Brits in Spain Urged to Get TIE Cards Ahead of Biometric Entry-Exit System Implementation

The British Embassy in Spain has issued a strong advisory for British expats to obtain their Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) cards ahead of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is expected to be implemented this fall.

The EES will automate border control procedures for non-EU travelers, requiring them to register their biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images. However, British residents holding a TIE card will be exempt from the process. The Embassy emphasizes that those still using the older Green Certificate may face delays and complications under the new system, particularly when traveling between Spain and other EU countries.

The EES is part of the EU’s broader efforts to enhance border security and streamline the process for non-EU nationals. It will replace the current passport stamping system, storing biometric and entry/exit data for three years.

This means that British nationals making frequent trips to Spain within this period will not have to re-register each time. Additionally, the TIE card (being a biometric document) is recognized under the Withdrawal Agreement – the formal agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union that set the terms for Brexit – and thus offers more seamless border crossings.

The Spanish government has made the TIE application process accessible through online resources, and British nationals are strongly encouraged to transition from the Green Certificate to the TIE to avoid any potential issues once the EES is in place. The British Embassy has also highlighted newly released EU guidance on the EES, which outlines the system’s implementation and provides tools for travelers to monitor their stay within the Schengen zone.

The EES, originally set for 2021, has been repeatedly postponed due to concerns over long wait times and readiness across member states. Most recently, the EU announced yet another delay to its implementation, pushing it back from October 6 to November 10, with a possible extension to November 17.

Source: The Olive Press

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August 12, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith