Spain's tourism leaders push EU to scrap 90‑day limit on British visitors

Former Spanish tourism ministers Fernando Valdés and Héctor Gómez have urged the European Union to eliminate the 90‑day stay restriction that applies to British nationals traveling to Spain and other Schengen countries. The rule, introduced after the United Kingdom left the EU’s free‑movement system in 2021, limits stays to 90 days within any 180‑day period unless a long‑stay visa or residency permit is obtained.

Valdés and Gómez argue that the cap “is harming the Spanish economy”, as Spain’s tourism sector depends heavily on UK holidaymakers, retirees, second‑home owners and remote workers. Spain has been lobbying for an EU‑wide exemption that would allow British visitors to remain for up to 180 days, but the 90‑day limit remains in force across the Schengen zone. UK politicians have also called for measures to ease the restriction for Britons who live, work or travel frequently in Spain.