Guide to ETIAS travel authorisation in Malaga

Last updated: June 2026

In 2026, the EU is implementing the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This new entry system affects all non-EU citizens who must fill out a form and pay a fee of €20 to enter Spain. This article is a guide to ETIAS travel authorisation in Malaga.

What is ETIAS?

The ETIAS travel authorisation allows you to enter Spain (and the EU). You must apply and obtain this authorisation before you arrive at the Spanish border (e.g. at Malaga Airport). Without it, you cannot enter Spain.

The ETIAS allows you to stay in any of the countries below for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

If you’re familiar with US entry requirements, the ETIAS is similar to the ESTA. You could also think of it as another item on the list of travel must-dos, such as medical insurance.

Which countries do I need an ETIAS travel authorisation for?

30 countries, all members of the EEA. They are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Who needs to apply for ETIAS travel authorisation in Malaga?

• Anyone who is not a citizen of the above 30 countries.
• Anyone who doesn’t require a short-term visa to enter Spain.

For example, nationals from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the UAE, the US the UK, and all South American countries.

• Anyone who doesn’t have a residence permit in any of the above 30 countries implementing the ETIAS travel authorisation.

Do I need a separate ETIAS for different countries?

No, your single ETIAS is valid for all the above countries.

When is ETIAS operational?

ETIAS travel authorisation for Malaga will become operational at least 6 months after the arrival of the Entry/Exit System (EES). EES comes into play on 12 October 2025, with the implementation of the ETIAS in the last quarter of 2026 (October to December).

At the moment, the date is fluid, i.e. changes often on the ETIAS website, but we’re updating this post often. Bookmark and check back every so often.

Read our FAQs on the Entry/Exit System in Malaga

Is the ETIAS a visa or residence permit?

No. This travel authorisation allows you to enter any of the 30 countries above for up to 90 days in 180 days. It doesn’t allow you to live, study or work in the country.

How long is an ETIAS authorisation valid?

It’s valid for three years after approval or until your passport expires.

How do I apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation?

You apply online.

What’s the application process?

The ETIAS form asks for the following information:

• Personal and contact details.
• Passport number and expiry date.
• Education and employment information.
• The first country you plan to visit and your address in that destination.
• Details of any past criminal record and travel to war or conflict zones.
• Information of any return (deportation) decision.  

Note that your passport must have more than three months’ validity when you apply for an ETIAS. In fact, experts recommend your passport is valid for at least six months when you apply.

You also need to pay the ETIAS fee of €20.

When should I apply for an ETIAS?

The authorities recommend you apply at least 30 days before your travel date. Most applications will receive approval shortly after application. However, approval isn’t automatic, and you may be asked to provide additional information or documentation.  

Don’t make any firm travel plans (e.g. book a flight and hotel in Malaga) until you have ETIAS approval.

Can I apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation in Malaga?

No, you must apply and receive approval before your travel date.  

How do I know my ETIAS has been approved?

You will receive an email about your application within 96 hours. If the authorities request further information or documentation, you must present this within 10 days.  

What happens if I have the authorisation but need to change some information?

If your circumstances change, for example, you get a new passport or change your name or nationality, you need to apply for a new ETIAS.

Do I need to carry a copy of my ETIAS travel authorisation in Malaga?

No, and you don’t need to print out a copy either. When your application is approved, it’s automatically registered in the system. Border control staff has access to the system and can easily check the status of your ETIAS travel authorisation.

Does ETIAS approval guarantee I get into Spain?

No, the ETIAS travel authorisation allows you to board your plane, bus or ferry journey to one of the ETIAS countries. On arrival, border control staff will check your ETIAS status. However, they have the ultimate say on whether you can enter Spain or not (as is currently the case at all EU borders).

How does ETIAS work at Malaga Airport?

Until ETIAS becomes operational (sometime in the last quarter of 2026), we don’t know how it will work at Malaga Airport. The installation of dozens of electronic passport readers suggests that the system will be automatic and arriving visitors won’t have to queue at passport booths. Stay tuned for more information!

EES – Entry/Exit System in Malaga

In October 2025, Spain introduced the Entry Exit System (EES) at its borders, including Malaga Airport. The EES is a process by which you register your passport with the EU (it’s also a pre-requisite for ETIAS).

Note that EES is only for non-EU citizens.

In this section, you will find information about how to register your passport when you arrive at or leave Malaga Airport and other FAQs.

What’s the step-by-step process for EES registration?

When you arrive at a Spanish border, you should do as follows:
1. You present your passport at one of the EES registration machines.
2. You follow the instructions on the screen to allow the machine to take your biometrics (photo and fingerprints).
3. The machine then creates a digital record of your data and entry date. This file is valid for 3 years.
4. You then proceed to e-gates or passport control for verification of your stored data. Note that your passport will not be stamped – all entry and exit data is stored electronically.

How does the EES work at Malaga Airport?

There are different processes depending on whether you are arriving in Malaga or leaving the city and whether you are registered.

Arriving from outside the EU and not registered in the EES

When you disembark from your plane, follow the signs to the EES registration machines. Follow the steps above and then proceed to the e-gates at the border in the arrivals hall.

Arriving from outside the EU and registered in the EES

When you reach the border at the arrivals hall, proceed to the e-gates and present your passport.

Leaving Malaga and not registered in the EES

Proceed to departure areas B and C and follow the signs to the EES registration machines. Follow the steps above and then proceed to the e-gates at the border.

Leaving Malaga and registered in the EES

Proceed to departure areas B and C and follow the signs to the e-gates for already registered EES passports.

How long does the EES registration take at Malaga Airport?

The actual process is generally quick – allow 5-15 minutes. However, you may have to wait in a queue while passengers ahead of you register their passport.

You can speed the process up by registering your details on the Travel To Europe app.

Do children have to complete EES registration?

Anyone under 12 years of age is exempt from EES.

Can I start the EES registration process online from the UK?

If you’re travelling to Malaga from the UK or another non-EU country, such as Canada and the US, you may wish to download the Travel To Europe app and complete a pre-registration process.

Via the app, you scan your passport, take a selfie and answer some short questions about your travel plans to Malaga. You still have to register your passport at Malaga Airport, but pre-registration helps speed up the process.

Note that you can only complete the pre-registration process within 72 hours of travel, no earlier.

To find out more about the Travel To Europe app, click here.

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