Travel During Your NLV Renewal: A Complete Guide
Yes, you can travel while renewing your Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain. But there are critical rules, documents you need to carry, and risks to understand. This comprehensive guide covers everything expats need to know about traveling during the NLV renewal period—from border crossing strategies to what happens if your renewal is denied while you're abroad.
Can You Travel During Your NLV Renewal?
The short answer: yes, but with specific conditions and careful planning.
When you submit your Non-Lucrative Visa renewal application at the National Police Station (Policía Nacional) or immigration office, you enter a period of administrative limbo. Your old TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) may have already expired, but your new one hasn't been issued yet. During this waiting period—which can last anywhere from 2 to 6 months—your legal status in Spain is guaranteed by Spanish administrative law.
The key to traveling during this period is understanding what documents prove your legal status and how border agents will interpret them. The document that does this is the resguardo, the official receipt issued when you submit your renewal application.
Remember: Traveling during renewal is legal and permitted under Spanish law (Real Decreto Legislativo 4/2000). However, not all border agents—especially those outside Spain—are familiar with the resguardo. This is where practical complications arise.
The Legal Foundation
Spanish immigration law (Ley de Extranjería) stipulates that once you submit a valid renewal application, your legal status is maintained during the administrative processing period. This means you have the right to:
- Remain in Spain while your application is being processed
- Exit and re-enter Spain with proof of your ongoing application
- Travel within the Schengen area (with caution)
- Travel to countries outside the Schengen zone (with greater caution)
However, this legal right doesn't guarantee smooth travel. Border agents in other countries may not be trained on Spanish administrative procedures, and airlines have their own policies about which documents they accept as proof of legal status.
The Resguardo: Your Proof of Legal Status
Understanding this document is crucial to traveling safely during renewal.
The resguardo is a small, official document—often just a printed receipt—issued by the police station or immigration office when you hand in your NLV renewal application. It includes:
- Your name and passport number
- Application submission date
- Application reference number
- Estimated completion date (usually 3-4 months, though this varies)
- Official stamp and signature
This humble-looking document is your lifeline during the renewal period. It proves to Spanish authorities that you have submitted a valid application and are therefore in legal status. Under Spanish law, the resguardo is recognized as proof of ongoing legal residence and the right to remain in Spain.
What the Resguardo Does NOT Do
It's important to understand the limitations of the resguardo:
- It's not a travel document. It doesn't give you the right to cross borders like a visa or passport does.
- It's specific to Spain. Border agents in other countries, especially outside the EU, may not recognize it.
- It's not universally accepted. Some airlines and border guards may be unfamiliar with it and may request alternative documents.
- It doesn't guarantee re-entry. While you have the legal right to return to Spain, complications can arise at borders.
Critical: Always carry multiple documents when traveling during renewal: your passport, your expired TIE, your resguardo, and a photocopy of your application. Do not rely on the resguardo alone.
Making Copies and Certified Copies
Before you travel, obtain certified copies of your resguardo from your local police station or a notary (notaría). Certified copies carry more weight with border authorities and airline personnel. Keep the original safe at home, and travel with certified copies. Some expats have reported that border agents in certain countries were more willing to accept certified copies than originals.
Traveling to Other Schengen Countries During Renewal
This is the lowest-risk type of travel you can undertake during your NLV renewal.
Most expats' first instinct is to take a trip within the Schengen area—perhaps a weekend in France, Portugal, or Germany. This is technically simpler than traveling outside Schengen, but it still requires careful planning.
Entry into Other Schengen Countries
When you present yourself at a border crossing or airport in another Schengen country, the border agent will ask for your passport and proof of legal status. Your resguardo, combined with your passport, should satisfy this requirement. Most Schengen border guards are trained on recognizing ongoing applications and administrative processes from other EU countries.
