Passengers travelling from the UK through Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) are set to see new dedicated passport lanes. This move shows Spain preparing for major changes to border control systems across the European Union.
Dedicated Lanes to Manage Passenger Flow
The airport confirmed it will introduce specific lanes for British travellers in an effort to manage growing queues and streamline passenger flow, particularly during peak holiday periods. This move comes with the rollout of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), officially implemented on April 10, 2026, which will change how non-EU travellers are processed at borders.
The new setup is designed to ease pressure on border control areas, where long queues have become increasingly common, especially in popular tourist destinations like Mallorca. British travellers, who are now processed as non-EU passengers following Brexit, have reported facing longer wait times due to additional passport checks.
By separating UK passengers into designated lanes, airport authorities aim to improve efficiency and reduce congestion for all travellers. This change is expected to be particularly helpful during the busy summer season, when millions of UK tourists pass through Spanish airports.
What the New EU Entry/Exit System Means
The upcoming EES will introduce a digital system to register non-EU travellers entering and leaving the Schengen Area. Instead of manual passport stamping, passengers will have their biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, recorded.
The system will be rolled out across multiple countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Germany, and others within the Schengen zone. Its goal is to improve security, track overstays, and modernise border management across Europe.
However, travel experts warn that the transition period may initially lead to longer processing times as airports adjust. Measures like the new UK-specific lanes in Palma are therefore seen as a practical step to minimise disruption.
As the EES rollout begins, travellers are advised to allow extra time at airports and stay informed about new procedures before flying.
What is your experience with the new EES? Let us know in the comments below.
