British tourists are experiencing significant delays at Spanish airports due to stricter passport control measures post-Brexit. Reports indicate that numerous British passengers, including a cancer patient, missed their Ryanair flight at Lanzarote Airport because of prolonged passport checks.
Since the beginning of July, British tourists arriving at César Manrique Airport in Lanzarote have faced new passport stamping procedures. According to Cadena Ser The Guardia Civil has begun enforcing the requirement to stamp British passports upon entry and exit, a measure intensified post-Brexit.
Contradictory instructions and staffing issues
Authorities at the airport revealed that previously, passport stamping was not consistently enforced to expedite the flow of British tourists. This leniency, however, has shifted due to a directive from the Head of the Border Post at the airport. Media sources like ‘The Sun’ have highlighted that the limited number of national police officers at the airport cannot manage the increased workload, potentially causing serious issues for travellers.
Ryanair’s response
Passengers expressed frustration over Ryanair’s handling of the situation, particularly the lengthy process of removing luggage from the plane. Complaints include lack of assistance with alternative flights, accommodation, or meals, leaving affected families stranded.
Impact of Brexit regulations
Since Brexit, British citizens can only spend 90 days out of every 180 in the Schengen Area, making passport stamps crucial for tracking stays. The enforcement of this regulation has caused significant delays and complications, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Spain.
Limited resources and overwhelmed staff
Sources revealed that the airport’s border control staff lack sufficient resources to manage the increased workload, especially on peak days like Thursdays. This has exacerbated the delays and led to widespread dissatisfaction among travellers.