By Catherine McGeer
STARTING in October, Corvera Airport will introduce a new biometric border control system for passengers arriving from or heading to non-EU countries. The Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace the old passport stamping process with facial recognition and fingerprint scans.
Who will it affect?
The system will apply to travellers on short stays, up to 90 days within a 180-day period, from countries outside the EU and the Schengen Area. That includes popular UK destinations such as Manchester, London, and Bristol, as well as flights connecting Murcia to Morocco, like Nador or Marrakech.
EU and domestic flights exempt
Passengers flying within Spain or to EU countries like Ireland, Belgium, or France won’t need to use the system.
Airport prepares for the switch
Airport authorities and the national police are preparing for the change by installing automated machines and coordinating staff and resources. The aim is to improve security, speed up border checks, and reduce waiting times.
British travellers most affected
With British travellers still making up the majority of international passengers at Corvera, nearly 60 per cent last year, the update will affect a large portion of users.
What travellers need to know
Travellers will need a valid passport and must provide fingerprints and a facial photo. The system will track entry and exit to ensure compliance with time limits.
Looking ahead: ETIAS in 2026
A €7 EU travel fee (ETIAS) is also expected in 2026, but officials say it won’t significantly affect British tourism to the Murcia region.