180 days in Spain it’s possible. (1 Viewer)

Jan 13, 2014
3,615
11,607
Leeds - Yorkshire
Funster No
29,678
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
40+
I find the following really encouraging it appears the Spanish and in particular the Valencia region are speaking out, they are missing the Brits both property owners and Motorhomers 🥳 heres the news.


Valencia regional president: “Let Brits stay here for more than 90 days”

VALENCIA regional government president Ximo Puig has asked tourism minister Reyes Maroto to create a system allowing British nationals to stay in Spain longer than 90 days in every 180.

Where are all the Brits? The Comunidad Valenciana's regional president, Ximo Puig, wants a system in place allowing UK nationals to spend more than the limit of 90 days per 180 in Spain if they wish, pointing out that British tourism is ‘a priority’ for the region
The issue came up once again at the World Travel Market (WTM), currently under way in London until tomorrow (Wednesday) evening, where Spain always has a pavilion with a number of individual towns holding stands within it.

Although the '90-day rule' is standard for the passport-free Schengen zone – meaning that, if a resident and citizen from a country outside it spends 90 days in Spain, he or she cannot, for example, then spend a week's holiday in France until the 180 days are up – non-Schengen European Union countries have always enjoyed some flexibility.

Spending 183 days in a calendar year in Spain automatically makes a person tax-resident in Spain, but British nationals who do not wish to commit themselves entirely to Spanish life in this way have often spent four or five months of the year at their holiday homes in the country, or popped back and forth throughout the year, and still been able to take breaks in other Schengen countries.

All this changed when Brexit became effective – now, a British national caught overstaying their 90 days in every 180, if they are not resident in Spain, could be ordered to leave, fined and banned from returning to the Schengen zone for a set period of time.

Brits with residence in Spain are safe from this, and can still spend several months of the year in the UK if they wish.

Otherwise, non-residents from the UK need a visa – either the so-called 'golden visa' granted to non-EU citizens who spend at least half a million euros on property or investments in Spain, or a student or working visa.

Ximo Puig is concerned that the 90-day rule, which automatically kicked in post-Brexit, will not only affect Brits with existing holiday homes in the region, but also resident Brits – their family members in the UK are restricted as to how long they stay with them.

He is also worried that UK nationals who had planned to buy holiday homes in the Comunidad Valenciana, perhaps after their retirement with a view to splitting their year between the two countries, may decide not to do so if they are limited as to how much use they will get out of them.

Additionally, Puig's government is worried Brits who already have holiday homes in the region might start trying to sell them en masse, and that those who spend their time in the Comunidad Valenciana in caravan sites and holiday parks instead of in a property they own, or who bring their own camper-vans or touring caravans, may drift away.

Puig urged Sra Maroto to create some sort of system which 'eliminates the bulk of the bureaucracy' involved, so that 'Brexit is as non-Brexit as possible'.

It appears, though, that Spain's national government tourism ministry is very much on the same page as Puig: Sra Maroto assured that she has 'set up a working group' involving the British and Spanish embassies in either country 'to address mobility'.

Puig has called for her to 'speed up' the process in order to get an agreement in place as quickly as possible.

Many affected British nationals have complained the restriction is a 'one-way street', pointing out that the UK allows Spanish nationals to stay in the country for up to six months, although this is because different movement régimes apply: Spain, and the other 26 EU member States, are effectively treating the UK the way it would any other third country – bilateral agreements notwithstanding – whilst the UK, as a third country, makes decisions as an individual on how to approach relations with the rest of the world, EU nations included.

Puig's and Sra Maroto's conversation suggests, however, that the default position of the EU vis à vis specific non-member countries may be possible to amend via bilateral agreements between a third country and a given EU member State, particularly where some EU countries have a certain type of relationship with a non-member that others in the bloc do not.

As Puig recalls, around 79,000 British nationals are permanent residents in the Comunidad Valenciana, many of whom may have family still in the UK who might need, or want, to spend longer than 90 days per 180 with them, and around 30% of the region's foreign tourists in the last 'normal' year pre-Covid, 2019, were British.

This translates to around three million UK nationals visiting the Comunidad Valenciana, although only about 20% of that number, or 600,000, visited the region in 2020.

A large amount of this was due to the pandemic and heavy restrictions on international travel, which turned out to be nearly impossible for the majority of countries – and which, in fact, means last year's 600,000 was actually a very positive figure, given the situation.

Additionally, the UK was still in the so-called 'Brexit transition period' in 2020, meaning it was a member in all but name in most areas; the end of the transition, on January 31 this year, was when real changes were due to start.

