Brits with elderly parents living in Spain issued warning | World | News

Brits with elderly parents living abroad are urged to be aware of a crucial travel rule tightened by Brexit. Amid renewed debate over whether the UK could rejoin the EU, certain rules stemming from Britain’s departure from the EU are once again being discussed. One rule made travel between certain countries significantly harder, particularly when supporting vulnerable relatives.

The 90-day rule has created a serious care crisis for British families with elderly or unwell relatives living abroad, including Spain, which is home to around 109,000 Britons aged over 65. According to the paper, thousands of retirees in Spain rely on charities such as the British Legion or Age Concern because their families live in Britain, and accessing Spanish social services is difficult due to language barriers.

However, under Schengen Area regulations, Britons without residency can only stay in Spain for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. With many elderly British expats in Spain living with long-term illnesses or at risk of experiencing sudden declines in their health, the rule creates a potentially dangerous barrier for their children and relatives in the UK who want to spend time in Spain caring for their loved ones.

Those who wish to stay in Spain for an extended period face significant challenges in providing the necessary care. Anyone who exceeds the 90-day limit risks fines, deportation or a Schengen travel ban. This means that, to avoid potential consequences, family members are being forced to travel back and forth, leaving elderly relatives with little choice but to rely on local care services, which are often already under strain.

According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, legal groups on social media have acknowledged that the Arraigo Familiar mechanism exists under Spanish law and may allow children to obtain residency to care for their parents. However, Spanish authorities rarely accept or recognise this route for British nationals who do not have residency following Brexit.

There is also the option of applying for a long-stay visa. However, the process can be time-consuming and expensive, making it impractical for families who need to travel to Spain at short notice during a medical emergency.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office explained that if you are visiting Spain and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to the immigration authorities (‘Extranjería’).

It added: “To stay longer, you must meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. If you’re in Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

“If you cannot return to the UK before your visa-free limit expires, contact the Spanish government’s national information service. Dial 060 from a Spanish phone line (in Spanish, with English-speaking operators available).”

See more of the stories you love from Daily Express and find us easily in Google by making us a Preferred Source. Free and easy-to-do, just click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.