Since the UK left the European Union, the length of time British citizens can stay in Benidorm (and the rest of Spain) is governed by the Schengen Area 90/180-day rule. In 2026, this means you can stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This limit is cumulative across all countries in the Schengen Zone, so if you spend 30 days in France before heading to Benidorm, you would only have 60 days remaining for your Spanish holiday. It is crucial to use a "Schengen Calculator" to track your days, as overstaying can result in heavy fines, deportation, and a future ban from the EU. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days—for example, if you own a holiday home in the Costa Blanca—you must apply for a specific Spanish visa, such as the Non-Lucrative Visa (for retirees) or the Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers). For short-term tourists, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is now a mandatory requirement for entry, which must be applied for online at least 96 hours before travel.