Either way, Puig stresses that the British tourism market – long-stay tourists as well as those visiting for a week or two – is 'absolutely priority' for the Valencia regional government.

Whilst at the WTM, Puig has also held a meeting with the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and offered its leaders the opportunity to hold their annual tour operator summit in Benidorm.

He says that after talks with ABTA, there 'is a very real possibility' that the association will choose the Alicante-province coastal town for their yearly conference in 2023.
 
OP
OP
Littlewheels
Jan 13, 2014
3,615
11,607
Leeds - Yorkshire
Funster No
29,678
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
40+
More support here from the Alicante region.

9C23C25C-B150-4A6E-A5CE-EF91C11D214B.jpeg
 
Aug 18, 2018
204
408
Funster No
55,702
This is most encouraging. If they do so I'd be more inclined to buy a second home in NE Spain than to SW France, which is currently what we hope to do at some point - Assuming that all the regions support such a move by the national government.
 
Jan 30, 2020
2,845
14,535
Mid Bedfordshire
Funster No
68,408
MH
RS Endeavour
Exp
Just a tad..
The problem would be, Spain takes the decision to relax the 90 in 180 rule, but effectively it wouldn’t work in practice under current ways of working.

Let’s say you drive down to Spain, enjoy four months there rather than the 80 or say days you can at the moment (assuming a generous 5 days each way to get there and back) then present at the Eurotunnel (the only border you will have encountered) and bingo, they will mark you up as an overstay… would need some form of unequivocal proof from the Spanish Authorities and then some kind of recognition of that agreement with the French.

It’s obviously fine if you fly in and out.
 
Aug 18, 2011
12,154
18,023
derbys
Funster No
17,808
MH
AUTOSLEEPER SYMBOL
Exp
since 2007.Tugger before since 1970
The problem would be, Spain takes the decision to relax the 90 in 180 rule, but effectively it wouldn’t work in practice under current ways of working.

Let’s say you drive down to Spain, enjoy four months there rather than the 80 or say days you can at the moment (assuming a generous 5 days each way to get there and back) then present at the Eurotunnel (the only border you will have encountered) and bingo, they will mark you up as an overstay… would need some form of unequivocal proof from the Spanish Authorities and then some kind of recognition of that agreement with the French.

It’s obviously fine if you fly in and out.
Or use Portsmouth Bilbao or Santander..BUSBY,
 

Coolcats

LIFE MEMBER
Jan 24, 2019
5,960
9,983
Funster No
58,207
MH
HymerCar Ayres Rock
So what your saying is each EU country can decide their own rules to suit themselves ?
 
Jul 18, 2009
11,209
17,903
Manchester UK + Javea/Xabia Spain + Abu Dhabi
Funster No
7,543
MH
HYMER B644
Exp
2004
Don’t hold your breath, not just yet anyway.

Broken Link Removed

Last year, we were some of many who were returned from Spain, same aircraft we arrived on within 10 mins of arrival.

£165 per person private negative PCR test. Yet Europeans were allowed in. They could even drive into Spain without a test. Absolutely nothing to do with covid. Clearly a Brexit spat.
 
Last edited:
Jul 18, 2009
11,209
17,903
Manchester UK + Javea/Xabia Spain + Abu Dhabi
Funster No
7,543
MH
HYMER B644
Exp
2004
It’s obviously fine if you fly in and out.
Not really, you could fly to Spain, hire a car, drive anywhere you like. Car back to Spain, fly out.
Brittany Ferries are going to need an awful lot more boats for that to work!
More Chinese floating turds en-route, don’t worry (or should you 🤔)
As long as I can get a booking,,😇😇 BUSBY
I don’t understand why they have not added to their schedule. After all, they have plenty of floating stock bobbing around.
So what your saying is each EU country can decide their own rules to suit themselves ?
Not really, Germany and France are at the helm
 
May 7, 2017
1,961
2,284
Suffolk
Funster No
48,544
MH
2017 Chausson 718XLB 180
Exp
20 years
The problem would be, Spain takes the decision to relax the 90 in 180 rule, but effectively it wouldn’t work in practice under current ways of working.

Let’s say you drive down to Spain, enjoy four months there rather than the 80 or say days you can at the moment (assuming a generous 5 days each way to get there and back) then present at the Eurotunnel (the only border you will have encountered) and bingo, they will mark you up as an overstay… would need some form of unequivocal proof from the Spanish Authorities and then some kind of recognition of that agreement with the French.

