Green countries

[paulja]

Does anyone actually know for certain if the Spanish government will implement the Schengen rules? I have my doubts. People have over stayed for years and helped by adding money into the Spanish coffers. .

There was freedom of movement then, passports were not checked and nobody was bothered.


Spain has been implementing new passport controls at airports over the last couple of years when you are checked in at border control all in readiness for now.

Remember the bulk of the coffers come from tourist holidaymakers not second home owners. And any loyalty to second home owners over holidaymakers has not been shown since January.

Sadly for many I believe the Spanish will impkement the 90 day rule.
And why not, if anyone wishes to stay longer then take up residency.

[paulja]

The only reason I believe that they would change the 90 day rule is if they want more money, more property sales.. No point in trying to do a Macron.

The UK also has rules on how long visitors can stay. Unless you are a millionaire of course.

[aviator]

The point I was making in my post #12 above is, that due to the pandemic, the UK government has become used to controlling which countries its citizens can travel to by law and also by placing prohibitive financial obstacles in their path. When the pandemic is over what is to prevent the UK government targeting a particular country which imposes restrictions on UK nationals which the UK feel are unfair. They could require that all UK citizens travelling to such a country must pay £120 for a departure visa. For a family of four this would cost £480 on top of their holiday/travel costs. For example, taking a family holiday in Portugal might be £480 cheaper than a similar holiday in Spain.

Sadly, history suggests it is inevitable that there will be disputes between the UK and EU countries over the coming years and the parties involved will use whatever leverage they have to influence the outcomes of such quarrels. I don't know whether the UK is likely to adopt such a strategy but the official line at the moment, including the devolved governments, is that they want people to holiday in the UK this year. The motivation is partly a fear of a resurgence of COVID in the Autumn but also a desire to direct business towards UK hospitality and entertainment businesses badly affected by the pandemic.

[Retire1day]

That would be a vote loser and I think imposing higher visa or passenger duty to those levels is not cricket. I think Spain and others can make up what rules they want but everything has a cost. I believe we have not imposed the 90 day rule in the UK. As many remainers and brexiteers would tell us all, that is the price of independence.

[Rosiemac]

Don’t fool yourself Paula. Home owners add a great deal to the Spanish coffers even if we aren’t there. We pay £3000 to maintain our property and car in Spain. We are not the only one! Think of ALL the home owners who have to pay similar annually and then add on what we spend when in residence. It’s a lot and Spain knows it.
Also,why on Earth would we even consider paying Spanish tax when we don’t live there? We pay enough at home without paying more. Spanish taxes are much higher. Depending on circumstances, home owners in Spain might spend longer there one year and far less the following year. We see Spain as a place to visit but we also like to visit other places, the 90 day rule only interferes with timing. We are getting older and time is running out, sadly. We aren’t interested in breaking rules, we simply want to get on with enjoying ourselves. That’s all. Once you reach a certain age, travel insurance can become prohibitive. Older home owners chose Spain for its easy access and winter climate. Many older folk have bad chests and find the weather in Spain easier on them. If we had wanted to relocate to Spain permanently, we would have but we now have grandchildren that we want to spend time with and they don’t all live near us so travel is necessary. Pensioners are busy people! Thankfully.

[Retire1day]

As properties can take years to sell in Spain it would tell me there is an over supply. If you put more people off there will be less sold to the UK population, of course we are not the only ones buying but a few % here and there makes a difference.

[Army of stars]

Got my flights booked to the south sandwich islands with Ryanair...woohoo

[crummy]

I believe the beaches in the Falkland Islands still have some spaces if you fancy a summer break (If you don't mind sharing with penguins)

..

[paulja]

Don’t fool yourself Paula. Home owners add a great deal to the Spanish coffers even if we aren’t there. We pay £3000 to maintain our property and car in Spain. We are not the only one! Think of ALL the home owners who have to pay similar annually and then add on what we spend when in residence. It’s a lot and Spain knows it.

I am notfooling myself or anyone else.

I think your post proves my point about who the Spanish Govt needs more.

I have 2 properties in Spain and also pay allthe sumas, pool maintemance, car, and all other taxes.

That has still been paid by you, me and all ither 2nd home owners. The Govt and some businesses have still been paid by us.

What they havent had is any money from the 18.1 million uk tourists who visit annually.

I would suggest they have been missed by the Spanish economy far more than we have.

And rules are rules, find out which rule suits and take that option.
Thats why I have not taken Spanish residency even though I would like to spend more than 90 in 180 there as I did for the last 15 years.
Sadly no more.

[Brandyboy]

I believe the beaches in the Falkland Islands still have some spaces if you fancy a summer break (If you don't mind sharing with penguins)

..

And the Argentinians who decided to stay behind.