Majorca panic as British tourists hit by 'chaotic' travel warning from October 1

Majorca panic as British tourists hit by ‘chaotic’ travel warning from October 1

Posted by author September 23, 2024 Travel

Easyjet and the UK Foreign Office have warned Brits that they could face long airport delays because of new rules for UK residents travelling to destinations in the EU

It comes as Businesses in Majorca have expressed concerns about another set of rules, which are coming into force from October 1. They are asking Spain’s Government to scrap its planned implementation of new ‘Big Brother’ accommodation check-in rules, which hoteliers fear will cause chaos for their staff.

Then, from November 1, The EES requires that all non-EU nationals entering the EU have their photograph and fingerprints taken. These rules will apply to Brits as a consequence of Brexit.

There are major concerns that the new EES regime will lead to long queues at border control. A spokesperson for easyJet has said: “There may be longer queues at border control while this new system is being implemented and as people go through it for the first time.

“If you have a transfer included in your package or have booked a private transfer, we’re working closely with our transfer partners to make sure they know about the extra time at border control for your airport pick up and drop off. This might mean that your return transfer will pick you up earlier than you’d expect.”

The plan has already got some British tourists spooked, reports Majorca Daily Bulletin. It says the EES has made some Britons alter their holiday plans – and they are heading for non-EU destinations where extra paperwork is not required.

They are also being deterred by other new rules, that come into force even sooner. From October 1, UK tourists will need to provide a host of new information when checking in to their accommodation.

From October 1, Royal Decree 933/202, will force private rental accommodations and hotels to collect sensitive ‘reservation data’ from tourists. This additional information includes credit card numbers, bank account details and personal addresses and telephone numbers.

The Spanish government says the policy will make the country safer. However, critics claim it is a violation of tourists’ privacy – and will create an impossible workload.

The new law has raised privacy concerns and fears over an increased workload on the tourism industry. Many are also worried that it will put Spain at a “disadvantage” as a European tourist destination.

Hoteliers in Majorca are demanding that this new rule be scrapped. They claim the new check-in rules may be a breach of European Law and have called for a government review.

Other major tourism groups in Spain have also asked the government to freeze the law, claiming it is simply “impossible to comply with”. However, time is running out.