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Should Brits resident in Spain still have their passports stamped at the airport? Here's the truth...
Some people who shouldn't do are still getting stamps in their passports when they cross international borders as the rules around the new Entry/Exit System are not yet clear to all
Confusion and consternation among British travellers about passport stamping and airport procedures has increased in recent months, especially for those living in Spain and holding residency documents.
Reports from places such as Murcia, Alicante and Málaga airports show differing experiences at border control. With the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) being introduced in stages between now and April 2026, it is understandable that many people are unsure what should happen when travelling between Spain and the UK.
Many people have had conflicting and contradictory experiences even within the same journey. Even at the very same airport and showing the same two documents – a passport for travel and a TIE card to prove residency status – one person could have their passport stamped going one way but not stamped on their return journey, or vice versa.
The British Embassy acknowledges this uncertainty, and has stated, “We’ve advised British Nationals (whether they are resident or not) that their passports ‘may be stamped’ on entry/exit.
“We expect that, once fully operational, the Entry/Exit System will replace the manual stamping of passports,” said an Embassy source.
While they did also emphasise that “if your passport is stamped on entry or exit it does not alter your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement (including your residency rights)”, it could be a bit of a pain to have passports needlessly filled up with unnecessary stamps.
The key reason for these mixed experiences, of course, is the phased introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System. From October 12, 2025, new border checks began to be introduced across the EU, a process that is due to take six months to be fully operational.That means that full implementation is expected by April 2026, and until that time travellers may find that procedures differ from one airport or border crossing to another, particularly regarding whether passports are stamped or whether biometric checks are used.
Once fully operational, the system will replace manual stamping entirely. Until then, passport stamping remains possible when entering or leaving Spain, even though it is not strictly necessary for those who hold a valid TIE.
What are the official rules for travelling in and out of Spain?
Well, the rules vary depending on your status, whether you are just visiting Spain or whether you live there, either having one of the new TIE cards or with one of the old-style green certificates.
Holidaymakers
Visitors to Spain must expect to use the Entry/Exit System. As explained in the Embassy’s official guidance, “If you are a visitor to Spain going on holiday, before you travel take your passport with you. At the airport, go to the non-EU passport control area and go to an EES kiosk. If directed to do so, answer questions about your visit and have four of your fingerprints and photo taken. Then, go to border guard or e-gate. Your passport may be stamped.”
This process may take a few minutes, particularly at busy times.
British citizens resident in Spain with a TIE
For British who hold residency status in Spain and have a TIE card, the procedure is different. They are not required to register in the Entry/Exit System.
Guidance from both the Embassy and Aena confirms this: “If you are a UK citizen resident in Spain and a TIE holder, before you travel take both your TIE and passport with you. At the airport, go to the non-EU passport control (some airports may have a specific residents’ lane). Present your passport and TIE. Your passport may be stamped.”
Aena adds that “legal residents in Spain with a permanent TIE card will receive differentiated treatment at border controls. Dedicated lanes for residents will be available, where your residency can be verified using the TIE.”
British citizens resident in Spain without a TIE
The situation is different for those still holding the older green certificate. The advice is clear: “If you are a UK citizen resident in Spain and a green certificate holder, the best advice is to apply for a TIE.”
Without the TIE, travellers may be treated as visitors and asked to register in the system.
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