Britons refused travel from Spain over post-Brexit documents

Passengers waiting in a departure lounge at London Stansted Airport. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA. - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images

The government is “working closely” with Spanish authorities to resolve issues over post-Brexit residency documentation after British nationals were prevented from boarding flights back to Spain.

Travellers at Heathrow airport were left “distressed” after being told by airlines that they did not have the correct proof of residency.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said Spanish authorities had confirmed that both green residence certificates and the new documentation (TIE), along with valid passports, would be sufficient to travel back to Spain.

In an interview posted on Twitter by journalist Max Duncan, passengers on an Iberia airline flight said that they were “absolutely gutted” to be stopped at the airport, after being told that they would be allowed to travel.

“Brit residents of Spain distressed as can’t fly home from @HeathrowAirport under #covid19 restrictions as @Iberia_en said their green residence certificate is not valid post-Brexit even though Spain’s @inclusiongob and @FCDOGovUK say it is. Need clarity,” he wrote.

Responding to the post, the British embassy in Madrid said: “This should not be happening.

“The Spanish authorities have reconfirmed again this evening that the green residency document will be valid for travel to return to Spain as stated in our travel advice.”

The Spanish embassy in London also acknowledged there had been “problems for British nationals resident in Spain”, but also reiterated that both forms of documentation could be used.

Iberia airlines said they had “consulted with the department in charge” and were awaiting further information.

An FCDO spokesperson said: “We have worked closely with the Spanish government to resolve these issues.

“The Spanish Embassy in London has re-confirmed today that both the green residence certificate and the new residence TIE card are equally valid in terms of proving residence in Spain, as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement.”