A British estate agent based on the Costa Blanca has launched a campaign to abolish the post-Brexit 90-day travel rule, which he says is 'killing Brits’ Spanish dream'. Adam Hatton, who runs Comaskeys Properties in Alicante, started a petition on the UK Parliament Petitions website after seeing clients forced to sell their homes due to the restrictive limit.
Petition Gains Momentum
The petition has gathered nearly 6,000 signatures, inching towards the 10,000 needed for a government response and the 100,000 required for a parliamentary debate. According to The Olive Press, Hatton was driven by heartbreaking stories of retirees whose plans were ruined by red tape. 'We’ve had some really sad stories,' he said. 'People spent their whole lives working towards retiring in Spain, and now they’re having to sell their dream homes because 90 days just isn’t enough.'
Post-Brexit Restrictions
Since 2021, British passport holders without permanent residency or a long-stay visa can stay in the Schengen Area for only 90 days in any 180-day period. This has caused logistical chaos, with expats tracking days, making costly trips, or grappling with complex visa applications. While EU visitors can stay in the UK for up to six months visa-free, Brussels has not reciprocated.
Digital Solution
Hatton argues that new digital border systems, such as the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), can accurately monitor stays. 'One of the reasons governments have been reluctant to extend the limit has been concerns over enforcing it,' he explained. 'With these new digital systems coming into place, there’s an opportunity for the politicians to get together and say: Look, we’re going to do 180 days, you do 180 days, draw up a reciprocal agreement, put it to the EU, get it approved.'
Social Media Campaign
Hatton used his Instagram account, with over 38,000 followers, to rally support. A post of him holding a 'Scrap the 90-day-rule' sign went viral, boosting signatures. He remains optimistic: 'It's a first step to get our foot in the door, but I really do believe that if we continue with this and we don’t give it up, that a deal could be made.'
