British travelers heading to Spain have been warned by the UK Foreign Office to be cautious when using e-gates due to ongoing changes in EU border controls. While travelers aged 18 and over may be allowed to use e-gates at Spanish airports when staff are present, the Foreign Office stresses that it is essential to get your passport stamped both on entry and exit.
Failing to get a stamp could cause problems in the future, especially as the European Union continues to update travel procedures within the Schengen Area.
The Foreign Office also reminded travelers that Spain follows Schengen Area rules on passport validity. British passports must meet two key conditions:
Issue Date: The passport must have been issued within the past 10 years.
Expiry Date: It must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen zone.
Travelers with passports issued before October 1, 2018, should check carefully, as those documents may not meet the latest EU rules and could lead to denied entry.
Officials also warned that anyone attempting to travel with a passport that has been reported as lost or stolen will be refused entry into Spain.
The advisory reflects broader changes in the EU’s approach to border security and highlights the importance of staying up to date with travel requirements before heading abroad.
