The sunny island of Lanzarote was shuddering at news of new restrictions on British tourists. The island authorities had taken a radical decision, casting doubt on the future of the summer getaways so popular with travelers from across the Channel. A wave of uncertainty swept across the golden beaches and colorful streets of this popular destination, marking an unexpected turning point in the tourist landscape of this volcanic land.
A new passport control at entry and exit
Lanzarote, the jewel of the Canary Islands, recently introduced a new directive which may well surprise British tourists. From 2021, anyone coming from United Kingdom must now have their passport stamped on arrival and departure. This change is based on the Schengen Borders Code of 2016, a regulation that has so far been little applied to facilitate tourist flows.
The requirements of the 90 day rule
It is now crucial for travelers to prove the exact date of their departure from the European Union. This is to respect the stay limitation of 90 days over a period of 180 days. This measure is being carefully enforced by police officers at César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, changing previous practice which allowed smoother entry and exit for British tourists.
Logistical challenges at the airport
Implementing this new rule presents significant challenges for airport staff. Indeed, of the 49 officers at the airport, only 30 are available to manage the border post, the others being assigned to various departments of the local police station in Arrecife. Additionally, the configuration of the airport complicates things since there are 11 boarding gates through which departure checks must be carried out.
Impact on busy days
On peak days, like Tuesday and Thursday, these new guidelines are particularly difficult to manage. Around two-thirds of British citizens leaving Lanzarote on those days could leave without having their passports properly stamped. This may cause complications for their future entries into the Schengen area, under the 90-day rule.
Consequences for British travelers
This renewed rigor in stamping passports risks causing confusion among many British tourists accustomed to a smoother passage. If a passport is not stamped upon exit, the data could indicate that the traveler has continuously remained in the EU, leading to entry refusals on subsequent attempts to visit the Schengen area. Airlines and AENA (Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea) could also see an increase in complaints from these tourists.
To avoid any inconvenience during their trip, affected travelers are advised to scrupulously inform themselves about these new requirements and allow sufficient time for customs formalities in Lanzarote.
Recommendations for travelers
Here are some tips for British tourists traveling to Lanzarote:
- Check the new requirements before planning your trip.
- Allow sufficient time for passport checks at the airport.
- Make sure your passport is stamped when entering and leaving the country.
- Keep in mind the 90-day stay limitation in a 180-day period.
