Spain to 'try and convince EU’ to axe 90-day visit limit for British holidaymakers after post-Brexit rule

15 November 2023, 21:27 | Updated: 15 November 2023, 21:32

The Spanish government could lobby to see the limit extended.
The Spanish government could lobby to see the limit extended. Picture: Alamy

By Jenny Medlicott

Brits who enjoy holidaying in Spain might soon be able to extend the length of their stay, as the Spanish government has called for the post-Brexit 90-day limit in EU countries to be axed.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Under current post-Brexit law, Brits can stay in areas in the EU for a total of 90 days out of every 180.

Anyone who wishes to extend their stay beyond this must apply for a long-stay visa of up to six months.

But now Spain is feeling the effects of the post-Brexit rule and is hoping to lobby for change.

Spain’s acting Minister of Tourism, Hector Gomez said: “Unfortunately, the rule is not something Spain has established by itself or can get rid of.

“It is in our interest to lobby and convince the EU that we can try to work an exception with them. But the solution must come from them.”

It comes just days after France’s senate voted to amend immigration law, giving British second homeowners the automatic right to a long-stay visa.

French politicians said they had voted the amendment through for those who had been “punished by Brexit”.

Now similar work could be in the pipeline for Brits hoping to visit Spain after Mr Gomez confirmed earlier this week he had an “important meeting” with the UK's Director of Consular Affairs and Crisis, Jennifer Anderson, at the Foreign Office.

Hector Gomez said he had an 'important meeting' with the UK's Director of Consular Affairs and Crisis.
Hector Gomez said he had an 'important meeting' with the UK's Director of Consular Affairs and Crisis. Picture: Alamy

Read more: Moment residents of town in Iceland hurriedly load up their car as they flee home ahead of looming volcanic eruption

Read more: British tourist, 26, dies after partner ‘stabbed her 41 times with screwdriver in hotel room’ while on Turkey holiday

He said they “discussed issues of interest regarding the stays of British tourists in Spain and discussed collaboration projects for future seasons”.

Andrew Hesselden, Campaign Director and founder of '180 Days in Spain', which campaigns for Brits' free movement in Spain, told of his delight over the decision in France - aligning with his campaign's goals.

He said he was “delighted to see French senators recognise the injustice of the situation that British part-year residents have found themselves in since Brexit”.

Mr Hesselden added his campaign members “remain hopeful of similar recognition in Spain for everyone affected”.

Spain’s biggest influx of tourists comes from the UK, as data shows 23.8% of its visitors last year came from the UK, according to Spain's National Institute of Statistics (INE).

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Omid Scobie has said the names of those at the centre of the royal race row could come out

Omid Scobie threatens to name royals at centre of racism storm amid growing row over incendiary Endgame claims

Greggs is opening a 'fine-dining bistro'

Greggs to open 'fine-dining bistro', with menu taking old favourites to 'new culinary heights' in 'Paris-inspired space'

Sajid Javid said he quit because of Dominic Cummings' behaviour

Dominic Cummings was seeking to 'act as the Prime Minister in all but name', Covid inquiry hears

Ada Sagi was released by Hamas on Tuesday.

'It's such a huge relief': London man tells of 'joy' as mum is freed by Hamas

Javier Milei

Argentina’s president-elect announces choice for economy minister

More than 4,000 children were treated for head injuries sustained during sport over the last year.

Alarming rise in children's sports head injuries prompts calls for improved safety measures amid long-term effects warnings

Keir Starmer hit out at Rishi Sunak over cancelling the meeting with the Greek Prime Minister amid an Elgin Marbles row

Starmer slams Sunak for 'trying to humiliate' Greek PM over Elgin Marbles row as he accuses him of 'small politics'

Marcia Grant was killed on her own driveway

Boy aged 13 who ran over and killed woman with her own car receives two-year sentence

GoFundMe set up for 'heroic' crane driver.

'Buy Glen a drink': GoFundMe page set up to reward hero crane driver who rescued trapped colleague reaches £6,000

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick (l) has said action needs to be taken as the shortage occupation list is being looked at

'Worker shortage list' including ballet dancers could be axed as ministers battle to reduce migration

Sean 'Diddy' Combs

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs temporarily steps down as Revolt chairman amid allegations

Crash search at sea

US military Osprey aircraft with six onboard crashes off southern Japan

Carla Bellucci will charge family members £150 for Christmas dinner.

'Britain's most hated woman' to charge family members £150 for Christmas dinner as she should not be 'out of pocket'

Snow could hit London this weekend as first flurries land in Scotland and the north

Snow set to hit London as forecasters issue three day weather warnings for 795 miles of the UK

The four boys drowned in the crash in north Wales

Cause of death of four teenagers killed in Snowdonia camping trip car crash revealed at inquest

Russian model Irina Dvizova, 42 was gunned down in Turkey alongside her daughter Dayana, 15,

International manhunt launched after model, 42, and daughter 15, gunned down in Turkish holiday resort