Spain Opens 10-Week Extraordinary Regularisation Window for Undocumented Migrants
Spanish High Court Blocks Deportation, Cites Humanitarian Grounds Under New EU Rules
Spain Updates Digital-Nomad Visa Guidance: 2026 Income Threshold Now €34,188
Latest News
Barcelona triples cruise passenger tax to €30 and signals cap on short calls
Barcelona will raise the municipal cruise-passenger surcharge to €24, bringing the total tax on short-stay cruise visitors to €30 once regional changes take effect. The city also aims to eliminate same-day cruise calls to curb overtourism, a stance challenged by CLIA. Corporate travel planners face higher per-passenger costs and possible itinerary shifts.
Frontex Warns Spain-Bound Travellers: Entry/Exit System Queues May Persist for Two Years
Frontex officials say the EU’s new biometric Entry/Exit System—already live across Spain—will take up to two years to stabilise, predicting long queues throughout 2026-27. Companies should pad connection times, coach travellers on biometric capture and monitor airport-specific wait data, as Spain cannot suspend the system once the flexibility window closes in September.
Frontex warns Entry/Exit System queues may persist until 2028 as biometric enrolment continues
A Frontex official told media on 23 June that border queues caused by the new Entry/Exit System could endure for up to two years, as first-time biometric enrolment slows processing. Spain is adding e-gates, but mobility managers should continue to build extra time into itineraries for non-EU staff and visitors.
Spain Fast-Tracks Emergency Logistics to Cope With Migrant Surge in the Balearic Islands
Spain has triggered emergency contracting rules to procure shelters, supplies and transport for a sudden rise in irregular boat arrivals to the Balearic Islands. The fast-track measures aim to prevent reception centres from overflowing and will temporarily divert ferry and flight capacity—issues that could disrupt business and leisure travel at the height of the summer season.
Madrid bets €1 million on Iberia long-haul routes to court high-spending visitors
The Community of Madrid will spend just over €1 million to co-promote Iberia’s long-haul routes, including new flights to Monterrey and Toronto, as part of its 2023-2026 tourism strategy. The public-private pact aims to grow high-value arrivals from the U.S. and Latin America and underlines how Spanish regions use marketing support to influence airline capacity.
Red-Alert Heatwave Forces Spain to Curtail San Juan Festivities and Issue Traveler Health Warnings
Temperatures above 40 °C on 23 June triggered Spain’s highest heat alerts, leading to bans on San Juan fireworks, adjusted airline operations and mandatory work-shift changes. Travellers and relocating staff face schedule tweaks, health risks and the prospect of more frequent early-season heat disruptions.
Extreme heat triggers nationwide orange-and-red alerts, disrupting travel plans
AEMET placed most of Spain under high-level heat alerts on 23 June, with Córdoba expected to hit 44 °C. Rail, aviation and cruise operators introduced mitigation measures that could slow journeys and shift schedules, while employers face legal obligations to protect staff outdoors. Global-mobility teams should prepare for weather-related delays and reinforce duty-of-care protocols.
EU Meets Taliban Delegation Over Deportations, Sparking Outcry in Spain’s Migration Community
Brussels hosted a Taliban delegation on 23 June to discuss deporting Afghans with failed asylum claims, a move criticised by Spanish NGOs and lawmakers. Although Spain says it will deport only serious offenders, the talks raise uncertainty for Afghan residents and may influence wider EU visa and return policies.
Spain-bound Schengen visa applicants face updated 2026 rules and higher proof-of-funds
An update dated 23 June 2026 confirms that Schengen visa fees now stand at €90 for adults, while Spain’s proof-of-funds threshold has risen to €122 per person per day. HR and travel teams must ensure applicants and short-term assignees meet the new financial and insurance rules to avoid refusals or border issues.