Spain wants to scrap 90 day stay limit for British tourists

Since the end of the Brexit transition period, British tourists and expats without residency are only allowed to stay in the Schengen zone for 90 out of every 180 days. Britons who overstay in Spain could face detention, fines or even a ban.Spain’s tourism secretary has said the country would like to scrap the tight limit for British tourists.Fernando Valdes told the i that Spain would like to “get rid” of the strict rule that prevents Britons from staying as long as they like.However, he added: ‘Unfortunately (the rule) is not something Spain has established by itself or can get rid of.’It is true that after Brexit some problems have emerged with people wanting to stay longer.’READ MORE: England’s best campsite is surrounded by trees Spain would like to extend the 90 day limit (Image: Getty)He said that Spain plans to lobby the EU to get exemptions from the rule for some British tourists.’It is in our interest to lobby and convince (the EU) we can try to work an exemption with them. But the solution must come from them.’Under the Schengen area rules, non-EU citizens are not permitted to stay for longer than 90 days.Some British expats have been hit particularly hard by the rule with some prompted to sell their homes in Spain.DON’T MISSBereaved woman told to swap plane seats while sobbing over dad’s death [NEWS]Simon Calder defends ‘worst’ hotel chain praising Britannia’s low cost [EXPERT]Remainer claims she’s found loophole so she can legally stay in Europe [BREXIT] Popular tourism areas like Benidorm could be boosted if the rule is scrapped (Image: Getty)”Thermal tourists” are invited to spend winter in the south of Spain where they may not need central heating.Britons may be more attracted to do so if they are allowed to spend longer than 90 days in the country.Last year, a British woman told Express.co.uk how she was detained overnight in Spain after unknowingly breaking the 90 day rule.Sonia Steptoe was held in a detention centre overnight and was then escorted on a plane back to the UK.