It’s obviously fine if you fly in and out.
we take a Brittany Ferries to Bilbo or Santander
 

jumar

LIFE MEMBER
Nov 6, 2012
3,786
11,651
Spain
Funster No
23,578
MH
Hymer Tramp
Exp
Since 1994
It's so, so funny what some folk Dream up, here in Spain some say Portugal are extending the 90/180, in Portugal, Spain are, have or whatever....the Official sources say not....Then a small group of of minor political guys get together, have a meeting about the not-happening event, do a press release, everyone thinks its going to happen, start making plans..getting their hopes up.....
Why should so many folk think that the UK can be made a special case, we left the club, only 11 months ago, who thinks Spain need us, in general they don't, the Brit bars might....Covid restrictions are having a greater effect, from December, restrictions permitting, the Snowbirds will arrive in greater numbers, they will do their 3 months, other Snowbirds will arrive January, do their 3 months....etc etc....Come July, August the Package holiday makers arrive......WHAM.....whats all the fuss, the big spenders are here..
The Dutch, Germans , French, Scandies are all here..our Coastline is rammed, has been for a while now, don't see many Brits though, the bars and restaurants are doing well...we haven't got the Brit only, Dog and Duck, The Duke of Wellington, we have the places where everyone is welcome.....House sales are doing well, where we live after a fairly slack period, good turnover is reported, some Brits who may have had holiday home are selling up, easy pickings for the German buyers.....
Doing just fine thanks.....be nice to see you all soon....

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Last edited:
Dec 2, 2019
357
1,712
Redcar/Cambrils, Spain
Funster No
67,148
MH
Now Tugging
Exp
More with boats than Moho
The problem would be, Spain takes the decision to relax the 90 in 180 rule, but effectively it wouldn’t work in practice under current ways of working.

Let’s say you drive down to Spain, enjoy four months there rather than the 80 or say days you can at the moment (assuming a generous 5 days each way to get there and back) then present at the Eurotunnel (the only border you will have encountered) and bingo, they will mark you up as an overstay… would need some form of unequivocal proof from the Spanish Authorities and then some kind of recognition of that agreement with the French.

It’s obviously fine if you fly in and out.
As soon as you get to Spain go to the Guardia Civil and get your passport stamped as entry to Spain
 

Captain Lloyd

LIFE MEMBER
Feb 18, 2018
100
125
Bristol
Funster No
52,458
MH
Rapido 8094df
Exp
5 years
When the Spanish border reopened to the UK in June I drove over in my MH I have left it on a site near Malaga and been flying and to and fro since, I now have now 14 stamps in my passport I’m up to 100 days in last 170.
Border control doesn’t give a monkeys at the moment, we’ll see when ETHIAS comes in.
 
Dec 2, 2019
357
1,712
Redcar/Cambrils, Spain
Funster No
67,148
MH
Now Tugging
Exp
More with boats than Moho
Spain ain't planning anything outside the regulations set by Schengen....if you believe they are please post what you have as evidence.....🤔🇪🇦
I never said that they are planning anything, I was only giving info on how to prove that you were in Spain and not France

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

deleted79651

Free Member
Mar 9, 2021
2,279
6,140
Funster No
79,651
I never said that they are planning anything, I was only giving info on how to prove that you were in Spain and not France
The EU acknowledged in the Press Release and supporting information for the new Entry/Exit System that the present mix of manual and automated systems makes recording overstays, people trafficking, smuggling detection, EU citizen with Third Country resident Spouse/Family etc inconsistent and inaccurate. Retaining proof of travel dates with tickets, hotel reservations and any dated receipts is about all you can do to disprove any charge of breaching the Regs. The Border Guards' Technical Manual reminds the Border Officials that the overwhelming majority of Border Crossings are by law abiding citizens and any checking should not be undertaken in a climate of distrust or cynicism

Steve
 
Oct 12, 2009
10,708
23,726
SW London, Poland and all Europe
Funster No
8,876
MH
A Class N+B Arto 69GL
Exp
Since 2009
The EU acknowledged in the Press Release and supporting information for the new Entry/Exit System that the present mix of manual and automated systems makes recording overstays, people trafficking, smuggling detection, EU citizen with Third Country resident Spouse/Family etc inconsistent and inaccurate. Retaining proof of travel dates with tickets, hotel reservations and any dated receipts is about all you can do to disprove any charge of breaching the Regs. The Border Guards' Technical Manual reminds the Border Officials that the overwhelming majority of Border Crossings are by law abiding citizens and any checking should not be undertaken in a climate of distrust or cynicism

Steve
In my experience receipts from petrol stations and S/Markets fade in about 4 weeks. I suppose the answer is to photo them on one's phone.

But crooks know all the ways round these tricks

The whole system is porous.

