How long can I stay in Spain

Thank you Pete that was really helpful

Regards

Carol

Hi Carole,

As Pete says, until the end of the transition period (currently 31 December 2020), nothing changes for travellers.  However, from 1 January 2021, you will have to comply with the requirements of the Schengen travel zone.  It's easy to keep track if your visiting pattern is going to be the maximum 90 days in Spain, 90 days back in the UK, and so on, but if you visit Spain for shorter periods, it's best to use a calculator to keep track of how many days you have been in the Schengen zone:

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/visa-calculator/

You also need to bear in mind that any time spent in other Schengen zone countries will also deplete your 90 in 180 days.  For example, if you choose to travel to Spain via France, the 90 days would start counting down as soon as you land in France.

Kind regards,

Kim

Thankyou

Hi Ray,

The British Ambassador stated last month that "monitoring" had already started, but I hadn't heard of anyone travelling recently between the UK and Europe whose pasport had been "read and checked in electronically" - have you experienced this personally, or know of someone who has?

Many thanks,

Kim

I have been under the impression that when you arrive and leave Spain you’re passport is electronically scanned at passport control already. So big brother is watching your commings and going’s thus monitoring your movements as stated by the British ambassador.

You've reminded me, Pete, that the statement I read from the British Ambassador wasn't just that the monitoring had started, but that the UK and Spanish authorities are sharing the information already. 

Like you, my experiences have varied in the past - including no-one at passport control in Spain on some occasions - but I hope we can expect thorough checks in the future and that they use the transition period to practice! 😄

Kind regards  

Kim

I think it should be emphasised that the 90 day rule applies to the Schengen Area Countries not just Spain meaning you can’t spend 89 days in Spain and another 3 days travelling in France

It was 180 days before having to return to the UK for a minimum of 180 days but after Brexit it will be a 90 day stay in Spain before you have to return to the UK for 90 days before you can return to Spain again for another 90 day maximum stay

I have no idea what your first comment means, other than you don't appear to understand irony. 

As for your, "bet it wil be the French to make a hard stance first to prove a point" (sic), a fact that seems to have escaped you is that the UK left the EU of its own volition - the French have nothing to prove, the UK has been perfectly capable of inflicting this stupidity on themselves.