Brits could face being banned from using second homes in Spain – following the implementation of the new EES travel rules.
The system, set to come into force on October 12, will introduce biometric checks at border crossings.
Under the post-Brexit agreement, UK citizens without the right to work or reside in the EU or a member-state passport can only spend 90 days in a rolling 180-day period in the bloc.
The EU has told member states that once strict new entry procedures come into force they should rigidly enforce an existing 90/180 day travel rule and issue fines and bans to those who breach it.
Officials are said to have been ‘turning a blind eye’, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reported.
However, they are aware that some second-home owners are ignoring the rules by overstaying.
But that is going to be put to a stop.
British and other third-party (non-EU) second home owners in Mallorca and across the Schengen Area could be affected as the rules are enforced.
Brits could face being banned from using second homes in Spain
According to the GOV.UK website: ‘Your total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days.
‘It does not matter how many countries you visit. The 180-day period keeps “rolling”.’
It adds that the EU is introducing a new Entry/Exit system on October 12, 2025.
This means you will get your fingerprints and photo taken when first entering or leaving the Schengen area.
EES operations will begin gradually. In the first few months, not all border points will collect data right away.
Countries will slowly introduce biometric registration at airports, land borders, and seaports.
For example, Spain will initially only test the EES with a single flight arriving at Madrid airport on the first day of the system.
Full implementation of the new system is expected by April 9, 2026.
EES operations will begin gradually. In the first few months, not all border points will collect data right away
Travellers from 29 countries, including 25 in the EU, plus Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland, will soon enter using the new system.
Ireland and Cyprus will, on the other hand, continue with manual processing of passports for incoming passengers.
The UK is not part of the Schengen area.
According to the EU’s official website, ‘The EES will gradually replace passport stamps with a digital system that records when travellers enter and exit, making border checks faster and helping staff to work more efficiently.’
Share or comment on this article:
Brits face being banned from using second homes in Spain following the new EES travel rules
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
