Passport Control

[bookman451]

Anyone returned from UK since Jan 1.  Was your passport scanned and/or stamped ?

[FVmouse]

Mine was stamped when leaving FV. Don’t know about entering FV, sorry.

[Moonlight]

Yes stamped on arrival on Jan 2nd

[Nemo4]

Was scanned on arrival mid November and stamped on return mid January.

[beachlife]

Might need to get a passport with more pages next time I renew then if they are stamping in & out. In 10 years I will collect a lot of stamps for Fuerteventura once things back to normal. Then other countries as well.

[DavidP]

Just returned via E jet only 30% full.

Interestingly even though we showed our TIEs our passports were still stamped. But it wasn't stamped leaving.
No electronic check seemed to be carried out purely the border guards eye.
Strangely I got a very resounding Thank you in English when he returned the TIE whereas other persons just got a grunt.

This all seems a bit hit and miss and I do wonder how it will affect changing a temp TIE to a permanent TIE with regards to permitted time out of Spain because we appear to have arrived here but never left!

[Cotillo_Tom]

Welcome back David.

There is an electronic check on your comings and goings!  You submit API (Advance Passenger Information) in order to book your flight.  Previously this was not shared with the Canaries, as the organisation behind API (working on behalf of all the airlines) felt the computer system operating out here were lacking in any security.  A new system has now been installed and the information is now shared.

Further, passport scanners are in the process of being installed at boarder control (but there are a huge number needed, so it isn't happening overnight), so your passport will be scanned entering or departing, at some future point. 

Tom. 

PS the information about API comes from someone who works for the central body that handles all the information. I met him briefly last year when he came over to discuss computer requirements with the authorities.

[Ducks]

Further, passport scanners are in the process of being installed at boarder control (but there are a huge number needed, so it isn't happening overnight), so your passport will be scanned entering or departing, at some future point. 

Will they be doing that with EU passengers too? I thought EU border crossings were supposed to be free of that sort of thing?

[Cotillo_Tom]

Schengen area allows travel without a visa, a passport is still required, or other ID (eg National Identity Card).  The UK was in the Schengen area for a long time, but do you ever remember entering the UK without showing Passport Control or Boarder Control your passport?

Tom.

[Johnrgby]

Schengen area allows travel without a visa, a passport is still required, or other ID (eg National Identity Card).  The UK was in the Schengen area for a long time, but do you ever remember entering the UK without showing Passport Control or Boarder Control your passport?

Tom.

Many years ago in the early 80,sI planned a trip around Europe with the family,  managed to forget my passport,but travelled using an IDP, through Germany Holland Belgium and France without any one raising an eyebrow, until on my return To The Uk at Sheerness i had major hassle from  a Jobsworth at customs control.