Visitors to Lanzarote report long queues at passport control

Recent visitors to Lanzarote have reported long waits, sometimes up to 2 hours, at passport control as stricter measures are put in place to ensure passports of non EU nationals are checked and stamped on entry.

Disgruntled holidaymakers have been standing in line at passport control for up to 2 hours recently as they make their way through the César Manrique International Airport arrivals.

Complaints have been raised, mainly by visitors from the UK, who now have to have their passports checked and stamped since the UK left the EU, due to the 90/180 day rule. The Lanzarote Cabildo has urged the Spanish government to station more National Police Officers at Lanzarote Airport to help ease the delays.

The queues are mainly present when a number of aircrafts arrive at the same time, so its important to note that some arrivals have been able to get through in a matter of minutes.

What is the 90/180 day rule

As a non-European, you're allowed to stay in the Schengen Area, which includes Spain and The Canary Islands, for 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule is in place to regulate short stays, primarily for tourism, business, or family visits. Passport control is an important part of recording entry and exits from the Schengen area to ensure the rule is adhered to.

Why have the queues only just started happening?

Although the UK left the EU back in 2016, the authorities at Lanzarote Airport may have been a little lapse in checking passports on entry. This has been highlighted recently as it is allowing Non-EU citizens into the Schengen area without recording the date of arrival. Now that the proper procedures are in place it appears there is a capacity issue when it comes to bodies on the ground.

When will it be sorted?

The European Union are implementing a new system, known as EES (Entry / Exit System) which will digitally record visitor entries and exists into the Schengen area. It is though this will allow for a smoother experience in passport control coming into Lanzarote. However, the launch dates for EES has slipped to Autumn 2024. EES will log all entrance and exits along with information such as previous refusal and any previous overstays.

Visiting the island soon? Check out our great selection of things to do in Lanzarote.