British people could be denied entry into Spain unless they show a certain new document. It comes as the old green residency certificate will soon not be recognised by the EU’s new Entry Exit System (EES) as proof of residency.  

The British Embassy in Spain is now urging people to get a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) as soon as possible. This will be the only documentation accepted by Spanish authorities for British nationals who hope to stay in the country for a prolonged period of time.

The TIE documentation will prove your legal status as a foreigner in Spain, giving you the same rights as before the UK left the EU. It is only needed if you have a visa that allows you to stay in the country for longer than 6 months.

If you are just a tourist, and not planning on staying for six months or more, then you do not require the TIE card. The documentation is only necessary for non-EU citizens.

The new EES system is set to come into force later this year with a grace period whilst the systems are fully implemented. It will collect the travellers’ name, passport details and biometric data, including fingerprints and captured facial images, that are on the TIE card.

The British Embassy in Madrid, Spain, said: “Anyone attempting to enter Spain or another EU country with a green certificate will find that their document is not accepted as valid proof of residency, and they may be wrongly accused of overstaying in the EU. This could lead to them being denied entry and returned to the UK.”

His Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain, Sir Alex Ellis added: “We want British residents in Spain to be able to travel smoothly into this country. That’s why it’s really important that anyone with a Green Certificate gets a TIE. It can take a few months, so start the process now to ensure smooth travel once the EES comes into force later this year.”  

The European Council said the new system will allow border security to access the data and travel history of people. These details will be held on file for three years to ensure Brits don’t have to keep registering if they are making repeated visits to Spain.

The European Council said: “As a result, the EES will significantly reduce the likelihood of identity fraud and overstay, strengthening the security of the Schengen area.”

The summer is quickly approaching and holidaymakers will be looking forward to their cruises in the sun. Although many feel confident they know how to prepare for their cruise, experts are recommending passengers to make one essential stop before their holiday this year.

Packing the essential items, checking in early and making sure you have a transfer plan are all important things to do for cruise passengers. However, the experts say there is one “non-negotiable” step to carry out before boarding the boat to ensure you save a bit of cash.

Some cruise lines let people bring on a limited amount of wine to save them forking out for expensive prices onboard. The experts also recommend taking some “between meals snacks” on cruise holidays.

The Cruise Critic said: “Make the supermarket a non-negotiable stop on your way to the cruise port.

“Some cruise lines let you bring on bottled water and cans of your favorite soft drink free of charge, so you don’t have to suffer on a Pepsi cruise if you’re a Diet Coke fan or shell out two bucks whenever you want a seltzer.”

They explained that although some may allow wine – to expert a corkage fee in some trips.

The experts added: “Most will also let you bring on a limited amount of wine – though you’ll have to pay a corkage fee to drink it in an onboard restaurant.

“Plus, despite offering vast amounts of food, cruise lines aren’t so good with prepackaged snack foods that you might want for a between-meal snack or beach day munching.

“Stock up on granola bars, to-go packs of crackers, even your favorite candy before setting sail.”

Diners at one of Rick Stein’s restaurants were disappointed, with one calling the fish and chips ‘the worst they’d ever tried’. Gary Hanna, who runs the restaurant review YouTube channel Gary Eats, said he was so let down by the food that he even sent his meal back.

The chef and TV presenter owns a fish and chip shop in Padstow, Cornwall. A takeaway serving of haddock and chips is £15.95, going up to £19.95 for sit-down customers. Gary said of his meal: “I had his fish and chips and I’ve got to say they were disappointing. In fact, I actually called it out and said it was a tourist trap.” He even gave the restaurant a second chance, going back again to see if his first disappointment was a fluke. He said it wasn’t, and claimed the food was not worth the 20-minute wait.

The reviewer said it was “not a good piece of fish at all”, that the chips were “a bit dry”, the scampi “mass-produced mush”, and mushy peas “rubbish”.

Others on TripAdvisor were also left disappointed by Rick Stein’s fish and chips. One said: “Honestly the worst fish and chips I have ever tried! Chips and fish batter were absolutely saturated with oil and the curry sauce was like dishwater with a hint of curry.”

Another added: “Save you money guys and support the local fish and chip outlet in Padstow. The quality and portion size of our Rick Stein order was appalling.”

While a third said: “Initially thought there was a mistake and we had child size portions.” Another said: “Pure grease, well well overpriced not even a nice fish and chips, mushy peas if you could call them that watery paste.”

Someone else wrote: “We waited a very long time outside in the cold only to be disappointed with the food.

“The portions were minimal in size and not proportionate to the price of the meal. We also thought that basics like mayonnaise and tartare sauce would be included in the price”.

Rick Stein owns six restaurants and cafes in Padstow as well as a gift shop, pub and cookery school. His presence in the town has led to it being nicknamed Padstein.

The Daily Express contacted Rick Stein for comment.