Brexit has led to some major changes for Britons travelling to the European Union (and EU member citizens travelling to the UK). And one of the biggest changes concerns how long we can spend visiting EU countries. Since January 2020, Brits have only been able to spend 90 days in a period of 180 days in the EU – a stark contrast to before we left the bloc, when British citizens enjoyed freedom of movement anywhere within the Schengen Area.
Some groups have been much more affected by the 90-day rule than others. Avid travellers and owners of second homes on the continent have, in particular, found themselves more severely restricted.
But now those rules could be set to change. Both Spain and France have called for an end to the 90-day rule, saying that it is negatively affecting their economies. The two countries have many second homes that are owned by Britons – and as Brits aren’t able to spend so much time in those homes, they aren’t able to spend so much money locally.
Earlier this month, the French government submitted a new bill amendment that could automatically give long-term visas to all British owners of second homes in France. That bill is set to be debated by France’s government in December.
It’s thought that Spain could implement a similar rule – but there are obstacles. As explained by inews, such amendments need to be voted on by all 28 members of the EU before they become official.
Time Out’s take
An end to the 90-day visa rule in two of Europe’s most gorgeous countries – what’s not to like? Now to extend that amendment to the entire bloc, and to more than just second home owners...
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