Flights

I think you will find, that you will need the the stage of residency, where the application has been successful with interview and fingerprints taken, only then, a lote number is issued to you for a future date to actually collect your TIE card. With that approval you may be allowed to use this paperwork to enter Spain. When did you apply for residency, do you have a appointment date? That may help? The wording going around on forums at the moment is, Permitted reasons from the British government to leave the UK, Does not constitute permission to enter Spain. So do a lot of research before you attempt to enter Spain. Good luck, stay safe and healthy my friend.

The news the other day reported that whatever documents people had unless they had an actual TIE then they were put back on the same plane to the UK.

The issue with this would be that the post-Brexit process requires the application for a non lucrative visa to be made in the UK; and then, if/when this is granted, you need to travel to Spain within the following 3 months to attend the Foreigner's Office at a police station for your fingerprints to be taken and then the TIE issued.

This would create a Catch 22 situation whereby you need a TIE to enter Spain, but you can only get a TIE in Spain?

My understanding (although I may be wrong) is that the non lucrative visa gives the permission to enter Spain and from there you can get the TIE.

Yes it's correct. The Spanish Embassy from your country of origen,  gives the approval  for entering Spain upon reviewing & approving the miriads of prerequisites. The same Embassy then stamps your passport (Mailed out to you) with a Visado (Visa)  to enter Spain to further pursue your Residency. This you show at the airport of entry in Spain. 

 You have 3 months to complete the process. If you must leave Spain for any emergency reason during these 3 months, you must ask for an "extensión" at  your local Extranjería (This is the place you will never forget) 

I brought my husband back to UK to end his days. I need to get his death certificate over there to begin the inheritance procedure. I have a copy of residency application made in Oct, from the solicitor, also I have title deeds for the house. 

I'm sorry for your loss.

The Entry Requirements to Spain also allow 'compassionate grounds', imperative family reasons' and other 'essential reasons to travel' which need to be supported by documentary evidence.

Anyone with common sense & decency would consider your reason for travel as acceptable, however, it may be a good idea to have a letter in Spanish, from a lawyer if possible, setting out the circumstances, to show to a border control agent.

The Spanish consulate for your area of the UK may also be able to help.

Good Luck!

I think the major problem is that the people at the sharp end, check in personnel border officials etc etc in both the UK & Spain really do not know what documents are required.

You leave the UK with the correct documents according to them & you arrive in Spain & the documents are not acceptable.

What a nightmare for all concerned.

Spain Travel Health www.spth.gob.es

Getting the APP so much easier. I have just used this myself. Under My Trips you can actually ask questions. I did. I needed straight answer. No time nor money to fool around. They responded very quickly. I print the letter just in case. I had it with my other traveling documents just in case to show the response came from them. To a piece of mind, best if you go directly to the "Experts" I had no problem entering Spain. I am a resident of Spain but also  an American citizen . I needed clarification to travel to Spain, the reason I wrote to them. Best wishes.