Alicante Port Secures Border Against Irregular Entries

Coinciding with the summer and the Operation Crossing the Strait, the Port of Alicante has decided to secure its borders to prevent possible irregular entries and streamline border controls. To achieve this, new technology will be implemented to reinforce border control.

This technology, set to be active in 2026, will allow for more efficient and secure management of the entry and exit of travelers from non-EU countries, thereby "raising the level of protection against potential threats or attempts at irregular entry."

With this project, border agents will be equipped with advanced technological tools capable of identifying travelers more quickly and accurately. It is expected that this will speed up the passage through control, reduce queues, and strengthen security measures.

Sources from the Alicante Port Authority emphasize that this initiative "not only addresses a security issue but is also essential to ensure freedom of movement within the Schengen area." The port authority's president, Luis Rodríguez, insists that "we want Alicante to remain a safe, modern, and efficient gateway for all travelers."

This modernization is part of the new EES (Entry Exit System) and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), two initiatives driven by the European Union (EU) to enhance security and intelligent management of the Schengen area's external borders. The goal is clear: to facilitate the transit of legal tourists and travelers, but also to improve the detection of those attempting to enter the European territory irregularly.

The total investment to acquire and install this equipment exceeds 1.8 million euros, of which almost 60%, over one million, has been granted by the EU through the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (IFGV).

Additionally, an additional allocation of nearly half a million euros has been secured for the maintenance of these systems between 2026 and 2029, which accounts for just over 37% of the total amount allocated to the conservation of the equipment, and also to the hiring of auxiliary personnel services to provide EES information to third-country passengers at border controls. The remainder of both investments will be made with the Alicante Port Authority's own funds.

The tender for the acquisition of the equipment will be launched in the coming weeks, and the expectation is that the entire system will be operational by early 2026. Thus, Alicante joins the European effort to modernize and protect its borders, combining cutting-edge technology with the commitment to remain an open port to the world.