UK & IRELAND – 20th MARCH
With Easter and summer only a couple of short months away, people are busy trying to plan their sunny getaways. The Canary Islands has always stood out as a popular destination for Brits. Who doesn’t dream about spending time in the Canary Islands, with its white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, and a whole host of activities to get stuck into including many wind- and watersports or spotting some of the local wildlife such as whales and dolphins. However, and since Brexit took effect at the end of January 2020, the process for British nationals travelling to EU countries has become less straightforward than it once was. So, here is everything Brits need to know before booking a holiday to the Canary Islands.
The archipelago has long been a favourite of the British population for its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and of course its amazing food and drink. The Canary Islands is not only popular as a holiday spot, but many Brits also choose to live there either working remotely or in retirement.
One of the big questions Brits are now asking themselves is whether they need a visa to continue to spend time in Spain. The short answer to this is that it depends. Although the UK is now outside the EU, British citizens do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area and stay short-term. However, British citizens travelling to an EU country must adhere to the Schengen area passport requirements. Your passport must be:
- Valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting.
- Issued within the previous 10 years.
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Although there are no visa requirements for UK citizens, travellers will need to apply for ETIAS from 2024. The biggest change for UK nationals following Brexit is that the maximum length they can stay is now limited to 90 days per 180-day period. If you are planning to stay longer you will need to check with the Spanish consulate in the United Kingdom to make sure of the type of visa you will require, which is determined by the nature of your journey.
Once you touch down on your island of choice, you will also see another effect of Brexit. Brits must now join the adjoining non-EU line upon entering a Schengen area country. Beware that this may add some minutes onto the total time it takes you to get through the airport. Plan to ensure you are not in a rush upon arrival.