However, complications can still arise:
- Some agents may insist on a valid visa or residence permit in your passport
- Non-Spanish speaking agents may not understand what the resguardo represents
- Older border agents trained under different procedures may be skeptical
- Some countries' border systems may flag an expired TIE as a problem
What You Should Carry
For Schengen travel during renewal, pack:
- Your valid passport
- Your expired TIE (proof of your previous legal status)
- Your original resguardo (in a protective sleeve or folder)
- Certified copies of the resguardo (at least 2-3)
- A printed copy of your renewal application
- A brief letter (in English and Spanish) explaining that your visa is in renewal
Re-entry to Spain
Re-entering Spain during the renewal period is usually straightforward because Spanish border agents are familiar with the process. However, some precautions are still wise:
- Arrive at Spanish borders during peak hours when staff are more experienced
- Have your documents organized and ready
- Be prepared to explain briefly that your TIE renewal is in progress
- Avoid secondary questioning by presenting documents confidently
Tip from expats: Many successful NLV travelers report that short trips within Schengen (3-5 days) during early stages of renewal went smoothly. The problems typically arise with longer absences or trips outside Schengen.
Traveling to Your Home Country During NLV Renewal
This is riskier and requires more careful consideration.
Many NLV holders want to visit their home country during the renewal period—perhaps to see family or handle personal matters. This is technically legal, but the risks increase significantly once you leave the Schengen area.
The Core Problem: Re-entry Rights
When you exit the Schengen zone and arrive in your home country, you're relying entirely on the resguardo and administrative law to prove your right to return. Your home country's border agents have no obligation to recognize Spanish administrative documents, and their systems may not be equipped to verify the status of a Spanish visa renewal.
Here's what can happen:
- You present your passport with an expired TIE and a Spanish resguardo
- The border agent sees an expired visa and no valid entry stamp for your home country
- They become suspicious and may deny you entry or subject you to secondary inspection
- If your home country requires a visa from Spanish residents, you may have complications
The Renewal Denial Risk
This is the scenario that keeps expats awake at night: what if your renewal is denied or delayed significantly while you're in your home country or traveling?
If your renewal is denied while you're abroad, you lose your legal status in Spain immediately. You cannot simply return to Spain as if nothing happened. Instead, you would need to:
- Consult an immigration lawyer immediately
- Contact the Spanish consulate in your location
- Apply for a new visa (possibly a 90-day tourist visa or a return visa)
- Potentially spend significant time and money resolving the situation
Serious risk: Do not travel outside Schengen for extended periods (2+ weeks) unless your renewal approval is imminent or you've received a preliminary approval notice from immigration authorities.
Strategies to Minimize Risk
1. Time Your Trip Carefully: Wait until you're at least 2-3 months into the renewal process before traveling home. This reduces the chance that a denial will occur while you're abroad.
2. Check Your Status First: Call the immigration office before you depart and ask for an update. Some offices will tell you if approval is imminent.
3. Keep Communication Open: Ensure your email and phone are accessible while you're abroad, in case immigration needs to contact you (though this is rare).
4. Have a Lawyer on Standby: If you're traveling to your home country, consider having an immigration lawyer's contact information ready in case things go wrong.
5. Limit Your Stay: Plan for a 1-2 week trip rather than a month-long visit. The shorter the absence, the lower the risk.
Re-entering Spain with an Expired TIE and Resguardo
What happens at the Spanish border when your TIE has expired.
This is the most common scenario during NLV renewal. You're returning to Spain from another country with an expired TIE and only a resguardo to prove your legal status. How do Spanish border agents handle this?
At the Airport or Border
When you present yourself to a Spanish border agent with an expired TIE, the agent will:
- Scan your passport in the Spanish immigration system (SIS)
- Check for your renewal status in the system. If your application is active, they will see this.
- Request the resguardo as confirmation of the ongoing application
- Process your entry normally if everything checks out
In most cases, this process is routine. Spanish border agents are accustomed to NLV renewals and understand the administrative process. Your expired TIE combined with a resguardo is a normal sight to them.
Potential Complications
While rare, some border agents may:
- Question why your TIE expired if you submitted a renewal application
- Ask where you've been traveling and why
- Inspect your resguardo closely for signs of forgery
- Verify the reference number on the resguardo with a phone call or computer check
None of these actions are hostile; they're standard procedure. The key is to remain calm and cooperate fully. Have your documents organized, be truthful about where you traveled, and be prepared for the process to take 5-10 minutes longer than normal.
Pro tip: Spanish border agents are most suspicious of travelers who appear disorganized or who seem to be hiding something. Have your documents ready, maintain eye contact, speak clearly, and you're unlikely to encounter problems.
What If You're Denied Entry?
