A British family's holiday in Spain took a shocking turn when they were detained for 24 hours over a passport dispute, leaving them traumatised and demanding answers.
Holiday Dream Turns to Chaos
The family, from the UK, were stopped at Palma Airport in Mallorca after officials claimed their passports did not meet entry requirements. Despite having travelled to Spain multiple times before, they were held in a detention centre overnight before being deported back to Britain.
'We Felt Like Criminals'
"It was humiliating and terrifying," said one family member. "We were treated like criminals just for wanting a holiday. No one explained properly why we were being detained."
Passport Rules Under Scrutiny
The incident has raised fresh questions about post-Brexit travel rules and whether UK tourists are receiving clear guidance. Many Brits remain unaware that some EU countries require passports to be less than 10 years old on the day of entry, and valid for at least three months after departure.
Travel Industry Reacts
Tour operators have called for better communication of entry requirements, while the UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Spain. A government spokesperson said: "We stand ready to assist any British nationals who encounter difficulties overseas."
Family Seeks Compensation
The detained family are now pursuing compensation for their ruined holiday and the distress caused. Their case highlights the potential pitfalls facing British travellers in post-Brexit Europe.
