British Residents in Spain Urged to Obtain TIE Card Ahead of EU's

British Residents in Spain Urged to Obtain TIE Card Ahead of EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES)

British residents in Spain are advised to exchange their green residency certificates for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) ID card before the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) takes effect later this year.

TIE is a biometric document that confirms the holder's right to live and work in Spain under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement.

Most British residents have already transitioned from the green certificate to the TIE post-Brexit however there are still a number of them who still need to obtain the new document.

“The British Embassy is asking those still using a green certificate to follow suit and get a TIE as soon as possible, ahead of the introduction of the EU’s new Entry Exit System (EES), expected in autumn this year,”
Statement from the British Embassy

“It’s really important that any British person who lives in Spain gets the TIE – not only because it is the most durable and dependable way to prove your rights in Spain, but also to avoid disruption at the border when the EU’s Entry Exit Scheme comes into force.”
British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott

The EES will require non-EU short-stay travellers to register via an automated system, providing personal and biometric data at the border. This system will replace passport stamping, and the collected information will be stored for three years. British residents with a TIE will be exempt from this process.

The non-biometric green certificate, issued before Brexit, does not qualify for this exemption and may lead to border delays and complications, particularly in other EU countries.

The British Embassy is collaborating with Spanish authorities to increase the availability of TIE appointments. For more information on obtaining a TIE, residents are encouraged to visit the ‘Living in Spain’ guide on gov.uk and follow embassy updates on social media.

How the EES Will Affect British Holidaymakers

Spain is one of the favourite tourist destinations for British holidaymakers, with 15.1 million visiting Spain in 2022 alone.

Once the EES is implemented, British nationals entering Spain or any other EU country for short stays must register through an automated system at the border.

During registration, travellers will provide personal information, including passport details, fingerprints, and facial images. This data will be stored for three years, eliminating the need for British nationals to re-register with each entry into Spain or other EU countries.

However, the EES system will not apply to all UK citizens. According to the EU, British nationals are exempt if they hold an EU residence permit and long-stay visas.

In most cases, EES checks will occur upon arrival at your destination airport or port in Europe. The checks will be conducted during departure at UK passport control for those travelling from the UK via the Port of Dover or by international train. This is due to the presence of dual British and French border controls at these locations, eliminating the need for additional checks upon arrival in Europe.

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