British Woman Caught Out By 'Little-Known' Passport Stamp Rule

Following Brexit, all non-EU citizens require an exit stamp whenever they visit The Schengen Area (an area comprising of 26 European countries which have abolished border control at their mutual borders).

Officials failed to stamp Linda's passport after coming away from a trip to the country in June. When she tried to enter again in September, it looked as if she'd stayed for three months. She was then classed as an 'overstayer' and denied entry.

Speaking to Spanish media, the holidaymaker said: "I was denied entry to Spain on 26th September due to my passport not being stamped on exit during a previous one-week visit to Spain which started on 4th June".

She continued, "Even though I have proof of returning to the UK via banking activity as well as the test and trace COVID app, the border guards would not accept or look at any proof."

According to the tourist, they wouldn't let her "speak to anyone that could help" either.

The passport officials then allegedly said they'd arrest her as an 'overstayer' if she tried to enter.

Linda has since contacted her MP, but hasn't yet found a solution. She doesn't know when she'll be able to visit Spain again.

She said: "I've contacted my MP but was just directed back to the consulate [UK representative for Spain], thereby going round in circles".

The tourist expressed her frustration due to her lack of control over the situation, stating that "I'm being held responsible for [...] the guard's failure to stamp my passport".