Spanish tourism officials are continuing to push for changes to post-Brexit travel rules that limit the amount of time British visitors can spend in Spain and the wider Schengen Area.
Under current regulations, non-resident UK citizens may stay in Spain and other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. The rule has created frustration among British second-home owners, retirees and long-stay holidaymakers who previously spent much longer periods in Spain, particularly during the winter months.
Tourism representatives in Spain argue that the restriction is damaging local economies, especially in areas with large British communities such as the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida, Costa del Sol and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Long-stay British visitors are seen as an important source of income for bars, restaurants, shops, estate agents and service businesses outside the peak summer season.
Spanish officials, including former tourism ministers Fernando Valdés and Héctor Gómez, have previously called for a more flexible arrangement that would allow British nationals to spend longer in Spain without needing residency or a long-stay visa.
One proposal discussed in recent years has been a special exemption or reciprocal agreement allowing UK visitors to remain in Spain for up to 180 days at a time. Supporters say this would better reflect the close tourism and property links between Britain and Spain.
However, Spain cannot change the rule on its own. The 90-day limit applies across the Schengen zone and any major reform would need agreement at European Union level.
Mr Valdés has acknowledged that the issue is not within Spain’s sole control, saying the rule “is not something Spain has established by itself or can get rid of.” He added that Brexit had created problems for people who wanted to stay longer in the country.
The introduction of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System is also expected to make it easier for authorities to monitor overstays by non-EU visitors, including Britons who exceed the permitted 90 days.
For now, the rule remains unchanged. British citizens who want to stay in Spain for more than 90 days must apply for the appropriate visa or residency permit.
Spanish tourism leaders are expected to keep pressing Brussels for a solution, arguing that greater flexibility would benefit both British visitors and the Spanish economy.
