Spanish tourism officials have called for the European Union to abolish the 90-day travel limit imposed on British holidaymakers following Brexit. Former tourism secretaries Fernando Valdés and Hector Gomez argue that the rule is detrimental to the Spanish economy, according to local media reports. Spain's tourism sector heavily depends on visitors from the UK, including second-home owners.
The country has lobbied for an EU-wide exception that would allow British tourists to remain in Spain for up to 180 days. However, despite these efforts, the 90-day cap persists across the Schengen zone. Consequently, Britons must rely on traditional long-stay visas or residency permits to stay longer than 90 days.
UK MPs Push for Resolution
Members of Parliament in the UK have also urged the British government to address the issue, highlighting that visa restrictions continue to cause problems for Brits who live, work, or frequently travel to Spain. Some politicians have been vocal, arguing that millions of Britons working or living abroad were largely overlooked when Brexit regulations were first implemented.
Helen Morgan, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, has called for a more proactive approach to repairing relations with Europe and resolving problems caused by Brexit, including the 90-day rule.
Impact of Brexit on Travel
Before Brexit, British citizens could travel freely across Europe and stay indefinitely in EU member countries. That changed in 2021 when the UK exited the EU's free movement system. Since then, UK nationals visiting the Schengen zone—which includes Spain, France, and Italy—can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.
While this may not be a major issue for some, it significantly affects those who spend extended periods in Europe, such as retirees, second-home owners, and remote workers. The ongoing restrictions continue to strain both British travellers and the Spanish tourism industry.
