180/90 day visa - Page 9

Darro, it may be pedantic but, the UK leaving the EU did not cause this situation. The 90 in 180 day rule has been in place since the beginning of the Schengen Zone. What has caused this is the European Union fully implementing these rules. Even this has not been brought on by Brexit but the influx of illegal immigrants into the EU. This has involved stricter rules for those arriving from all countries and the introduction of a system similar to the USA for all visitors. Brexit can be blamed for a lot but not this.

Sorry but that's wrong. The 90 in 180 rule does not apply to those in Schengen or, indeed, the EU/EEA countries. You can only stay 90 days at one go but you don't need to be away for 90 days before coming back. As long as you don't exceed 183 days in one year you are fine. 

The 90 in 180 rule only applies to 3rd countries who can travel visa free. EU citizens can also apply to extend their 90 day visit up to 180 days if they sign on the register of foreign nationals resident in Spain but for non resident purposes. The same as we Brits were able to do when part of the EU. As long as an EU citizen can prove health cover and sufficient funds they are able to stay up to 180 without becoming a fiscal (ie tax paying) resident. 

But 90 in 180 does not apply to them, just 90 days in one visit.

And, yes, the EU is introducing a scheme similar to the US ESTA called the ETIAS. But UK is doing the same for all non Brits travelling to UK called the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). The only difference is the EU ETIAS will be valid for longer than the ESTA and the ETA (3 years instead of 2) and is reported to be cheaper than either.