Fresh criticism of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System erupted on 6 May after *Biometric Update* reported that Ryanair and travel-trade bodies have written to 29 participating states—including Spain—asking for the biometric border regime to be suspended until September. The call follows scenes of hour-long lines at Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat since the system became mandatory on 10 April. While the Commission allows countries to temporarily switch back to manual stamping for up to 90 days, Spain has so far resisted, arguing that early-summer stress tests are essential before the winter surge of Latin-American visitors. Industry groups ACI Europe and IATA warn that without a pause, missed connections could spike during July-August, undermining post-pandemic recovery.
![Airlines press Spain and other EU states to pause EES as airport queues mount]()
Travellers and corporate mobility teams unsure how these oscillating rules might affect specific passport or visa scenarios can consult VisaHQ’s dedicated Spain portal (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) for real-time entry guidance, document checks and expedited processing services, helping itineraries stay on track whether borders rely on biometrics or revert to manual stamps.
Ryanair insists the IT platform is “half-baked,” citing broken kiosks and limited front-line staff training. Spanish airport operator Aena has expedited orders for 120 extra kiosks but says delivery lead-times mean most will not be installed before early July. Corporate travel managers should monitor airlines’ re-booking policies: some carriers have begun recommending 3-hour minimum connections at Spanish hubs, which may force itinerary redesigns or overnight stays. If Spain authorises an EES derogation, HR teams will need to remind third-country assignees that manual stamps, not biometric records, would again determine 90-in-180 day calculations during the suspension window.
Travellers and corporate mobility teams unsure how these oscillating rules might affect specific passport or visa scenarios can consult VisaHQ’s dedicated Spain portal (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) for real-time entry guidance, document checks and expedited processing services, helping itineraries stay on track whether borders rely on biometrics or revert to manual stamps.
Ryanair insists the IT platform is “half-baked,” citing broken kiosks and limited front-line staff training. Spanish airport operator Aena has expedited orders for 120 extra kiosks but says delivery lead-times mean most will not be installed before early July. Corporate travel managers should monitor airlines’ re-booking policies: some carriers have begun recommending 3-hour minimum connections at Spanish hubs, which may force itinerary redesigns or overnight stays. If Spain authorises an EES derogation, HR teams will need to remind third-country assignees that manual stamps, not biometric records, would again determine 90-in-180 day calculations during the suspension window.
