I'm pretty sure that by now most of you would have heard about this, but if not, it should be noted that things are just beginning to heat up now, at the ports I mean, all ports, especially at the airports, they are about to really let the shineola hit the fan in Spain and the U.K..
It has already been dire when going through most of Britain's airports over the last few years, but now they are about to start getting really serious about it all, and I can only imagine that there is going to be a lot of misery & bitter disappointment caused to a lot of people, trying to get out of and then back into Spain, simply because they will now be subjected to an infinitely higher level of scrutiny than ever before, and the authorities are really looking for it, and I see a lot of people being detained for many hours of questioning, and probably before either being sent back home or arrested & charged for something. They are going to be taking a good look at exactly who is flying into and out of Spain & the UK, and can you blame them? Just look at the way things are recently, there are so many illegal Aliens roaming around all over the place, and not known to even be in the country, or out of their own country in many cases, that they have got no choice but to start really getting into exactly who is flying, to where, & when, & why, and all the et ceteras under the sun. The world has become an extremely dangerous place, with an enormous number of unknown individuals floating around under the radar, and that is something that can no longer be tolerated by any country, and so as a result, this new action is only going to be the tip of the iceberg, and I feel that even more severe legislation(s) are sure to follow, and a lot of aliens out there now need to watch their backs.
Here is an article I read during the week, and an link to the warnings given out by Ryanair.
************************************************ Air passengers face delays after Spain beefs up security.
Millions face disruption and longer queues at the airport from today, because of beefed-up anti terror measures for flights to Spain.
The Spanish authorities are introducing more rigorous security checks, which require detailed personal information in advance for all UK visitors. Travellers who fail to provide the necessary details, would be denied permission to board the flights. Before boarding, all travellers are required to give the details from their passport, including full name, nationality, date of birth and passport number.
The Spanish government believes the advance passenger information system – which is expected to be introduced across the EU over the next year – will allow them to identify potential terrorists before they arrive in their country.
Although the system was introduced tentatively in June, the full switchover comes into effect today.
In theory, Airlines and holiday companies should be able to capture the necessary information quickly by passing passports over a scanner.
However, many British travel companies do not yet have the scanners in place, meaning that their passengers will have to provide the details either online or by phoning a registration service number, which could cause delays.
Any disruption could have an enormous impact, as Spain is Britain’s biggest holiday destination, with some 12.5 million visitors per year.
Under the scheme, which the Spanish government has vowed to strictly enforce, airlines can be fined £41,000 pounds per flight for failing to supply all passengers’ personal details & other information before boarding & take-off.
A number of airlines – including British Airways – have tackled the problem by collecting the information from those booking on the Internet, at the same time as making their online payment.
But budget airline Ryanair have advertised warnings of the latest changes, it notes on it’s website: ‘there may be some disruption at Airports’. If you are travelling to Spain, from the 19th September 2007, you are advised to allow extra time to check in for your flight.
Passengers who do not provide the required passenger details/Information, will not be accepted for travel’.
Well it's not exactly surprising. I'm sure we've all noticed more screening when traveling. I was surprised a month ago (I flew home to the U.S.) when I was interogated by a lady who worked with United about my stay, what I did here, if I traveled outside of Spain, who I stayed with, what they did, etc. It really freaked me out as I'm used to going through with no problems. That happened to me a couple of years ago when I flew from Amsterdam to the States and I've seen them do it in France, but I'd never seen it in Spain. In the end what were they going to do as I was going home? My fear was that they would put something in their computer systems that wouldn't allow me back into Spain. However I flew back to Spain with no problems and not a single question from passport control. I'm curious as to whether this has happened to anyone else flying to the U.S.? I know in England they give you the third degree which is exactly the reason I avoid flying through England but I really wasn't expecting it here.
Cheers, Bonnie
Posts: 435 | Location: Italy | Registered: 25 November 2003
Yes I think that we are going to be hearing about a lot more deportations and refused entries into Spain from now on, the heat is definitely on now, as until now, they haven't really been getting tough and doing what they should have been doing, and turning people back, perhaps out of compassion and feeling sorry for those who are clearly decent people who are just trying to get their life together in Spain, but whose papers are not in order, and perhaps shouldn't really be there at all, I think that they are going to now stop being so relaxed about it and start telling some people trying to get back into Spain to go back home and get it sorted out there, rather than turn a blind eye to it and just let them through, as they have been doing for a long, long time. Now all of that is going to change, and I can only see a lot of sobbing people at various Airports pleading to be allowed to return to what is effectively their home, with all of their possessions, etc, but I think they are going to be saying "sorry, but the answer is NO" to a lot of people, and sending them back.
Well. Que sera sera, as they say.
Saludos.
Posts: 696 | Location: Santander | Registered: 11 August 2003
Angelo, it's really easy to say that when your ass has a UK passport. You might do well to remember that one of the reasons that there are so many illegal English speakers here is that there is a high demand for English teachers. I'm guessing that amounts for the large majority of them anyway. There are just simply not enough UK residents willing to take a break from Uni or their careers to come teach English in Spain and a majority of the students want native speakers so where does that leave Spain???
