British people could be denied entry into Spain unless they show a certain new document. It comes as the old green residency certificate will soon not be recognised by the EU’s new Entry Exit System (EES) as proof of residency.
The British Embassy in Spain is now urging people to get a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) as soon as possible. This will be the only documentation accepted by Spanish authorities for British nationals who hope to stay in the country for a prolonged period of time.
The TIE documentation will prove your legal status as a foreigner in Spain, giving you the same rights as before the UK left the EU. It is only needed if you have a visa that allows you to stay in the country for longer than 6 months.
If you are just a tourist, and not planning on staying for six months or more, then you do not require the TIE card. The documentation is only necessary for non-EU citizens.
The new EES system is set to come into force later this year with a grace period whilst the systems are fully implemented. It will collect the travellers’ name, passport details and biometric data, including fingerprints and captured facial images, that are on the TIE card.
The British Embassy in Madrid, Spain, said: “Anyone attempting to enter Spain or another EU country with a green certificate will find that their document is not accepted as valid proof of residency, and they may be wrongly accused of overstaying in the EU. This could lead to them being denied entry and returned to the UK.”
His Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis added: “We want British residents in Spain to be able to travel smoothly into this country. That’s why it’s really important that anyone with a Green Certificate gets a TIE. It can take a few months, so start the process now to ensure smooth travel once the EES comes into force later this year.”
The European Council said the new system will allow border security to access the data and travel history of people. These details will be held on file for three years to ensure Brits don’t have to keep registering if they are making repeated visits to Spain.
The European Council said: “As a result, the EES will significantly reduce the likelihood of identity fraud and overstay, strengthening the security of the Schengen area.”