Home » France Travel News » New Restrictions In Spain, France And Greece Could See Brits Barred For Three Years For Overstaying The Ninety Day Visa Free Period
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Since the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, a range of new travel regulations has been introduced that UK travelers must be aware of, particularly when visiting popular destinations like Spain. For many years, Spain was a favorite getaway for British nationals, with its sun-soaked beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, with millions of UK visitors expected to head to Spain this summer. However, with the advent of post-Brexit travel rules, it is crucial for UK citizens to stay informed about the new regulations to avoid any unnecessary issues while traveling.
Before Brexit, UK passport holders could easily enter Spain and other EU countries without the need for a visa or any complicated paperwork. They could even stay indefinitely without worrying about overstaying their welcome. This arrangement allowed for greater flexibility and made Spain an accessible and convenient destination for holidays, business trips, and longer stays. However, since the UK’s departure from the EU, travelers from the UK are now subject to stricter rules under the Schengen Area regulations, which apply to most European countries.
One of the most important changes post-Brexit is that UK citizens are no longer able to stay indefinitely in Spain or other Schengen Area countries. Instead, they are now limited to spending a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule applies not only to Spain but also to all the countries in the Schengen Area, which includes popular destinations like France, Italy, Germany, and Greece. This means that UK travelers need to plan their trips carefully to avoid exceeding the 90-day limit, as doing so could result in significant penalties.
In addition to the 90-day stay limit, there are new passport requirements that UK travelers must meet to enter Spain and other Schengen countries. UK passports must be issued within the last 10 years before the arrival date in Spain, and the passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area. This is an important detail that many travelers overlook, but failure to comply with these requirements could result in denial of entry into Spain or any other Schengen country, as well as being banned from entering the region for an extended period.
For those planning to visit multiple Schengen countries during the same trip, it is essential to remember that the 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Spain. This means that if you travel to other Schengen countries within the 180-day window before your trip, those days will count toward the 90-day total. For example, if you visit France for 30 days and then travel to Spain for another 60 days, you would already have used up 90 days of the allowed stay in the Schengen Area.
Surpassing the 90-day limit may lead to a ban on entering any Schengen country for a period of up to three years. This penalty can significantly disrupt future travel plans and cause substantial inconvenience. Therefore, it is crucial for UK travelers to carefully monitor the duration of their stay and ensure they do not overstay the allowed period. The consequences of overstaying can be severe, with long-term impacts on travel flexibility.
The Schengen Area, which comprises 26 European countries, includes popular tourist destinations like Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. In addition, four non-EU countries—Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland—are also part of the Schengen Area. As such, travelers should be mindful of the overall time spent in any of these countries, as the 90-day limit applies to the entire region.
To prevent any issues or penalties, UK travelers are encouraged to meticulously plan their journeys and monitor the duration of their stay within the Schengen Area. Utilizing tools like travel planners or digital calendars can help travelers keep a close eye on their entry and exit dates. Additionally, travelers should be sure to check the validity of their passports before booking their trips, ensuring they meet the necessary conditions for entry.
The new regulations introduced after Brexit have made it more important than ever for UK travelers to stay informed about the rules surrounding their trips to Spain and other Schengen Area countries. By adhering to the 90-day limit, ensuring passport validity, and staying aware of the overall time spent in the region, travelers can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free experience. With proper planning and attention to the new rules, UK visitors can continue to enjoy their holidays in Spain and the wider Schengen Area without worrying about overstaying their welcome or facing penalties.
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Tags: 90-day limit, european travel, france, greece, Post-Brexit, schengen area, spain, Travel ban, Travel rules, UK tourists, visa-free stay
