The British Embassy has once again urged Brits to make sure they hold a biometric TIE residence card. This needs to be done ahead of the full rollout of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).
The new biometric border system will register non-EU travellers as they enter and leave the Schengen Area. Residents who lack the correct documentation may encounter difficulties when travelling.
Concerns have now emerged over the renewal process for temporary TIE cards. Current instructions from Madrid tell Spain’s National Police not to accept renewal applications until one day after the existing TIE expires. You then have a maximum renewal window of 90 days. The card clearly displays its expiry date on the front.
TIE cards and post-Brexit arrivals
This issue is likely to affect thousands of post-Brexit arrivals who did not live in Spain before the UK left the European Union. Authorities issued these residents with five-year temporary TIE cards. Many of which are now close to their renewal date.
At the same time, applicants still struggle to secure appointments at immigration offices. This comes despite repeated assurances that officials have increased the number of available slots.
Although residents benefit from a 90-day grace period after expiry, they may still need proof that they have started the renewal process, particularly when travelling.
Travel has already become more complicated due to the gradual introduction of the EES system, with reports of long queues and confusion at some border points.
Adding to the pressure, the old green paper residence certificates are now being phased out. The British Embassy in Madrid has recently encouraged anyone still using the paper document to exchange it for a biometric TIE as soon as possible.
