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British residents in Spain urged to get their TIE cards as soon as possible
The British Embassy in Spain has issued new guidance ahead of the new Entry-Exit System (EES)
The British Embassy in Spain has issued an important update this week for British residents in the country. With the upcoming implementation of the new Entry-Exit System (EES) for short-stay travellers to the European Union, British nationals are strongly advised to exchange their green residency certificates for TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) cards as soon as possible.
What is the EES?
The EES, set to be introduced on November 10 this year, will require non-EU travellers to register via an automated system at the border. This replaces the traditional passport stamping, and the registration details will be stored for three years.
While this system will streamline border control procedures, it's important for British residents to be prepared to avoid potential delays and complications.
The EES applies to you if you are a non-EU national travelling to a European country using the EES for a short stay of up to 90 days within any 180 day period. It is important to remember that the period of 90 days in any 180 days is calculated as a single period for all European countries using the EES.
Why do UK residents in Spain need a TIE?
Here's why getting your TIE card is crucial: the EES exempts individuals holding a valid uniform-format biometric card from the registration process. In Spain, the TIE card serves as this biometric residency card.
On the other hand, the Green Certificate, a non-biometric residency document that many UK citizens still have, may not offer the same exemption. As a result, Green Certificate holders could face challenges and delays when entering other EU countries where their residency document may not be recognised.
By obtaining your TIE card ahead of the EES rollout, you can ensure smoother travel within the Schengen zone and avoid the need to register with the EES each time you travel.
The TIE card will simplify border crossings and save you time during your journeys.
Hugh Elliott said: “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.
"We are working with the Spanish Government and the EU to prepare for the implementation of this new scheme and we have requested that more TIE appointments are made available. Please keep checking our Living In Guide and social media pages for more information.”
The British Embassy has shared a link to official guidance on the EES, which provides detailed information about the scheme and its implementation: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en.
Image: British Embassy
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