The National Police Directorate has published, on the morning of 17 July 2026, a new fast-track procedure that grants foreigners who cross Spain’s borders without the correct documents a three-month stay on humanitarian grounds. Posted on the Police e-Headquarters, the measure is framed as an “exceptional authorisation for short stay” and can be requested the same day a traveller presents themselves to authorities. The permit—valid for up to 90 days within a six-month window—targets individuals who enter through non-authorised points or with defective papers, a scenario that surged after April’s EU Entry-Exit System (EES) roll-out introduced biometric checks at all external Schengen frontiers. Human-rights NGOs had warned that gaps in the EES could leave vulnerable migrants in legal limbo; the Interior Ministry now says the new mechanism offers a “humane but controlled” bridge to regularise status or make travel arrangements. Applicants must appear in person at National Police or Ministry of Labour offices and pay a €19.94 fee (Form 790/012). They receive a resolution on the spot unless security screening flags a risk. Holders may request healthcare, schooling for minors and limited work authorisation, but must exit—or convert to a long-term visa—before the permit expires. For global mobility managers the change removes a grey area that often affected accompanying domestic staff or relatives who arrived with passports soon to expire. Firms relocating talent during the high-season should brief travellers and ensure any humanitarian-stay days are counted against Schengen limits. Overstays will trigger mandatory expulsion under Spain’s Aliens Law. Legal advisors expect a spike in applications at Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat, Spain’s busiest entry points. The Interior Ministry will review take-up in September and has not ruled out extending biometric enrolment from ports and airports to land borders such as La Junquera.
