Brits living it up in sunny Spain have been urged to make sure they have the right ID documents ahead of a looming deadline. Back in 2020, a plastic TIE card known as a Tarjeta de Identidad Extranjero (Foreigner Identity Card) started to replace the EU Residence Certificate, commonly referred to as a green residency document. The new proof of ID features Brits' biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) - making it compliant with the European Union's new 'The Entry/Exit (EES) Scheme'. This plan, which was previously scheduled for implementation in 2022 and was hit with multiple delays, is an automated IT system for registering travellers from non-EU countries, including the UK, each time they cross a border into or out of the EU.
Basically, it means you'll no longer get stamps on your passport if you spend a week in Benidorm, but will have your biometric data, along with the date and place of entry and exit entered onto the register. It is widely reported that British expats in Spain will be exempt from this if they can show their TIE card when travelling around Europe. The European Commission has hailed the EES, arguing it will help combat 'irregular migration' and 'help protect the security of European citizens'. "The new system will also help bona fide third-country nationals to travel more easily while also identifying more efficiently over-stayers as well as cases of document and identity fraud," it added. "The system will [also] allow a wider use of automated border control checks and self-service systems, which are quicker and more comfortable for the traveller.".
While the EU vowed the EES system would finally debut on 10 November 2024, it has quietly been postponed once more. The Mirror has asked the European Commission when these new rules will actually come into force following claims it'll be 'well into 2025' before it's implemented. Want the latest travel news and cheap holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter. However, having the TIE card just isn't important for travelling around Europe. According to Age in Spain, an organisation dedicated to supporting English speakers living in in the country, many British nationals have 'reported they have been denied support or access to a variety of services in Spain, because they did not hold the most up to date document for UK nationals living in Spain'. "This can affect access to health and social care as well as benefits," the charity added.
To exchange your green residency certificate for the new TIE card, you'll need to make an appointment with the Foreign Office (the Oficina de Extranjeros - cita previa). For more information, or to book a slot, click here. The Mirror has contacted the British Embassy in Spain for comment. Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk for a chance to be featured. Get email updates with the day's biggest stories.
