Canary Islands declare migration emergency after record arrivals
Storm Charles fails to stop migrant boats reaching El Hierro
Schengen states prolong internal border checks citing Ceuta incident
Latest News
Madrid-Barajas faces chronic EES passport queues as winter peak begins
A 12 November field report reveals mounting EES-related delays at Madrid-Barajas, with first-time biometric capture reaching 50-minute waits. Extra police and process tweaks are underway, but companies should pad itineraries and keep exit evidence to avoid Schengen overstay flags.
UK government warns of Spain travel disruption amid biometric roll-out and strikes
An 11 November FCDO advisory flags potential delays for UK citizens heading to Spain due to the EES biometric system, a 24-hour general strike and upcoming Renfe walk-outs. It also notes new passport-validity and Gibraltar border rules, urging travellers to build in extra time.
General strike snarls Spain’s transport network, tests new digital border system
Spain’s nationwide strike on 11 November delayed flights and trains and exposed weaknesses in the new EES border kiosks. Companies should brace for more disruption during a Renfe strike on 17 November and factor labour unrest into 2027 mobility planning.
Madrid-Barajas baggage-system strike continues through 30 November
Partial strikes by baggage-system engineers at Madrid-Barajas will persist until 30 November, causing sporadic belt shutdowns and manual bag sorting. Travellers should avoid short connections and monitor union talks that could escalate to a full walk-out.
Chaos at Havana Visa Centre Forces Spain to Reassign Thousands of Appointments
A software error at Spain’s new Havana Visa Application Centre triggered chaotic queues and forced the consulate to cancel and re-schedule all appointments issued for 26–30 October. Companies relocating Cuban staff to Spain should expect fresh appointment notices and longer lead times for visa issuance.
Spain opens dedicated visa application centre in Havana to cut appointment backlog
Spain’s Havana consulate has shifted all visa processing to a new application centre, a move aimed at clearing a months-long backlog and streamlining document intake.
Income thresholds for Spain’s digital-nomad and non-lucrative visas rise for 2026
An updated legal briefing sets out higher 2026 income benchmarks for Spain’s digital-nomad and non-lucrative visas, underscoring the need for robust financial documentation – especially for U.S. applicants.
Spain clarifies 2026 fingerprint appointment process for foreigner identity cards (TIE)
Fresh guidance details the €16 fee, document list and appointment tips for taking fingerprints and collecting Spain’s TIE card in 2026 – a critical final step after visa issuance.
Diplomats warn election body over delays to overseas voter list after mass naturalisations
Spain’s diplomats caution that election authorities must publish an updated overseas voter list promptly after a surge in citizenship grants abroad, stressing that delays could undermine trust and complicate free movement for new dual nationals.