UK Brexit travel rules may change in Portugal

The "90 days in every 180" rule, considered among the most restrictive outcomes of Brexit, is currently the focus of renewed political debate in the British Parliament.

By Íris Marçal, in News · 12 Mar 2026, 20:03 · 6 Comments

Credits: envato elements; Author: FabrikaPhoto;

Several Members of Parliament in Westminster are urging the UK government to renegotiate this rule with the European Union, contending that the restriction significantly impedes the mobility of both citizens and businesses.

This debate holds particular significance for Portugal, as the country remains a primary destination for the British community, both for extended tourism and for investment in second homes, especially in the Algarve and Lisbon regions.

At present, British passport holders are permitted to remain in the Schengen area for only 90 days within any six-month period. This restriction has compelled homeowners and retirees to substantially shorten their stays in Portugal.

The economic consequences of this measure in Portugal are particularly apparent in the real estate and winter tourism sectors, both of which rely heavily on British seasonal residents. Prior to Brexit, these individuals could move freely; currently, the only legal option for those seeking to exceed the three-month limit is to obtain a residence or long-term visa, such as the D7 visa.

The issue has gained further urgency with the impending implementation of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES), which will digitally and automatically track the duration of stay for non-EU citizens. This system will render virtually undetected overstays impossible and will subject violators to substantial fines and bans on entry into the Schengen area for up to 3 years.

For Portuguese travellers and national companies operating in the United Kingdom, this rule change could mean greater fluidity in commercial and professional relations.

British Members of Parliament, including Helen Morgan and Mary Foy, emphasise that the restriction affects not only pensioners but also professionals and export-oriented companies that require frequent travel between the two regions.

Although a unilateral change by the United Kingdom is not feasible, as the 90-day rule is a standard European Union regulation for third countries, a negotiated exception for British citizens could have immediate effects on the Portuguese economy.

Such an exception would, for example, enable thousands of Britons to maintain consistent consumption patterns, as the current rule compels them to vacate their Portuguese residences mid-season, thereby creating gaps in local commerce and community services.

I hope the rule is not changed. UK citizens knew that if they left the EU their economy would suffer, that opportunities generally would be more limited on the continent, and that they could only stay ninety days out of every 180, but they voted to leave anyone. Why now should they be able to claw back the privileges of EU membership because they do not like the new rules that apply to them? Should've thought of that earlier. Live with it!

By William Dominik from Lisbon on 13 Mar 2026, 10:49

This can't come soon enough. I voted to remain in the EU, as did most of my fellow Scots, so this would be some recompense for being dragged out of the EU by most English voters.

By Ellya from UK on 13 Mar 2026, 11:11

What excellent news. Let’s hope the British government and Portugese government see the many advantages in this. Nobody pre brexit realised this 90/180 rule was applicable as it was kept from the British who foolishly voted for brexit!! The advantages all round are there to see especially for those of us like ving here who will not have to deal with AIMA!!

By Kevin from Algarve on 13 Mar 2026, 14:10

I assume that the EU will have a say in this as well. And why should the UK be treated different from e.g. the USA or any other non-EU country. Btw, overall the Ukrainians have the best deal. They are de-facto (not de-jure) EU members with all Schengenland open to them, but without the need to e.g. register their cars in Portugal. They also get full social security and heath benefits without ever paying a cent into the system. Maybe the UK citizens should request the same.

By Tom from Lisbon on 14 Mar 2026, 09:59

Good if it could be agreed. Especially as UK allows EU citizens to stay in the UK for 182 days at a time, in each year. Simply to avoid them becoming tax residents. Same for Portugal, instead of the ridiculous Schengen rule of 90 days max at a time, allow up to 180 days at one go. So many Brits would then be able to spend all winter in Portugal, rather than only 3 months

By Harry Simpson from Algarve on 19 Mar 2026, 12:30

William Dominik, I understand your point, but it assumes everyone in the UK knowingly chose this outcome, which simply isn’t true.
The Brexit vote was very close (52% to 48%) and driven by campaigns that were heavily criticised for misleading claims. Many people didn’t fully understand the consequences. And millions of us, myself included, voted to remain.
So it’s not fair to say “they knew what they were voting for.” A lot of people didn’t, and a lot of us actively voted against it.
What’s frustrating is that those of us who voted to stay have still lost rights we once had. Freedom of movement, the ability to live and work easily across Europe, and a sense of European identity were all taken away regardless of how we voted.
This isn’t just about “not liking new rules.” It affects real lives: jobs, relationships, homes, and long-term plans. I’ve built a life in Portugal, I’m learning the language, and I’m committed to being there, yet I now face restrictions that didn’t exist before.
Democracy doesn’t mean people can’t question an outcome, especially when it was so close and shaped by questionable information. Telling people to just “live with it” ignores the millions who never chose it in the first place.

By Mark Evans from Lisbon on 20 Mar 2026, 12:36