Tui has sought to dispel holidaymaker fears over rules for entry to Spain this summer.
The operator issued an update on its website after the Spanish Tourist Office denied that a new rule had been introduced requiring UK travellers to demonstrate proof of their finances when visiting the country.
Tourist Office UK director Manuel Butler said last week: “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.
More: Spanish tourist board: rules about proof of finances are not new
“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.”
Tui issued a statement yesterday (Monday) which said: “We’re aware of recent media reports regarding Spain’s entry requirements and passengers needing to provide proof of funds for the duration of their stay.
“We’d like to reassure customers that this is not a new requirement and has been in place for some time.
“Currently the FCDO advises that customers may need to show additional documents at Spanish border control including:
- A return or onward ticket
- Proof of funds to cover the duration of your stay
- Proof of accommodation for your stay- hotel booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting your own property (e.g. second home), or an invitation from your host or proof of their address if staying with a third party, friends or family. The Spanish government has clarified that the ‘carta de invitation is one of the options available to prove that you have accommodation if staying with friends or family.”
The company added: “We recommend that customers carry their travel documents in person, or on a mobile device, in the unlikely event that you are asked for them at passport control upon arrival into Spain.”
Tui said that more information is available from the Spanish Ministry of Interior.
More: Spanish tourist board: rules about proof of finances are not new