Guidance on Travelling with an Expired TIE Under the New EU Border System

Guidance for UK Nationals and Residents in Spain: Navigating the EES and TIE Renewals

Introduction: What You Need to Know

The EU is introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES) in late 2025. Many UK nationals and other non-EU residents in Spain are concerned about how this will affect them. This is especially true for those who travel while their TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is expired and awaiting renewal. Understanding the implications of these changes is crucial for a smooth experience.

What Spanish Law Says About TIE Validity

Spain’s new immigration regulation, Real Decreto 1155/2024, clarifies that residence authorizations and cards maintain their validity:

“Las distintas autorizaciones o tarjetas … conservarán dicha validez durante el tiempo para el que hubieren sido expedidas.” (BOE – Real Decreto 1155/2024)

Even more importantly, Article 185 confirms that when you apply for a renewal on time, the validity of your old card is automatically extended until your renewal is resolved:

“…la validez de la autorización anterior quedará prorrogada hasta la resolución del procedimiento.” (Supercontable – Art. 185, RD 1155/2024)

What the UK Government Says

The UK’s Foreign Travel Advice for Spain states:

“British nationals living in Spain do not need their passports to be stamped. Actively show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner’s identity card (TIE), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control.” (*GOV.UK – Spain entry requirements

The Living in Spain guidance also highlights:

“You will need a TIE to be exempt from the European Entry Exit System (EES).” (*GOV.UK – Living in Spain

Understanding the EES System

The Entry/Exit System (EES), established by Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, will replace passport stamps for non-EU visitors. It records entry/exit dates, biometric data, and refusals of entry. Its primary purpose is to monitor short-stay visitors under the 90/180 day rule. For legal residents, the EES should not apply, provided they can prove their status.

How the EES Affects You

If you’re a resident, you shouldn’t worry too much about the EES. Just ensure you have your TIE and any necessary documentation handy. This way, you can avoid being mistakenly logged as a visitor.

Practical Advice if Your TIE is Expired

If you need to travel with an expired TIE while your renewal is in progress, here are some practical steps to follow:

• Carry Your Valid Passport: Always have your passport with you. It’s your primary identification.

• Keep Your Justificante/Resguardo: This is the official receipt you receive after submitting your renewal. It proves your residency continues while you wait for the new card.

• Make Copies: Keep both a printed copy and a digital copy (a scan or photo saved on your phone) of your justificante. This will be handy at border control.

• Prepare for Manual Checks: If the EES automated gates don’t accept your card, present your passport and justificante to an officer. Politely ask to be processed as a resident.

• Allow Extra Time: Arrive at the airport early. Manual checks can take longer, and you don’t want to miss your flight.

  
  

Why This Matters: Avoiding Potential Issues

If a resident is incorrectly logged as a visitor under the new system, it could lead to complications later. For instance, you might appear to overstay your “90 days.” Carrying the justificante helps avoid this risk. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of stress.

Final Note: Stay Informed and Prepared

The exact behavior of the new gates with expired TIEs is still untested. However, Spanish law protects residents with renewals in progress. UK guidance confirms you should present your residence document at border control.

At Expay, we’re committed to keeping you informed about updates from both Spain and the EU. If you have travel planned with an expired TIE, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate these changes with ease.

Additional Resources for UK Nationals in Spain

• Understanding Your Tax Obligations: It's essential to know your tax responsibilities as a resident. We can help clarify any questions you may have.

• Navigating the Spanish Healthcare System: If you're new to Spain, understanding how healthcare works can be daunting. We offer guidance to make it simpler.

• Finding Community Support: Connecting with other expats can provide a sense of belonging. We can help you find local groups and resources.

  
  

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Expay. We’re a family-run business in Spain, and we started over six years ago when we first moved here. We understand the challenges you face and are here to support you every step of the way.

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