New Rules for Brits Traveling to Spain After Brexit

Millions of UK citizens head to Spain annually seeking sun and culture, making it a favorite destination. However, post-Brexit regulations have changed travel requirements, potentially impacting many holiday plans for the upcoming season.

Brexit’s Impact on Spanish Holidays

Before the UK’s departure from the EU, British citizens enjoyed unrestricted entry into Spain, without any passport stamps, and could stay for an extended time. However, new rules now limit UK travelers to a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period when in Spain, or any other Schengen Area country.

Furthermore, passports must have been issued in the previous ten years before arrival and have at least three months’ validity remaining after the planned departure from the Schengen zone.

Travel to Spain? Make sure you’re aware of the new rules! 🇪🇸 Details here

— Travel News (@TravelNews)

“If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.”

—Foreign Office Advice

In 2023, over 17 million UK tourists visited Spain, illustrating the popularity of the destination (Statista 2024).

Understanding the Schengen Area

The Schengen Area comprises numerous European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden, along with non-EU nations like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

The Foreign Office warns: “If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.” Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to significant travel restrictions.

Travelers must stay informed of the updated rules before their trip to Spain or the broader Schengen area to ensure they avoid any potential issues during their vacation.