A statement on behalf of the Spanish Tourist Office has “set the record straight” about UK travellers having to demonstrate proof of their finances when visiting Spain.
It comes after several national and regional media reports this week said the rule was new and meant that holidaymakers may have to prove that they have £85 per day to spend in order to enter Spain.
The statement on behalf of the tourist board said it is not a new rule; it’s not exclusive for UK travellers; and it’s not a Spain-only requirement.
Manuel Butler, Spanish Tourist Office director (UK), said: “The requirement for UK travellers to be able to illustrate sufficient means for the duration of their stay and the return is established in the Schengen Borders Code and is not a Spain-specific requirement.
“This is not a new requirement and has been in place for some time for visitors from outside of the European Union or Schengen area.
“When entering Spain, these checks are not systematically carried out for every traveller.
“Likewise, travellers coming to the UK are also required to show that they have specific means to support themselves and any dependents for the duration of the trip and the ability to pay for the return or onward journey.”
Commenting on the headlines about the issue, Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, pointed out that the rule has been an entry requirement since January 1 for all nationals from outside the Schengen area.
Spain £85 news hits headlines today but this has been an entry requirement into #Spain since 1st Jan for all nationals from outside the Schengen area. If required to do so, anyone entering must prove they have the economic means to support themselves.https://t.co/FN5dLHpD7Z
— Julia Lo Bue-Said (@jlo_said) July 26, 2022
Earlier this month, the UK Foreign Office flagged up the need for British travellers to carry additional documentation when visiting Spain, including having enough money for their stay.
On the ‘Entry Requirements’ section of the FCDO travel advice portal, it says three additional documents are required by tourists.
“At Spanish border control, you may need to show a return or onward ticket; show you have enough money for your stay; show proof of accommodation for your stay, for example, a hotel booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting your own property (eg second home), or an invitation from your host or proof of their address if staying with a third party, friends or family,” says the advice.
More: Foreign Office flags up documents needed for Spain visits