While holidaymakers have faced “miles” of queues at UK airports amid delays and cancellations this week, it seems things aren’t much better on the other side.
British tourists have reported long queues at passport control with some waiting up to three hours to enter Spain upon arrival.
According to social media users long queues have been experienced at hotspots including Majorca, Alicante and Malaga.
MEN reports that this is due to extra checks required at passport control post-Brexit.
UK tourists are only permitted to remain in the Schengen area (a group of 26 countries with freedom of movement) for 90 out of 180 days.
Each holidaymaker must have their passport inspected manually and date stamped when they arrive and leave.
According to the Irish Mirror, EU travellers have walked straight through arrivals.
And, some Brits have claimed they are getting “preferential treatment” with an “EU fast lane”.
Photos have been shared from Malaga Airport which has two separate queues.
One is sealed off with black tape and signposted with a union jack for “all passengers”.
The other is enclosed with green tape and shows an Irish tricolour and EU flag while labelled for “EU citizens”.
A Twitter user said: “Four hours queue in Malaga airport for non-EU passport holders, meanwhile everyone else walking on.
“We had a three-hour wait at Palma airport, with a very tired four year old in tow. ‘Other passports’ no line.”
But, EU passport holder have stated they are getting “looks that could kill” as they “sail through”.
One social media user tweeted: “Massive queues for non-EU passport control at Malaga Airport yesterday morning.
“In less than a minute we Irish passport holders were waived through with a smile. If looks could kill!”
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Another said: “Sailed through the Irish lane at Malaga yesterday.
“A couple of Brits off my plane attempted to follow me. That was fun.”
Another person wrote: “Recently arrived in Spain. A woman was complaining about British passports being sent to a long queue, Irish go the other way.
“I politely pointed out that this is our new normal. 'Oh well. Yes, I suppose so' she grumbled.”
Daily Star contacted Malaga Airport for comment.
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