Spain Warns UK Tourists May Shift to Cyprus and Turkey Amid New Rules

Spain has issued a warning that British tourists may soon abandon popular holiday destinations like Majorca in favor of Cyprus and Turkey. This shift comes as the European Union prepares to implement the new European entry and exit system (EES) on October 12, 2023. The new regulations will require UK travelers to provide additional information, potentially deterring them from visiting Spain.

Travel expert Simon Calder noted that UK travelers had been led to believe that travel conditions would improve, not worsen. He emphasized that the EU’s stringent approach could prompt Britons to reconsider their trips to Spain, especially as they seek destinations without the extra requirements imposed by the EES. Speaking to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, Calder stated, “In the short term, it may turn people away to other destinations like Cyprus or Turkey until we get used to the new ID system.”

The EES is designed to enhance border security but poses challenges for British citizens and other non-EU nationals. Under the Schengen Area’s 90/180 rule, UK citizens without specific residence rights can only stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. With the introduction of the EES, Brussels has mandated that member states strictly enforce this rule. Travelers who exceed their allotted time will be “automatically detected” through the new border system.

Officials have acknowledged that some second-home owners in Majorca have been violating these regulations with little enforcement. However, this leniency is expected to end as countries roll out biometric registration at airports, land borders, and sea ports. Spain will begin testing the EES at Madrid–Barajas–Adolfo Suárez Airport on October 12, 2023, with full implementation across all Schengen borders expected by April 10, 2026.

The EES will involve capturing travelers’ fingerprints and photographs upon entry into the EU. It is important to note that all children must register, although those under 12 will be exempt from fingerprinting requirements. Most UK travelers will complete this registration upon arrival at their destinations.

The implications of these new rules are significant for the tourism economy in Spain, which has historically benefited from British visitors. As the EU tightens its border controls, the potential shift in tourist preferences may impact Spain’s position as a top holiday destination for UK residents. As travelers adjust to these changes, the landscape of European tourism could shift, with countries like Cyprus and Turkey becoming more appealing options for British tourists seeking a more straightforward travel experience.