This is extremely rare, but hypothetically possible if:
- Your renewal application was withdrawn or denied
- Your resguardo is fraudulent or has expired
- Your passport has been revoked in your home country
- You're on an immigration watchlist
If you're denied entry, you have the right to request a written explanation and to speak with a supervisor. This is also the moment to contact an immigration lawyer immediately.
The Risk of Being Stopped at Borders
Understanding the realistic dangers of traveling during renewal.
Let's be honest: traveling during NLV renewal involves risk. The question is whether that risk is acceptable for your circumstances.
Spanish Borders
Risk level: Very Low. Spanish agents understand the process and are trained on administrative renewals. The worst-case scenario is a few extra questions and a 10-minute delay.
Schengen Borders (Other Countries)
Risk level: Low to Moderate. Most Schengen agents are familiar with ongoing applications from other EU countries. However, individual agents' knowledge varies. Some may delay you or request additional documents. Few will deny you entry outright if your resguardo is legitimate.
Non-Schengen Borders (Your Home Country)
Risk level: Moderate to High. Border agents in non-Schengen countries may not recognize the resguardo. They see an expired visa and an unfamiliar Spanish document. They may:
- Deny you entry to your own home country (unlikely, but possible)
- Subject you to extended questioning
- Confiscate your resguardo for inspection
- Contact Spanish immigration for verification (which takes time)
The Permanent Damage Scenario
The worst-case scenario that could happen at a non-Schengen border: an agent misinterprets your situation and enters a false flag into your immigration record. This could complicate future visa applications or residency in other countries. While rare, this is why legal professionals recommend against extended travel outside Schengen during renewal.
If you're traveling to a non-Schengen country, carry a letter from a Spanish immigration lawyer explaining your status. This adds credibility to your situation.
Airlines and the Resguardo: Will They Accept It?
What you need to know about boarding a flight with only a resguardo.
Airlines have strict rules about which documents they will accept as proof of legal status and identity. The resguardo is not an official travel document like a passport or visa, which creates potential problems.
The Airline's Perspective
Airlines are liable for transporting passengers without valid documentation. They check documents at check-in and again at the gate. Their concern is simple: can you legally enter your destination country?
- Valid passport: Always accepted. Essential for all international flights.
- Valid visa or residency permit: Required for entry to destination; airlines will check.
- Expired travel documents: Generally not accepted without special circumstances.
- Resguardo: Unknown to most airlines. They have no established policy.
What Happens During Check-in?
You present your passport (with expired TIE) and your resguardo. The airline agent:
Scenario 1: Agent recognizes the resguardo from experience with other Spanish passengers or immigration documents. They accept it and process your booking normally.
Scenario 2: Agent is unfamiliar with the resguardo and is uncertain. They call a supervisor, who reviews your documents. If the supervisor has experience with Spanish immigration, they accept it. If not, they may deny you.
Scenario 3: Agent refuses the resguardo and requires an alternative document. You're denied boarding unless you can provide a valid travel document or visa.
Which Airlines Are More Flexible?
Airlines operating frequent routes to Spain (Iberia, Air Europa, Vueling, Ryanair) have staff more familiar with Spanish immigration procedures and the resguardo. International carriers (Lufthansa, Air France, KLM) operating to less common destinations may be less familiar.
However, this is not a rule. Individual agents and supervisors vary in their knowledge.
Strategies to Avoid Airline Problems
1. Contact the Airline in Advance
Call or email the airline's customer service 48-72 hours before your flight. Explain your situation: your NLV is renewing, you have a resguardo, and you're traveling within the Schengen area or to a specific destination. Ask if they will accept your documentation. Get a written confirmation via email if possible.
2. Check In Online
If possible, check in online and print your boarding pass at home. This bypasses the initial agent question at check-in. However, you'll still face scrutiny at the gate or passport control.
3. Arrive Extra Early
If you're uncertain about airline acceptance, arrive 3+ hours early (international) or 2+ hours early (Schengen). This gives you time to resolve any document issues without missing your flight.
4. Carry Multiple Forms of Proof
- Your passport (obviously)
- Your expired TIE
- Your resguardo
- Certified copies of the resguardo
- A copy of your renewal application
- A letter from an immigration lawyer on letterhead
The more documentation you have, the more credible your situation appears.
