A group of British expats were 'kicked out of Spain' and sent back to Manchester minutes after arriving.
People arriving at Alicante-Elche airport on Tuesday were reportedly refused entry into Spain and were sent back to the city on the same flight they had arrived on.
The move was reportedly made under new post-Brexit rules which sees tourists and second-home owners unable to spend more than 90 days in the country without the correct status.
They claimed that when they arrived at the terminal on March 29, they were greeted with a sign which read: "No tie card, no entry."
One of the 40 passengers to arrive and be turned away was Stuart Miller, a 47-year-old from Manchester.
Speaking to Olive Press he said: "People with letters from Alicante Foreigners Office asking them to collect their residency cards were turned away...what more proof do you need of residency?
"There was no advice, no help and - to be fair - no good reason for us being turned back at Alicante."
His wife, Caz, also issued a warning to anybody travelling to the EU country, saying "be prepared to be carted back on to the plane and sent back."
A spokesperson for the British embassy in Madrid was reportedly made aware of the issues facing some travellers.
In a statement, the embassy said Brits planning to travel from the UK to Spain must make sure they meet the requirements to leave the UK and also to enter Spain.
As of Wednesday entry to Spain is only permitted for passengers who can demonstrate their journey is 'essential' as well as those legally resident in the country, the embassy added.
Officials said: "Ultimately, the decision on whether to grant entry into Spain is made by Spanish border officials."
