The British Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis, stressed to the Bulletin during an interview last October of the importance of British residents getting the TIE identification card ahead of April this year when all of the EU Schengen region will have the new biometric EES entry and exit scheme in operation.
However, it appears that there is a snag when it comes to renewals. The Bulletin has been informed this week by Spanish immigration department sources in Palma that Britons who only have a temporary TIE card, one which is for five years, can only be renew their cards after the expiry date which could leave thousands of people in limbo.
New post-Brexit arrivals in Spain who were not residents prior to the UK leaving the European Union are more likely to have the five-year temporary TIE card and those who obtained one when the cards were first rolled out will find that they are soon to be up for renewal. Despite getting an appointment at the immigration office being as difficult as ever despite claims by the Spanish authorities that steps have been taken to easing lists and free up more appointments, little appears to have changed.
However, there is a 90 day grace period after the cards expire, although some form of proof that your are in the process of renewing the card may be required, especially when travelling.
And travelling to and from the UK and Spain is proving a bit of a problem as the EES systems at some airports are not working as smoothly as they should with Britons complaining of long queues and confusion.
The situation reached breaking point which forced Spanish hoteliers to call on the government to resolve the problems to help third-country visitors coming to Spain. And, it appears that the old paper green resident certificate is reaching its end. The British Embassy in Madrid last month issued a statement advising British residents who have not exchanged the old ID for the new TIE card to do so and quickly.
“Do you know anyone still using a paper Green Certificate as their ID? If so, please help us spread the word that it’s time to get a TIE. We and the Spanish Government are encouraging all Green Certificate holders to exchange their paper document for the biometric TIE as soon as possible. Why? The TIE is the most durable and dependable way to prove your rights in Spain,” the embassy stated.