Returning to london - Page 2

Kim very kindly included a link to the Schengen rules.  Read the final paragraph .In my interpretation it applies to the unusual situation you all find yourselves in.  Check it out for yourselves. All this worry can’t be doing any if you any good. There’s another 5/6 weeks to go and anything can happen during that time. 

I assume GrannyRose is referring to the paragraph, "Despite the consequences listed above, some travellers may not be subject to any of them, in particular those who cannot travel for a strong reason that can be proved."

So what would be a "strong reason"?  This is my personal opinion, but I would suggest that if, for example, someone from the UK had travelled to Spain to care for a dying relative, this would be considered sympathetically.  If someone had fallen seriously ill while in Spain and is having ongoing medical treatment that prevents them from travelling, that sounds like it could be a genuine reason for overstaying.

But what about people who came here on holiday last year and are still here because their return flight has been cancelled?  Covid-19 has been with us for almost a year, the changing restrictions have been well publicised in both the UK and Spain, and while Schengen rules have only started to apply to UK citizens since 1 January, they've applied to other Third Country Nationals for decades.  Will Alicante flights being cancelled be sufficient reason, when airlines are still flying regularly from Madrid and Barcelona, as is the AVE train service from Alicante to Madrid?

The penalty for overstaying could be a fine, but it could also be a ban on re-entry for up to 10 years.  As I said before, we can tell you what CAN happen, but if people are thinking of breaking immigration law, it's up to them to assess the level of risk based on their own particular circumstances.  I'm afraid that anyone who says, "Don't worry, I'm sure it will be fine" is being irresponsible and as I'm not aware that any of us work for Spanish border control, our personal opinion is just that - opinion.

Kind regards, 

Kim

Hello

After reading DaveBev1s advice about flights to UK from Madrid, Ive just checked for tomorrow 20/2 for example.............  it is showing 3 flights to London Gatwick & 5 flights to London Heathrow.  It is an option for anyone who is very keen to leave Spain & not overstay the 90days  & cannot fly  direct from ALC.  Tomorrow's date is an example so check for dates from March - if you want to stay until then.     https://www.madrid-airport.com/departures.php?tp=6&day=tomorrow

Cheers

Elinspain

I 

My 90 days will be up on the 1st April. I have had my flight cancelled and rescheduled many times. But it’s possible the flight on the 1st won’t happen. There are several flights a week from Alicante to the U.K.  Another forum reported that due to the current situation the Spanish government are allowing a three month extension to the 90 day rule. I haven’t got the link but I’m happy to wait until my flight goes to Wales if it happens after the 90 day period.   If not I shall need to fly to Stansted or somewhere else in the U.K. and rent a car for the last part of the journey. I wrote an email to the U.K. embassy in Alicante and I have no reason to panic. Hope this puts your mind at ease. Sorry I haven’t the references. 

Don't believe what someone rumoured on a forum. Believe fact. It's likely that rumour was started by wishful thinking.

There is no evidence to suggest that the Spanish government will extend the 90/180 rule. When there is we can all believe it.

Steve

Ps the Spanish Embassy and Consuls will not reply to enquiries. You are referred to the website with travel regulations and advice.

Hi Severntma,

You don't have a link to your assertion that, "Another forum reported that due to the current situation the Spanish government are allowing a three month extension to the 90 day rule"?  That is such a significant piece of information for so many people, including yourself - do you remember the name of the other forum on which you read this please?

Kind regards,

Kim

I agree Steve.  I've checked the Spanish Government website and also done a series of random Google searches, and there's nothing to support what Severntma has said.  Given that Schengen rules are EU, I don't believe that Spain could unilaterally choose to extend them anyway.

At the risk of spreading other unsubstantiated rumour(!), perhaps Spain has extended the requirement of their 90-days Residency law?  The two things are entirely different, but it wouldn't be the first time that people have confused them - just like people who still confuse EU's Schengen with Spanish Tax residency ;o)

If you have definitive information from an official source then please share. 

The Daily Mail 😂

maceyg. Can I take it that you are sceptical about the efficacy of this report? Everyone should be aware that ALL news sources slant their reporting towards the political stance of their readership. I don't believe that there is any one news source which can report the news without putting their particular slant on it. Your response in actual fact points to your own political stance. I put this news feed on this forum, not because it reflects my own view, but because it is an opinion which others can use to balance/enforce the truths of their own beliefs. Clearly you are of the opinion that the report is not true but fail to offer an credible alternate.