Thousands of British second-home owners in Spain are facing an unprecedented threat to their lifestyle as new EU border rules could effectively ban them from using their own properties for significant periods.
The 90-Day Countdown Begins
The forthcoming Entry/Exit System (EES) represents the biggest shake-up to European travel since Brexit. This automated IT system will meticulously track every British passport holder's movements within the Schengen area, including Spain.
The crucial change: Britons will be limited to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. Once those 90 days are used, you must leave the entire zone for another 90 days before returning.
What This Means for Second-Home Owners
- Owners spending winter months in Spain could exhaust their allowance by March
- Summer holidays would be impossible if winter allowance is used
- Quick weekend trips count against the 90-day limit
- Property maintenance becomes challenging with restricted access
The Visa Dilemma
For those wishing to stay longer, the only solution is applying for a Spanish long-stay visa - a process described as "complex, expensive and far from guaranteed." This involves:
- Proving substantial financial means
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Numerous bureaucratic hurdles
- Potentially months of processing time
Industry Experts Sound the Alarm
Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, warns: "The government needs to explain how second-home owners can legally spend more than 90 days in their property without applying for a full long-stay visa."
Travel expert Paul Charles adds: "This is a ticking time bomb for UK citizens with homes in the EU. Many are completely unaware of these impending restrictions."
When Will This Happen?
The EES system is expected to go live in October 2024, following several delays. The clock is ticking for British homeowners to understand the new reality of post-Brexit European travel.
The bottom line: That dream Spanish villa could become more of a burden than a blessing if these new rules catch homeowners unprepared.
