British tourists beware. A major Spanish airport is struggling with new passport stamping requirements
causing significant delays and even forcing dozens of people to miss their flights
This situation at Lanzarote-Arasafe airport is creating chaos for travellers and highlighting the complexities of post-Brexit travel regulations
Recently, a group of British passengers, including a stage four cancer patient
missed their Ryanair flight to London's Stansted due to extensive delays at passport control
The affected travellers reported that about 30 people were turned away from their flight
because getting through security was taking too long. By the time they reached their gate, it had been closed for further boarding
The root of this problem lies in the post-Brexit travel regulations. Since the United Kingdom left the European Union, British citizens are now only allowed
to spend 90 days in every 180 days in the Schengen zone. To keep track of this
passports must be stamped upon both entry and exit. However, this new requirement has created a logistical nightmare for popular tourist destinations
particularly in Spain, which receives millions of UK visitors each year. British travellers now have to queue with other non-EU or third countries
resulting in painfully long lines upon arrival and departure, especially during peak travel times
Interestingly, it was revealed that Lanzarote-Arrasaif airport had been quietly avoiding stamping British passports in an attempt to reduce delays and long queues
Border control staff were reportedly given subtle verbal instructions not to stamp UK passports to make the passage of British tourists easier
However, this practice was recently discovered and halted by airport officials, who have now enforced strict adherence to the stamping requirement
The sudden enforcement of this rule has caught both the airport and travellers off guard
Sources indicate that the police at the airport do not have sufficient resources to stamp every
British passport, particularly on Thursdays, which are said to be the busiest days
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the new travel landscape for British citizens
in the post-Brexit era. Travellers to Spain and other Schengen countries should be prepared for
potential delays and ensure they allow ample time for passport control procedures
As airports and border staff continue to adapt to these new requirements
British tourists may face similar challenges at other popular destinations across Europe