Since the introduction of the new EES system at all Schengen airports, massive queues have formed for both those arriving into Lanzarote and those with departing flights to the UK and Ireland.
EU law does permit the system to be paused when waiting times become unfeasibly long. However, Lanzarote would need to appeal to Madrid to allow the exception over the summer months.
Read more here
Thanks to Canarian Weekly
As of Jan 2026
Long queues and extended waiting times at passport controls in Canary Islands airports, including Lanzarote, are being described as a serious threat to the islands’ tourist image, according to the hotel industry. The new EES requirements began being rolled out on October 12, 2025, and have been causing issues at some EU airports.
If you are a UK passport holder, check the entry requirements for Spain including the Canary islands here.
Read the full article here.
Had an experience you want to share? Let me know in the comments below.
Here are the sites I have found that give detailed, thorough and accurate information regarding EES and potential delays at Lanzarote airport arrivals, or any other airports in the EU’s Schengen area.
EU official site – information about EES and all related queries
TravelonWorld – more general information about EES and 90/180 day rule
Lanzarote Retreats – detailed information about what to expect and why
Note – if you are one of the following, EES does not apply:
EES might apply if you are
Had a flight delay? You are covered by EU law and may be entitled to compensation, even if travelling to/from the UK. Find out more here.
If you ever need to leave Spain while your residency is being renewed or while you’re waiting for a replacement TIE card, don’t panic.
There are a few options if you are a non-EU including UK citizen. You can travel, but the steps you need to take depend on your specific situation.
Sometimes you’ll need an Autorización de Regreso to re-enter Spain without issues. Other times, your resguardo (the official receipt from your renewal or replacement application) may be enough — but only in very specific circumstances. The regreso can be obtained at an Immigration Office in Spain.
This is especially important now that EES is in force at Lanzarote.
If you are a UK citizen with a green certificate, you should change this to a TIE as soon as possible.
If you are an EU citizen, although you can enter and leave Spain freely, there are still rules you must follow if you are resident. Find out more here.
