passengers to reduce queues, while businesses are advised to update travel policies on biometrics and automatic overstay penalties, as passport stamps will be replaced.

The EES will require third-country nationals, including British, US, and Latin American tourists, to provide fingerprints and facial scans on their first Schengen entry. Earlier delays pushed back from potential September 2026 timelines after pilot tests revealed queue issues, but current progress aligns with the original April schedule following a progressive rollout that began in October 2025.www.visahq.comwww.visasupdate.com This system enhances border security by tracking stays digitally, with linked ETIAS authorizations delayed to late 2026.etias.com