Spain Delays EES Rollout at Andorra Border to April 2026

Spain has postponed the full rollout of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) at the Riu Runer border with Andorra until early April 2026, matching the EU's latest schedule and averting any impact on the winter tourism season, Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné announced on Tuesday at the government's traditional Christmas media gathering in Andorra la Vella.

Molné said Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska recently informed her of the shift from Spain's October announcement of a February start. She described the outcome as resulting from positive bilateral ties and prior diplomatic efforts by Andorra's State Secretariat for Relations with the European Union, which addressed Andorran concerns including recognition of Schengen permits for immigration approvals. Preparations are progressing, with the system set for gradual implementation alongside existing procedures, starting at select airports.

Negotiations on adapting the EES for Andorra's unique position—outside the EU but aligned with Schengen borders—are very advanced but cannot conclude before year-end. A new exclusion clause for non-EU Schengen-associated states, such as those sharing territory without full EU membership, requires EU-level discussions in January 2026 following a World Impact Frontiers Council consultation. Head of Government Xavier Espot called this a mere formality, stressing that core agreements are in place and bilateral arrangements with Spain and France will ensure readiness by April. He emphasized that greater European alignment enhances security and reshapes immigration management.

Key elements of the border agreement include no systematic checks on non-EU tourists or residents to avoid overload, access to Schengen databases for stronger immigration screening, and improved police and judicial cooperation against cross-border crime. While immigration procedures must adapt—potentially causing minor delays—Molné noted companies can operate normally. Provisional authorizations may support quick workforce responses, alongside hiring-at-origin practices with pre-vetted security checks.

The rejection rate for work permits not meeting EU standards remains around 10%, mainly seasonal authorizations lacking valid Schengen status. Molné reiterated that Spain's initial February plan was not intended as pressure and affirmed Andorra's role as a welcoming nation focused on sustainable growth.