“New EU Entry/Exit System – What Brits in Spain Must Know
- Venetia House
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 17
New EU Entry/Exit System: What UK Nationals Need to Know
At ExPay, we keep our community updated with the latest rules that affect life and travel in Spain.
One of the biggest changes arriving in October 2025 is the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).
This new system will change the way UK nationals enter and exit the Schengen area and it’s essential to understand what documents you’ll need to avoid problems at the border.
What is the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
From 12 October 2025, the EU will replace passport stamps with a digital system that records:
* When you enter and leave the Schengen zone
* How long you stay
* Your biometric data (fingerprints and a facial photo)
This applies to all third-country nationals(non-EU citizens), including UK nationals post-Brexit.
Why Does This Matter for UK Nationals in Spain?
If you live in Spain, you don’t want to be treated as a short-term visitor under the 90-day rule.
To prove you are a legal resident and to avoid being mistakenly logged into the EES, you must hold the correct residency card.
* ✅ Accepted: The Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) — a biometric ID card issued in Spain.
* ❌ Not accepted: The old Green Certificate (paper or credit-card style). It will not exempt you from the EES, and border officers are not required to recognise it.
Without a TIE, you may be flagged as overstaying in Schengen, even if you legally live in Spain.
What Do You Need to Do?
If you haven’t already switched, now is the time to replace your Green Certificate with a TIE card.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Apply as soon as possible at your local Extranjería office.
2. Every family member, including children, must have their own residency card.
3. Carry your TIE when travelling, it is your only official proof of residency under the EES.
What If You’re Moving to Spain?
Apply for the correct visa at the Spanish Consulate in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh before travel.
On arrival, apply for your TIE card as soon as you are able too.
Register on your local padrón municipal(town hall register) for access to public services.
FAQs: UK Nationals & the EES
Q: Do I need to swap my Green Certificate for a TIE if I rarely travel?
A: Yes. Even if you only travel once a year, without a TIE you may be logged into the EES as a tourist. That could cause issues re-entering Spain.
Q: Will my passport still be stamped?
A: During the first 6 months of EES, yes — but once the system is fully in place, stamping will stop. The digital system will track your movements automatically.
Q: Do children need a TIE as well?
A: Yes. Every family member, including babies and minors, must hold their own residency card.
Q: What happens if I don’t switch to a TIE?
A: You risk being incorrectly treated as a tourist, possibly flagged for overstaying, and could face problems at the Spanish or Schengen border.
Worth Noting About the EES
🔹 Longer queues at borders are expected in the first months of rollout, as officers capture biometrics and get used to the new system.
🔹 If your passport chip is damaged or unreadable, border delays are likely — make sure your passport is in good condition.
🔹 Frequent travellers may find the system useful in the long run, as EES will automate entries/exits and reduce manual errors compared to stamping.
Key Takeaway
From October 2025, the EES will change border checks forever.
UK nationals living in Spain must hold a TIE card — the Green Certificate will no longer protect your residency status at the border.
At ExPay, through our Honest Expat Q&A, we keep you informed so you can travel with confidence and avoid surprises.
👉 Need help with the process?
Visit us at ExPay or on ourr Q&A page, @Honest help for Expats where we share step-by-step guides, practical tips, and real expat experiences.
If you need tailored assistance with your paperwork, our team can guide you through each stage to make sure nothing is missed.
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