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Spain creates mandatory digital screening fee for Brazilians on long trips starting July 2026.
In July 2026, Spain will begin to require a new mandatory step for Brazilians intending to stay in the country for more than three weeks. The measure is part of a tightening of entry rules in Europe and includes the payment of a €15 fee and a digital screening even before boarding. This information is part of a broader movement that also involves Portugal, Italy, and France, which have been updating their migratory requirements throughout 2026.
The new requirement is linked to the Spanish Digital Pre-Screening System, known as SDP-E, an online platform that will function as a prior travel authorization. Although not a visa, the system becomes mandatory for certain tourist profiles and can prevent boarding if not approved within the deadline.
Continue reading below to understand how this new fee works, who will be affected, and why Europe is adopting this type of control.
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SDP-E digital system creates new mandatory step before boarding for long trips to Spain
The new system created by Spain functions as an early passenger screening. Travelers must access an online platform, fill out a form with personal data, passport information, and travel details, in addition to answering security questions similar to those used in international authorizations.
After submitting the information and paying the €15 fee, the system analyzes the request and sends a response within 72 hours. This response is mandatory for boarding flights to the country. Without this digital authorization, the airline may prevent boarding even in Brazil, and the passenger also risks being detained at immigration if they manage to reach the destination without the validated document.
New €15 fee will only be required for stays longer than 21 days
The mandatory fee does not apply to all tourists. The new system specifically affects Brazilians and citizens from non-EU countries who intend to stay in Spain for more than 21 days.
Short trips, lasting up to three weeks, continue to follow current rules and remain exempt from the fee and paid screening. This means the impact will be greater on specific traveler profiles, especially those planning extended stays in the country.
Among those most affected are exchange students, digital nomads, professionals on long-term corporate trips, and people visiting family for extended periods.
Authorization process requires basic documents and must be done in advance
The procedure for obtaining digital authorization is entirely online but requires attention to deadlines and documents. The Spanish government recommends that the application be made at least one week in advance to avoid unforeseen circumstances.
During the process, travelers must provide essential information, such as passport validity, proof of accommodation, travel insurance with minimum coverage, and a return or onward ticket within the Schengen Area. This data is used to validate entry even before the passenger boards.
The anticipation of the analysis is precisely the central point of the new system, which transfers part of the migratory control to before the trip, reducing queues and decisions upon arrival in the country.
Measure follows international model already adopted by countries like the United States
The SDP-E follows a pattern already used by other countries, such as the United States, which operates the ESTA system for prior travel authorization. In this model, travelers need digital approval before boarding, even if they do not require a traditional visa.
The adoption of this type of control in Europe indicates a structural change in how the continent manages the entry of foreigners. Instead of relying solely on in-person immigration analysis, countries are now conducting advance screenings based on digital data.
Tightening of rules is part of a coordinated movement among European countries
Spain’s decision is not isolated. Other European countries have also announced recent changes in entry requirements for Brazilians.
Portugal now requires proof of minimum income for extended stays, France has expanded travel insurance requirements, and Italy has set annual limits for issuing tourist visas.
This set of measures indicates a clear trend of greater migratory control, with more documentation, more costs, and more steps in the entry process.
Growth in the number of Brazilian tourists pressures border control systems
One of the main factors behind these changes is the increase in tourist flow. Data from the European Travel Commission indicates that over 2.1 million Brazilians traveled to Europe in 2025, a number that pressures the capacity for border control and management.
Furthermore, the implementation of the European Entry/Exit System, known as EES, also requires modernization of screening processes, encouraging the use of digital tools to streamline and reinforce control.
New requirement may impact financial planning and travel schedule
For Brazilian tourists, the change has direct impacts on travel planning. In addition to the extra cost of €15, it will be necessary to consider the approval period of up to 72 hours for the application, which can affect flight and accommodation bookings.
The main risk is leaving the process until the last minute, which can result in denied boarding or significant travel delays. The recommendation is to include the authorization in the schedule with sufficient advance notice to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.
Rules indicate a trend of more bureaucratic international travel in the coming years
Spain’s case reflects a broader trend in the global scenario. Countries are adopting digital screening systems to increase security, control migratory flows, and better organize the entry of foreigners.
This movement indicates that international travel tends to become more bureaucratic, with additional steps that go beyond purchasing tickets and booking hotels.
Now the direct question remains: with new fees, digital authorizations, and increasing requirements, will traveling to Europe remain accessible for Brazilians, or is international tourism beginning to enter a more restrictive and selective phase?
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