VALIDITY OF PASSPORTS BEYOND THEIR EXPIRATION

UNCLAS MADRID 004850 SIPDIS For CA/VO/F/P: MBTATUCH; EUR/WE SBOWMAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CVIS CMGT SP AN SUBJECT: VALIDITY OF PASSPORTS BEYOND THEIR EXPIRATION DATES: SPAIN, ANDORRA, and WESTERN SAHARA REF: STATE 261966 ¶1. (SENSITIVE) SPAIN: MFA confirms that Spanish citizens have the right to enter Spain regardless of the validity (or absence) of passport or other identity documents. Since Spain has been maintaining a database of Spanish nationals, including biometric elements, for over 150 years, the Spanish National Police have a mechanism for confirming the identity of Spanish citizens. For the purposes of INA 212(a)(7)(B)(small i)(I),Spain should be included in the list of countries listed in 9 FAM 41.104 N2.1, which recognize passports as valid for return for a period of six months beyond the expiration date. ¶2. ANDORRA: The Andorran government does accept the return of their citizens with expired passports for a period of six months beyond the expiration date specified in the passport. The Andorran government does not have an agreement with the United States. For the purposes of INA 212(a)(7)(B)(small i)(I), Andorra should be included in the list of countries listed in 9 FAM 41.104 N2.1, which recognize passports as valid for return for a period of six months beyond the expiration date. ¶3. WESTERN SAHARA: There are no passports issued by Western Sahara. MANZANARES