Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) refreshed its Smartraveller advisory for Spain on 18 July, keeping the overall risk level at “Exercise normal safety precautions” but adding detailed guidance on the EU’s new Entry/Exit System. The notice reminds Australian passport holders that, from now on, first entry to the Schengen area involves fingerprinting and facial-image capture at the border—even for short business trips under 90 days. DFAT warns that "there may be delays at border crossings" and urges dual nationals to verify which passport they should use so as not to trigger over-stay calculations. The advisory also flags Spain’s Low-Emission Zone (ZBE) rules and the obligation to carry a V16 emergency beacon in rental cars—important details for expatriate assignees who combine meetings in Madrid or Barcelona with regional site visits. Why it matters: HR and travel teams headquartered in Spain often arrange Asia-Pacific rotations and may not be aware that third-country partners face new biometric procedures even though locals do not. Ensuring invitation letters include the traveller’s first point of entry and contact person can smooth EES processing. Employers should also check that chauffeur services are equipped with ZBE-compliant vehicles to avoid fines now automatically linked to number-plate recognition systems.
