Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
This week my backpack was stolen on the way to the airport which contained not only my passport but my residency card (TIE) too. Now I’m stuck in the US waiting to replace my passport.
I am planning to replace my TIE once I return to Spain but I think I recall from traveling back and forth between US & Spain that sometimes border control/customs ask to see the TIE…
Do you think I would come across any difficulties returning to Spain without showing it? Would I be fine just explaining what happened if I am asked? Has anyone been in a similar situation before? (btw I am on a student visa but working as an English teaching assistant).
Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“Were you able to do a police report when it happened? I believe it’s also needed to replace the TIE (not 100% sure). Show a picture of your TIE at border patrol and explain the situation.
The problem might be also in the USA. You may not be allowed to board on a one way ticket if you don’t have proof of residency. Worse case scenario, buy a return ticket and cancel within 24 hr or show an exit ticket out of Spain (even by train, whatever is cheapest).
In USA, passports can be purchased within a couple hours as “urgent travel” within two weeks of your plane ticket. I last purchased mine and got it within 3hrs at NOLA. Ten years ago, I did the same in Philly. I recommend getting a morning appt because it’s pick up that same afternoon.”
“Do you have a picture of your TIE card on yoUr phone?”
“Just fly as a tourist? Once in Spain go about replacing TIE.”
“When I was coming back after Christmas the lady told me I couldn’t board the plane w/o showing either return ticket or some proof of visa/residency”
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Explore Cities →“You will definitely need a copy of the police report to replace your card here in Spain. If you have an electronic copy of your card that may help you board a flight with a one way ticket. Explaining with a copy of a police report will go a long way. Good luck.”
“I would call the consulate in Spain and see if they can issue a statement that you can carry.”
“I’m flying out to Morocco today and took advantage and asked the Federal police your question. They said to file a Spanish police report online and that’s all you need. And exiting the US they never check residency for Americans (they only checked during covid).”
“File the police report on AlertCops app and carry proof that way.”
“Did you report it as stolen have police report and have it translated should be fine, you will need this to replace it anyway”
“Police report and hopefully you have a photo of the original.”
“I’d either file Spanish police report if possible, if not then go as a tourist and when they request return flight I buy one on my phone at the airport on Expedia and then cancel the tickets after I walk through security. (Expedia has free 24 hour cancellation that can be done on the site easily without calling anyone.)”
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