How Brexit's 90-day rule is tearing British families apart in France

The EU's 90/180-day rule for British visitors after Brexit is creating serious challenges for many. Families, retirees and business owners now face restrictions that disrupt their lives, health and livelihoods. The rule limits stays in the Schengen Zone to 90 days within any 180-day period, forcing difficult choices on those with deep ties to France.

For Philip Prior, who bought a home in Brittany 25 years ago, the new rule has made visits to his daughter in France far harder. Unequal visa requirements between the UK and Schengen Zone mean he can no longer spend time freely with his family. Stephen Moore also suffered when a severe sciatica attack struck while he was in France. Unable to get a needed medical scan within the time limit, he faced unnecessary delays in treatment.

Mark Hamer and his family moved to France to be closer to their grandchild, but now worry about renewing their 'visitor' residency cards every year. The process is both costly and uncertain. Robert Clark and his wife, expecting their first grandchild in Paris, fear they won't be able to stay long enough to help. The 90-day cap leaves them with little flexibility during a crucial time.

John and Marie Lever struggle to maintain their French home due to the complexity and expense of post-Brexit visas. Deana Misbert, a British citizen with a French husband and daughters, wants to split her retirement between the UK and France. But the visa process is proving too time-consuming and expensive. Heather and John Crail, who bought a property in France 12 years ago, are now considering selling it. The stress of tracking days under the 90/180 rule has become too much.

Self-employed haulier Stephen Robinson faces financial losses, as the rule cuts his working time in Europe to just six months a year. Even Terry Donohue, an American, had to hire help to manage his French property due to the same restrictions. But the quality of the work suffered, adding further frustration.

The 90/180-day rule continues to affect British citizens in ways that go beyond simple travel limits. Families are separated, health needs go unmet, and businesses lose income. For many, the restrictions have made maintaining a life split between the UK and France increasingly difficult.