UK embassy issues document warning for British expats re-entering Spain

The British Embassy has once again warned British expats in Spain that they must obtain a plastic TIE card.

This is because the alternative green paper residency certificate will not be accepted by the EU’s incoming EES (Entry/Exit System).

READ MORE: How to exchange your green certificate for a TIE

The embassy said in an update this week: ‘Only those with a biometric TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) are exempt from the EES when entering Spain.

‘If you only have the green certificate, it will not be accepted as proof of residency for EES purposes.

‘You could be treated as a tourist at the border, subject to full EES checks and potentially accused of overstaying in the Schengen zone.’

It added: ‘If you haven’t yet exchanged your green certificate for a TIE, we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible.’

What is the EES?

The EES is an automated IT border system being introduced by the EU. It will replace the manual passport stamping process for non-EU nationals entering and exiting Schengen countries, including Spain.

Instead of border guards stamping your passport, EES will electronically record:

• The date and place of entry and exit
• Your biometric data (face + fingerprints)
• Length of authorised stay (usually 90 days in 180 for tourists)