When the Brexit transition period ends at the end of December, the new travel restrictions will come into force. The rules mean that Britons may not be allowed to stay in another European country unless they have a visa.
UK citizens will only be allowed to stay in the European country for a maximum of 90 days in every six-month period.
Those who exceed the limit could face the threat of a fine or even a ban on entry to the EU’s Schengen travel zone.
Britons are campaigning to change the rules to allow them to stay for more than 90 days.
David Young created the group 180 Days in Greece to combat against the new rules.
He told The Telegraph: “Like me, many Brits divide their lives between two countries, but after Brexit – unless they apply for full residency in the EU country where they’ve bought their property, pay taxes there, and lose their NHS provision back home – second-home owners will be limited to stays of a maximum of 90 days.”
He added: “Citizens from the EU, EEA and Switzerland who want to stay in the UK for up to six months will not require a visa post-Brexit. All we are asking for is parity.”
Mr Young is originally from Twickenham but settled on the Greek island of Syros several years ago.
Mark Ellis is a Briton working in Gabon, Africa and owns a home in Germany.
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Under the new travel rules there is no flexibility for family illness, important property maintenance or other emergencies.
This could create a major problem for Britons with second homes in the EU.
Stephen and Rosemary Moy spent £200,000 to have a house built on the island of Antiparos in Greece.
They told the Telegraph: “We have caring responsibilities for our elderly parents who are now in their nineties, so we can only be away for a certain amount of time each year.
“We usually travel out to Greece twice a year – via France, Switzerland and Italy – in our campervan but the journey takes us about eight days each way, which means that after Brexit we could only spend about eight weeks per year in our property.”
The UK Government’s official guidance explained that Britons will have to meet the requirements set out by the country they are traveling to from January.
It stated: “From 1 January 2021, you will be able to travel to other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for purposes such as tourism. This is a rolling 180-day period.
“To stay for longer, to work or study, or for business travel, you will need to meet the entry requirements set out by the country to which you are travelling.
“This could mean applying for a visa or work permit. You may also need to get a visa if your visit would take you over the 90 days in 180 days limit.
“Periods of stay authorised under a visa or permit will not count against the 90-day limit. Travel to the UK and Ireland will not change.”