5. Be Honest and Professional
When questioned, explain your situation clearly and professionally. Don't be defensive or evasive. Many agents appreciate directness and honesty.
Real example: Many expats have successfully traveled with a resguardo on Spanish airlines without incident. The problems are more common on small airlines or with inexperienced staff.
How to Minimize Your Travel Risks During Renewal
Practical steps to make traveling safer during this vulnerable period.
Before You Book
- Check your renewal status. Call the immigration office and ask for an update. Is your application on track? Are there any delays?
- Consult with an immigration lawyer. Spend 100-200 euros on a 30-minute consultation. Get specific advice for your destination.
- Verify airline policies. Contact the airline directly and confirm they'll accept your documentation.
- Research your destination. Some countries are more cautious with foreign residents than others. Know what you're walking into.
Before You Depart
- Obtain certified copies of your resguardo. Get at least 3-4 certified copies from a notary.
- Make digital backups. Photograph or scan all important documents. Email them to yourself or upload to cloud storage.
- Create a document package. Organize everything in a folder with labeled sections.
- Write a brief letter. In English and Spanish, explain that your visa is in renewal and provide your reference number. Sign it and have a notary stamp it if possible.
- Register with your embassy. Many embassies allow citizens to register their travel plans. This can be helpful if complications arise.
- Share your itinerary. Tell a trusted friend or family member where you'll be and when you expect to return.
During Your Travel
- Keep documents accessible. Carry them in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage.
- Stay calm at borders. Nervousness raises suspicion. Take a breath and be polite and straightforward.
- Don't volunteer information. Answer questions directly without elaborating.
- Know your rights. You have the right to speak to a supervisor, to a representative from your embassy, and to written explanations of any denial.
If Problems Arise
- Ask for a supervisor. If a junior agent causes problems, escalate immediately.
- Request written documentation. If you're denied boarding or entry, demand a written explanation.
- Contact your embassy. Call the emergency line of your embassy or consulate.
- Contact an immigration lawyer in Spain. Many work with remote clients and can provide immediate guidance.
Impact on Continuous Residence Requirements
How travel during renewal affects your long-term residency plans.
One reason expats worry about travel during renewal is its potential impact on future applications for long-term residency or permanent residency. These applications require proof of "continuous residence" in Spain. What does this mean for your travel?
The Continuous Residence Requirement
To qualify for long-term residency (after 5 years on the NLV), you must demonstrate that you've maintained uninterrupted residency in Spain. Trips of less than 30 consecutive days do not break continuity. Absences of 30+ days may be questioned by immigration authorities.
The good news: travel during your renewal period typically does not disrupt continuity, provided:
- You maintain your primary residence in Spain
- Your trips are relatively short (under 30 days)
- You return to Spain and re-register with your local authorities if required
- You don't establish residency in another country during your absence
What Triggers Problems?
- Extended absences (45+ days) during the renewal period may be flagged during future residency applications
- Multiple trips totaling 60+ days annually may invite scrutiny
- Establishing a secondary residence in another country while your NLV is renewing
- Evidence of employment or income earned abroad during the renewal period (which violates NLV conditions anyway)
Strategic Advice
If you're planning to apply for long-term residency in the next 2-3 years, minimize your travel during the renewal period. Take short trips (under 10 days) within the Schengen area. Avoid long absences and trips outside Schengen.
If you already have 3+ years of uninterrupted NLV residence and you're not applying for long-term residency soon, the risk of a trip affecting your future application is minimal.
Planning ahead: If long-term residency is in your future, time your necessary travel before the renewal period begins, if possible, or wait until after your new TIE is issued.
Travel Insurance During the Renewal Period
Why it's even more important when your visa status is in transition.
Travel insurance is important for any traveler, but it's critical when your visa status is in transition. A medical emergency or travel mishap during renewal could trigger complications with your visa application.
What You Need in Your Policy
- Emergency medical evacuation. If you're hospitalized abroad, you need coverage to return to Spain for treatment.
- Emergency legal assistance. Some policies include access to lawyers in foreign countries—valuable if immigration issues arise.
- Cancellation coverage. If an immigration issue forces you to cancel or cut short your trip.
- Lost document coverage. If you lose your resguardo abroad, your insurance should cover replacement costs and expedited processing.
