Could Spain finally scrap the 90 day rule for British travellers?
Spain looks set to lobby Brussels for permission to end the time limit on UK visitors
It seems that the Spanish government is planning to renew its appeal to the European authorities to relax travel restrictions placed on UK travellers and second home owners following Brexit.
At the moment, British citizens can benefit from visa exemption for up to 90 days in every 180-day period but if they wish to stay longer in any Schengen country, including Spain, they have to go through a tricky residency process or apply for a special permit, such as the controversial Golden Visa.
This rule has made life difficult for tourists from the UK, who consistently hold the top spot for the largest number of visitors to this country. This coming winter season, the Spanish travel industry expects to welcome around 3.5 million Britons and as a result, the Tourism Secretary plans once more to lobby Brussels to relax the rule.
Of course, the situation is complex and the Secretary has reiterated that the ultimate decision is in the hands of the European authorities.
“Unfortunately, (the rule) is not something Spain has established by itself or can get rid of,” he said. “It is in our interest to lobby and convince [the EU] we can try to work an exception with them. But the solution must come from them.”
Tourism now accounts for at least 12% of Spain’s GDP and the country has invested 200 million euros in “sun and sea” destinations like Magaluf in Mallorca in a bid to attract more visitors.
Earlier this year, Spain scrapped the visa requirements for British Touring performers, something which didn’t require EU approval, but it seems that the authorities are determined to take this a step further and abolish restrictions entirely.
In other news: Do people in Spain do trick or treating?
Image: Archive
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