UK visitors to Spain and other Schengen countries must follow the 90/180 day rule and breaking it could result in a three-year travel ban from Europe
Kate Lally and Chloe Dobinson Digital Production Editor
10:26, 31 Mar 2026
Spain is a popular destination for many British holidaymakers(Image: MarioGuti via Getty Images)
Spain continues to be a magnet for British tourists, welcoming millions each year who are drawn to its warm weather and vibrant culture. The Mediterranean hotspot remains the number one destination for UK holidaymakers, with expectations of another packed summer season ahead.
While the prospect of a holiday brings excitement, it’s essential for those travelling to Spain to be aware of the latest entry requirements. This has become especially significant since Brexit, which introduced a raft of fresh rules affecting British visitors.
Before Britain left the EU, UK passport holders could enter Spain freely without entry stamps and stay for as long as they wished, reports Glasgow Live.
British tourists are now bound by the 90/180 rule due to Brexit regulations(Image: Jose A. Bernat Bacete via Getty Images)
However, British tourists are now bound by the 90/180 rule, which limits their stay to a maximum of 90 days during any 180-day period throughout Spain and other Schengen Area countries.
Additionally, travellers need to verify their passports satisfy certain validity standards.
The document must have been issued within the last 10 years and must be valid for no less than three months after their planned date of departure from the Schengen zone.
The Foreign Office cautions that failure to meet these conditions when visiting Spain or other Schengen nations, such as Greece, France, and Italy, may result in a significant travel ban.
The Foreign Office has provided strict advice for those travelling to Spain and other Schengen nations: “If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.”
The Schengen area comprises Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
According to the government website, it states:
You do not need a visa for short trips to the EU or countries in the Schengen area if both of the following apply:
- you’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period
- you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons
Other reasons include:
- studying a short course
- getting medical treatment
- travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference
- journalism or other media activities
Holidaymakers can visit .gov website for more information.