Geoff
 

cliffanger

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 15, 2013
4,847
34,071
Saltford
Funster No
25,562
MH
Hymer A class
Exp
Since 2013
It's so, so funny what some folk Dream up, here in Spain some say Portugal are extending the 90/180, in Portugal, Spain are, have or whatever....the Official sources say not....Then a small group of of minor political guys get together, have a meeting about the not-happening event, do a press release, everyone thinks its going to happen, start making plans..getting their hopes up.....
Why should so many folk think that the UK can be made a special case, we left the club, only 11 months ago, who thinks Spain need us, in general they don't, the Brit bars might....Covid restrictions are having a greater effect, from December, restrictions permitting, the Snowbirds will arrive in greater numbers, they will do their 3 months, other Snowbirds will arrive January, do their 3 months....etc etc....Come July, August the Package holiday makers arrive......WHAM.....whats all the fuss, the big spenders are here..
The Dutch, Germans , French, Scandies are all here..our Coastline is rammed, has been for a while now, don't see many Brits though, the bars and restaurants are doing well...we haven't got the Brit only, Dog and Duck, The Duke of Wellington, we have the places where everyone is welcome.....House sales are doing well, where we live after a fairly slack period, good turnover is reported, some Brits who may have had holiday home are selling up, easy pickings for the German buyers.....
Doing just fine thanks.....be nice to see you all soon....
You live there so you know best, but as to the Big Spenders… I remember the restaurant manager in Les Mures telling us that they love the Brits best - they spend the most in the restaurant and bars, moving down the list to the Dutch at the bottom - his exact words were ‘The Dutch? They bring their own sandwiches’! :rofl:

Every time we’ve stayed on European campsites, we’ve noticed most of the people out spending are the Brits, and the Dutch and Germans hardly ever leave their pitches!

Still, I’m hoping for a trip to Spain in January, where we’ll leave our pitch and spend in the town every day! :pray2:
 

jumartoo

Funster
LIFE MEMBER
Oct 19, 2015
7,026
190,842
Alhama de Murcia, Spain
Funster No
39,634
MH
Hymer Tramp
Exp
Since 1994
You live there so you know best, but as to the Big Spenders… I remember the restaurant manager in Les Mures telling us that they love the Brits best - they spend the most in the restaurant and bars, moving down the list to the Dutch at the bottom - his exact words were ‘The Dutch? They bring their own sandwiches’! :rofl:

Every time we’ve stayed on European campsites, we’ve noticed most of the people out spending are the Brits, and the Dutch and Germans hardly ever leave their pitches!

Still, I’m hoping for a trip to Spain in January, where we’ll leave our pitch and spend in the town every day! :pray2:


I hope you post about your trip again. Although Beni isn't for us, you always find some great places/things to do and write a good read 👍🏻
 

Tanya_and_Mick

LIFE MEMBER
Feb 12, 2015
1,517
66,061
Quesada, Spain
Funster No
35,074
MH
Globecar 640DK
Exp
2015
Every nine euros spent in Spain is typically a tourism spend. The UK contribution is typically just 1 euro of the nine.

Spain will again welcome the UK holiday maker; but it’s a myth that the UK’s contribution to the Spanish economy is more cherished / vital than any other country.
 

jumar

LIFE MEMBER
Nov 6, 2012
3,786
11,651
Spain
Funster No
23,578
MH
Hymer Tramp
Exp
Since 1994
Every nine euros spent in Spain is typically a tourism spend. The UK contribution is typically just 1 euro of the nine.

Spain will again welcome the UK holiday maker; but it’s a myth that the UK’s contribution to the Spanish economy is more cherished / vital than any other country.
Couldn't agree more......in the Brit places, Brits spend, but in Spain on the whole no way....we live in a area of mixed nationalities......a local Golf Tournament is attended by all......the biggest issue is finding a suitable cheap eat place for the post match meal to suit the Brits, some of our Norwegian friends now refuse to play because of the Tight Arsed Brits....
Lots of resorts would close from October, but now a 365 day season can be had.....reduce the numbers, site owners call it a disaster, we know that all that needed to run a fairly large campsite on skeleton staff in the winter, are a handful of visitors, the remainder is profit....the money in Spain is made in the summer months...
 
Dec 2, 2019
357
1,712
Redcar/Cambrils, Spain
Funster No
67,148
MH
Now Tugging
Exp
More with boats than Moho
Every nine euros spent in Spain is typically a tourism spend. The UK contribution is typically just 1 euro of the nine.

Spain will again welcome the UK holiday maker; but it’s a myth that the UK’s contribution to the Spanish economy is more cherished / vital than any other country.
 

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Funsters who are viewing this thread

Back
Top