From the 13th June new entry requirements come into force for all visitors entering Spain from non-European Community countries and from those European countries who have not signed up to the Schengen Agreement (this includes the UK and the Republic o Ireland.)

Under the new Advance Passenger Information regime (Spain will be the first to apply this in Europe – others will follow soon) travellers from these points of departure must give Full Name, Nationality, Date of Birth and Passport Number. This is a similar system to that introduced for travellers to the US in 2004.

Many of the larger airlines are adapting their websites so that you can enter this information before you fly, but be warned, several of the smaller airlines and budget airlines do not have this facility which means check-in staff will have together this information at check-in, which could result in longer check-ins owing to longer queues (as it did in the US when the system was first introduced).

My advice is to get to the airport half an hour earlier than you normally would if you are unable to fill in your details through your airline website. I suspect that any check-in queues will shorten as everyone gets used to the system.

Under an EU agreement signed in April 2004 – all European Community Countries will have to implement this system within the next twelve months.

Hope this helps all future Slow Travellers coming to Spain!

Michael

good idea to post it.
it will eventually prepare everyone coming to the EU/Schengen area in the future as they all must adopt the same.
Spain is the biggest entry point for those seeking to get in so naturally they started it.

Starts tomorrow!!! Have had good feedback from some clients who have posted details on airline websites.
Please - any feedback would be great!

Michael