- 24/7 claims support. You need English-language assistance, ideally with someone who understands Spanish immigration.
Disclosing Your Visa Status
When purchasing travel insurance, you must disclose that your visa is in renewal. Some insurers may:
- Exclude coverage for visa-related incidents
- Charge a higher premium
- Refuse coverage entirely
This is why it's important to purchase insurance specifically designed for digital nomads, expats, or people with uncertain visa status. Companies like SafetyWing, a leading private insurer Global, and World Nomads explicitly cover travelers in administrative visa processes.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
A 1-2 week travel insurance policy costs 20-50 euros. A medical emergency abroad or an immigration incident could cost thousands. It's a worthwhile investment.
For long-term travelers or frequent trips during renewal, annual expat travel insurance (200-500 euros) may be more economical.
What If Your Renewal Is Denied While You're Abroad?
The worst-case scenario and how to prepare for it.
This is the scenario that keeps expats awake. What if you receive a letter denying your NLV renewal while you're in another country? Here's what happens:
Immediate Consequences
- Your legal status in Spain ends immediately upon the denial decision
- Your resguardo becomes invalid (it was only valid during the processing period)
- Your right to return to Spain as an NLV resident expires
- You cannot legally board a flight back to Spain using your resguardo
Steps to Take Immediately
1. Contact an Immigration Lawyer (Same Day)
You need professional legal guidance immediately. Call an immigration law firm in Spain and explain your situation. Most will offer emergency consultations. The lawyer will review the denial letter (if you can access it) and advise you on your options.
2. Contact the Spanish Consulate
Reach out to the Spanish consulate in the country where you are. Explain that your residence permit renewal was denied while you're abroad. The consulate may be able to:
- Verify the denial with Spanish immigration authorities
- Help you apply for a return/temporary visa
- Provide guidance on the next steps
- Escalate your situation if the denial was unjust
3. Request a Copy of the Denial Letter
Contact the immigration office in Spain where you submitted your renewal. Request an official copy of the denial letter and, crucially, the reason for the denial. This information is critical for your lawyer's next steps.
Why Would a Renewal Be Denied?
NLV renewals are rarely denied if your situation hasn't changed. However, possible reasons include:
- Insufficient funds: Your income or savings fell below the threshold
- Criminal activity: You were convicted of a crime
- Security concerns: You appeared on an immigration watchlist
- False information: You provided false information on your application
- Administrative error: The office made a mistake (rare but possible)
Your Options After Denial
Option 1: Apply for a Return Visa
You can apply to the Spanish consulate in your current location for a return visa. This is a temporary visa (typically 90 days) that allows you to return to Spain to resolve the situation, appeal the denial, or gather documents for a new application. The return visa is granted for humanitarian or legal reasons.
Option 2: Appeal the Denial
You have the right to file an administrative appeal of the denial (recurso administrativo). This must be done within a specific timeframe. Your lawyer can file this appeal on your behalf, even while you're abroad. The appeal may take several months to resolve.
Option 3: Apply for a New Visa
Depending on your circumstances, you could apply for a different visa type (such as a D visa from the consulate) rather than the NLV. This may be necessary if the NLV is permanently denied.
Financial and Emotional Impact
A denial while abroad can be expensive and stressful. You may need to:
- Pay for emergency legal services (500-1500 euros)
- Extend your trip abroad while you resolve matters (accommodation, flights)
- Travel back and forth between Spain and your current location
- Spend time (weeks or months) resolving the situation
This is why travel outside Schengen is risky during renewal. The potential cost and disruption of a denial while abroad are substantial.
Critical point: A renewal denial is not the same as a ban from Spain. You can likely return and reapply, but you'll need legal help to do so.
Emergency Travel Situations
What if a family emergency requires you to travel immediately?
Life doesn't always cooperate with your renewal timeline. What if a family member becomes seriously ill or dies while your NLV is renewing? You may need to travel immediately, regardless of the risks.
Legal Provision for Emergency Travel
Spanish administrative law recognizes force majeure (unforeseeable circumstances beyond your control) as justification for travel during renewal. Family emergencies are generally considered valid force majeure situations.
