Ten reasons to exchange to the new TIE card before the end of 2020

Ten reasons to exchange to the new TIE card before the end of 2020.

Yes, we know you don’t have to but …

As from 6th July 2020, UK citizens already resident in Spain and those wanting to make the move were given the opportunity by the Spanish Government to apply for a biometric TIE (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) or Foreigners Identity Card.

This new process was brought in to comply with Article 18.4 of the Withdrawal Agreement (WA) for the exit of the UK from the European Union, and is designed to provide physical certification of all the rights and protections British citizens are entitled to under that Agreement.

While both the Spanish Government and the British Embassy said that it’s not obligatory (yet) for existing legal residents to swap to this new card, it is highly recommended that they try and exchange their current papers BEFORE the end of the Transition Period (31st December 2020). 

So what are the ten reasons to exchange to a TIE sooner rather than later? 

1. The TIE card is a biometric photocard, so is secure and recognised as formal ID (no more carrying passports around!)
2. Your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement are enshrined by and explicitly mentioned on the new TIE card.
3. EU ‘strongly recommends’ that UK citizens secure a TIE before the end of the Transition Period if they can.
4. Holding a TIE will reduce wait times at Schengen borders. 
5. TIE is your “right to enter” your country of residence.
6. Possession of TIE will exempt the holder from the  ETIAS visa scheme. 
7. The EU have made it clear that the TIE will “facilitate administration processes and border crossings” which has got to be a good thing.
8. It’s easy to swap – there are currently plenty of appointments available at National Police Extranjeria’s and you can book these online.
9. The saying “don’t put off until tomorrow, what you can do today” could have been written for these challenging times – rules can change overnight, so don’t get left behind.
10. For those of you who are clinging on to the green papers because they say “European” on them, we were delighted to discover that the opening bars to “Ode to Joy”, the EU anthem, are on the back of the new TIE card – can’t get more European than that! Just in case you’re not 100% familiar with this fantastic piece of music, this “flash mob” version from Sabadell is a wonderful watch – enjoy!