UK2PTviaNZandChina

I am hoping that someone can give current details about what to expect at the Spanish border this coming July 2019, when I leave Portugal for 2 months with a UK registered car and a couple of dogs in the back. Previous info might be useful also, but I am mostly wondering if anyone knows what we can expect under the various (presently available) Brexit options:

A) No deal
B) extending Article 50
C) A deal

I don't want this to be treated as an axe-grinding exercise, but instead, information or discussion seeking to provide pragmatic advice, so we can all make any necessary provision.

Thanks.

Rosemary

Basically nobody knows the answers. Not even the politicians involved in the whole process.

Rosemary

dmu

Hi, just to clarify, are you remaining in Spain for the two months? No other borders to cross?

dingg

Nothing will happen
you'll just drive through the same as today.

Red Eric

UK2PTviaNZandChina

Yes. Just an hour inside Spain then back to PT after 2 months.

UK2PTviaNZandChina

That's my feeling... under a no deal Brexit, a UK reg. car could maybe expect checks at external EU borders but not internally, such as SPAIN / PT.

So, are you telling me that the border isn't currently conducting any checks and is unlikely to change in ANY given Brexit scenario?

I arrived here by air from China, with the 2 dogs mentioned and have never crossed any internal European border by car since 1999, so this is all quite new to me.

mfesharne

Not usually any checks at all..................... The only way you know you've crossed from one to the other is the road signs change languages & that's barely noticeable.

Red Eric

Do bear in mind, though, that it isn't only the borders where vehicle and driver documentation etc might be subject to inspection, so you'll need to be compliant with whatever applies in your situation on both sides.

UK2PTviaNZandChina

Great, Thanks everyone.

GeniB

I don't think thats now true mfesharne. We just crossed back into Portugal from a trip to Seville and there were large signs telling all foreign registered cars to go through a different crossing post. I think its intended for those without a transponder so that they can pay with a credit card etc... But maybe post Brexit it will be a means to check all non EU cars crossing the border. Just a thought

UK2PTviaNZandChina

Thanks for that. I am assuming coming from Seville to PT, you did not enter on the A25?

GeniB

Main motorway A22

A & M

Geni B is quite right. The border post on the Portuguese side of the Guadiana crossing has Easitoll machines for owners of foreign-registered cars to use. You put your debit card in the machine, a voice wishes you "boa viaje" ("Have a good journey"), and you get an Easitoll ticket valid for 28 days. Your card will be debited with the cost of the toll automatically (by licence plate recognition) whenever you pass under a toll gantry. So the set-up is to do with making money rather than controlling the movement of people. BUT - they do have fairly frequent road blocks on the Portuguese side, and non-Portuguese cars seem to be a particular target.

Other "hot spots" for the police to stop GB registered cars are Faro airport, and the roundabout just off J16 of the A22 near Tavira. We have been stopped at both those locations in a GB car. The clear purpose of the stops on both occasions was to find out whether or not we had had the car in Portugal for more than 6 months (we hadn't). Our advice - keep a copy of your ferry ticket in your car to prove to the police that you're taking it back to the UK.

UK2PTviaNZandChina

On a related point, would anyone be able to throw light on these two circumstances regarding credit card payments at easytoll booths on entering from Spain on the E80 / A25?

I am informed that at such booths, one drops ones CC into a slot, your vehicle registration is captured on camera and a ticket (which expires after 30 days) is issued to you.

A) From that point on, is the CC charged EACH TIME you pass under a gantry.

B) Does that incur currency exchange fees and overseas usage fees for UK issues Credit cards?

C) Have you or anyone you know used a UK issued DEBIT card at easytoll booths? (and if so, are their any unexpected related fees)

D) Have you or anyone you know used a PT issued DEBIT card at easytoll booths? (and if so, are their any unexpected related fees)

Thanks in expectation of pertinent replies...