If You Must Travel for an Emergency
1. Document Everything
- Get a written confirmation from the hospital or family member about the emergency
- Keep copies of funeral arrangements if relevant
- Retain all emails and communications related to the emergency
2. Notify Immigration If Possible
If you have time, visit or call the immigration office and inform them of the emergency. Request an official document or note on your file confirming the force majeure situation. This protects you if your absence is questioned later.
3. Minimize Your Absence
Make the trip as brief as possible. Attend the funeral or visit your family member, then return to Spain promptly.
4. Document Your Return
Get your passport stamped when you re-enter Spain. This proves you returned promptly, not that you abandoned your residency.
Impact on Your Renewal
Emergency travel during renewal should not negatively impact your application, provided:
- You can document the emergency
- You return to Spain promptly (within 2-3 weeks)
- You notify immigration if possible
- You don't disappear for months
In fact, demonstrating that you returned to Spain quickly despite the emergency shows good faith and strengthens your application.
Tips from Expats Who Have Traveled During NLV Renewal
Real-world advice from people who have navigated this process successfully.
"I took a 5-day trip to Portugal about 2 months into my renewal. I carried my passport, expired TIE, resguardo, and a notarized letter explaining the situation. No problems at all. Spanish agents just waved me through. I'd do it again." — Sarah, NLV holder, Madrid
"The airline at check-in didn't recognize the resguardo. It took 15 minutes of explaining and talking to a supervisor, but they eventually let me board. I'd recommend contacting the airline in advance next time." — Marcus, NLV holder, Barcelona
"I made the mistake of traveling to my home country (UK) about 3 months into renewal. The UK border agent was confused by the resguardo and called their supervisor. Eventually they let me in, but it was stressful. I wouldn't have left the Schengen area if I'd known it would be that complicated." — Emma, NLV holder, Valencia
"My lawyer advised me not to travel during renewal at all. It was hard advice to follow, but I waited. The peace of mind was worth it. My new TIE arrived after 4 months, and I traveled freely after that." — James, NLV holder, Madrid
"The resguardo is your golden ticket. Treat it like your TIE used to be. Don't lose it, keep it clean, have it certified, and always carry multiple copies. I laminated certified copies and it helped at the border in France." — David, NLV holder, Málaga
Common Success Factors
- Short trips (under 7 days) have fewer complications than long trips
- Staying within Schengen is significantly safer than traveling outside
- Contacting airlines and borders in advance helps enormously
- Arriving early at airports and borders reduces stress
- Certified copies of the resguardo are more effective than originals
- Professional appearance and calm demeanor help at borders
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lose my NLV status by traveling during renewal?
Your legal status during the renewal processing period is protected by Spanish law, regardless of travel. However, if your renewal is denied while you're abroad, you lose your status. This is why travel outside Schengen is risky during renewal.
How many times can I travel during renewal?
Technically, there's no limit. However, each trip increases the risk of complications. Expats report that 1-2 short trips within Schengen go smoothly. Frequent trips or trips outside Schengen are riskier.
What if my resguardo expires before my renewal is approved?
The resguardo is valid for the duration of the processing period (typically 3-6 months, sometimes longer). If the process extends beyond the resguardo date, you can request a new resguardo from the immigration office, though this rarely happens.
Can I travel if I haven't received a physical resguardo yet?
Some offices issue a digital resguardo or a reference number instead of a physical document. If this is your situation, contact the immigration office and request a physical copy or an official letter confirming your application status. You need something tangible to show border agents.
Is it better to travel before or after submitting the renewal application?
Travel before submitting the application is safer because your old TIE is still valid. Travel after submission is legal but riskier. If possible, schedule necessary trips before your renewal appointment.
Do I need a visa to enter other Schengen countries during renewal?
No. As an NLV holder in legal status (even during renewal), you don't need a separate visa for Schengen travel. Your resguardo proves your status. However, the resguardo itself is not a visa—it's proof of ongoing legal status in Spain.
What if I'm a digital nomad and need to travel frequently?
If you need to travel frequently during renewal, you should seriously reconsider applying for renewal at that time. Consider waiting until after your new TIE is issued. If you must travel, limit yourself to short Schengen trips and stay in close contact with the immigration office about your status.
Can my family travel with me during my renewal period?
Yes. Your family members are not affected by your renewal period unless they also hold dependent visas. Family members with their own visas or passports can travel independently of your NLV renewal status.
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