Enhanced Passport Processing Technology Arrives at Tenerife South Airport

Tenerife South Airport is poised to significantly improve its border control efficiency with the upcoming installation of 24 advanced machines specifically designed for passport checks. This initiative was recently announced by the Delegation of the Government in the Canary Islands, marking a pivotal step towards modernizing the airport’s entry procedures.

The new biometric machines are expected to be operational in the near future, allowing passengers arriving from outside the Schengen area to complete their entry registration through a streamlined self-service process. These machines will be strategically positioned, with half located at Gate A and the other half at Gate B, ensuring accessibility for all incoming travelers.

The introduction of this cutting-edge technology is particularly timely, as it aims to address the persistent congestion that has plagued passport control at the airport since January 1, 2021. This date coincided with the implementation of Brexit, which has necessitated that British tourists—who make up a substantial portion of Tenerife’s visitors—now undergo passport checks upon their arrival in Spain. The increased scrutiny has contributed to longer wait times, prompting the need for an effective solution.

Confronting the Challenge of Long Wait Times

Long queues at border control have become a familiar sight at Tenerife South Airport, with no substantial resolution implemented over the past four years. The Hotel and Non-Hotel Association of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, known as Ashotel, highlighted in a November report that over 30 biometric self-service passport machines located in Halls A and B were not operational. The activation of these machines has emerged as a crucial demand from both local authorities and business representatives who are eager to see improvements in passenger flow.

While the issue has garnered attention in UK media, emphasizing the challenges faced by British travelers, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has characterized the delays as a temporary discrepancy linked to airline operations. During a recent session in Congress, he noted that the National Police force had bolstered its presence at the airport by adding 32 officers last July. Ongoing discussions with Aena, the airport operator, aim to address these delays, echoing concerns that were previously raised in December 2024.

Responding to Increased Passenger Volume

Reports indicate that the frequency of queues at passport control has surged over the past year, with significant delays occurring not only during peak travel seasons but also during regular periods. For example, on May 28, over 500 travelers faced considerable delays at the border control area due to a sudden influx of arrivals from non-EU flights, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced processing capabilities.

The activation of the 24 biometric machines represents a crucial advancement in addressing the ongoing challenges at the airport. However, experts and stakeholders agree that additional measures are necessary to ensure efficient processing and minimize wait times for travelers. To this end, a series of periodic follow-up meetings have been scheduled for this month, involving representatives from the central government, Cabildo, Aena, and the National Police. These meetings aim to monitor the situation closely and implement further improvements as needed.

As the airport prepares for the rollout of these new machines, there is a palpable sense of optimism among local businesses and travelers alike. The hope is that the introduction of biometric technology will not only streamline the passport control process but also enhance the overall travel experience for visitors to Tenerife. With the summer travel season approaching, the timely implementation of these machines could play a vital role in managing the expected increase in passenger volume.

Key points

• 24 new machines for passport checks have been installed at Tenerife South Airport.
• The machines will facilitate biometric self-completion of entry registration for non-Schengen passengers.
• British tourists now require passport checks due to Brexit.
• Long queues at border control have been a persistent issue since January 2021.
• Ashotel reported that over 30 biometric machines were previously non-operational.
• Interior Minister stated that delays are linked to airline operations.
• Follow-up meetings are planned to address ongoing border control challenges.