New Border Rules Set to Impact Thousands of British Second Home Owners in Spain and the EU

Thousands of British owners of holiday homes in the European Union risk serious disruption as the bloc introduces a new border control system from Sunday. The entry and exit system EES will now automate the 90180 day rule for nonEU citizens including British passport holders after Brexit.

This change means computer systems at the border will take over from manual passport stamping, closely tracking the number of days each British visitor spends in the Schengen area. Under EU law Britons may only spend up to 90 days in any rolling 180day period as tourists or nonresidents. Travellers exceeding this limit could face fines up to €10000 exclusion orders or even deportation with bans on reentry lasting several years.

Many British residents and regular visitors may find themselves unprepared as Spanish authorities begin to enforce these rules rigorously. Neil Hesketh secretary of Support in Spain warns that the move is causing anxiety among the approximately 350000 Britons in Spain many of whom do not speak strong Spanish or use social media to stay informed. Until now enforcement of the rules was inconsistent with many people living in Spain under the radar and not registering as residents. With automation the EU aims to clamp down on these irregularities prompting fears among longterm visitors and second home owners.

For those still using the old Spanish green residence certificate or who never registered for residency at all the risks are significant. Spain has moved to a TIE card system for foreign residents meaning those without the updated documentation could face being refused entry on return or removal from the country. Older Britons and those without internet access are particularly at risk of missing vital updates and advice.

Long queues and extended questioning are expected at airports as the new measures take effect. British travellers should also be prepared for fingerprint scans and to answer detailed questions about their travel plans health insurance cover and proof of adequate financial means during their stay. Government sources caution that officials across the EU now have clear directives to enforce time limits strictly with automatic systems instantly flagging overstay breaches.

With tougher rules about to be switched on British holidaymakers and second home owners in Europe must ensure their paperwork is up to date and plan their stays carefully to avoid penalties. The era of informal extended stays in Spain and the EU for Britons may well be over as European border enforcement enters the digital age.