On the plus side, crack downs + demand may put pressure on the Spanish government to make some sort of ammendment allowing English natives from all over to come to Spain to teach for 1-2 years. A teaching visa if you will, just as they did for AuPairs.
I know I'm not legal, but I don't for one moment regret my decision to come here anyway. I've loved every moment of the experience and I encourage anyone out there considering moving to Spain to think long and hard about the consequences of this lifestyle. Just like low wages I consider this minor snafu, just that, a minor snafu. I would encourage you not to travel to Spain on a one way ticket, nor to travel to the U.S. with a return to Spain as that will raise red flags. Having said that if your not afraid of lying, you'll likely get through anyway.
Cheers, Bonnie
Posts: 435 | Location: Italy | Registered: 25 November 2003
Sorry, I didn't mean to stir up emotions in any way, I understand your position, and respect your choice to stay as you are, and do as you see fit, it is of course none of mine or anybody else's business what another person does in Spain, or anywhere for that matter, but I feel inclined to say that I agree with some of the points that you have made, but fundamentally disagree with some of the others, however, I cannot get into a discussion on teaching native English in Spain, and the who should or shouldn't of it all, etc, I had not previously in my opening post's mentioned anything about teaching English, or teaching anything basically, and I feel that it is somewhat not the point here, the point here is, that ALL people of all nationalities regardless of country of origin, or type of passport, or Profession, e.g. Teachers, drummers, cooks, caterers, chauffeurs, fishermen, and/or frogmen, trying to travel into Spain, are going to be subject to the higher level of scrutiny at the ports, it don't matter if a persons passport is a European member state or UK passport, ALL will be subject to a more detailed checking system when trying to enter Spain, because it's about Terrorism, not teaching, it's more about things like national security. I'm sure the authorities couldn't care less who teaches English in Spain right now. What's more likely to come about at some point, is another amnesty, for those who wish to remain and continue working, in whichever field it is they do, English teachers, etc, as I'm sure that they would rather do that, than have people working under the radar, I'm sure they would rather give them an amnesty and a residency card and know who they are, than not know who they have got working here. Lets hope so eh, so that those who are already here & working will be able to get fully legit and never have to worry about traveling in & out of the country again.
Saludos.
Posts: 696 | Location: Santander | Registered: 11 August 2003
Before "major panic" sets in can I just say that the collection of API is NOT causing major delays at UK and Irish airports. Ryanair merely said that if you refused to give the information you would not be allowed to travel. The info needed is mostly on UK and Irish passports anyway. The Spanish authorities have asked that names of passengers be sent through BEFORE planes depart, rather than during the flight, so that any "undesirables" do not even get a chance to board. API has to be collected for every flight, is not archived, and therefore is recollected everytime a flight to Spain is made.
The delays, if any, are down to the enhanced security at the point of departure, which I don't think anyone should complain about
________________________________________ Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional
I noticed that when we flew home via Zurich from my Mom's funeral this summer, everyone had to go up and present there passport before boarding. Up to this point they only did visual check.
but when we flew direct Toronto Madrid (a month latter big time ouch on the budget but we had allready bought the tickets before my Mom passed away) there was nothing out of the ordinary, quick visual check as per normal.
A note on flying to the US, wasn't near as bad as I had heard, they did "border control" even before you got to the counter. Was quite painless.
Biggest change affecting those who fly for business is the one bag limit coming into effect. Most business travels take a small carry on and a laptop bag but that's about to change. If your flying for personal than just check everything.
Regarding teaching English without a visa, nothing much has changed beyond having to have a round trip ticket. Had a friend who showed up at the gate with a one way ticket and no visa and was told to exchange it for a round trip ticket.
Just a note for those of you with older parents overseas, check your airlines bereavement policy. If you need to fly home on short notice during peak travel season it will save you some cash. Particularly if you ask for re-imbursement after the fact.
Rob in Madrid
formerly timhortonsman
Posts: 382 | Location: Tres Cantos | Registered: 29 June 2006
Well Sue, the other article that I've got says different, it states that ALL passengers regardless of nationality or type of passport etc, flying from any UK or Irish Airport into Spain, will have to provide the API, e.g. Internationals as well as UK & Irish citizens. I guess that must mean even if they are picking up connecting flights in the UK & Ireland, on the way into Spain, as well as those just flying from UK/IRE to Spain, even though they may be European member state citizens, and don't need a visa, like Internationals would.
Well, anyway, whatever as they say.
"Save the cheerleader, save the world" that's what I say!!
You might do well to remember that one of the reasons that there are so many illegal English speakers here is that there is a high demand for English teachers. I'm guessing that amounts for the large majority of them anyway. There are just simply not enough UK residents willing to take a break from Uni or their careers to come teach English in Spain and a majority of the students want native speakers so where does that leave Spain???
can I just say that the collection of API is NOT causing major delays at UK and Irish airports. Ryanair merely said that if you refused to give the information you would not be allowed to travel. The info needed is mostly on UK and Irish passports anyway. The Spanish authorities have asked that names of passengers be sent through BEFORE planes depart, rather than during the flight, so that any "undesirables" do not even get a chance to board. API has to be collected for every flight, is not archived, and therefore is recollected everytime a flight to Spain is made.
