British tourists heading to Spain this summer must have three additional documents ready with them for when they arrive to use e-gates, the Foreign Office has said in updated advice on the popular destination's entry rules.
UK citizens are now permitted to use the e-gates at Spanish border control if “instructed to do so by airport staff”, the government body says, but Brits entering the country will now need proof of a return or onward ticket, enough money for their stay, and proof that they have somewhere to stay in Spain.
A report in The Mirror states that the proof required includes hotel booking confirmations, proof of address if visiting your own property (e.g, a second home), or an invitation from your host or proof of their address if staying with a third party, friends or family. Visitors will also need to prove they meet the Covid-19 entry requirements.
People can do this by showing proof of vaccination, a medical certificate or recovery record showing recovery from Covid-19 within the last six months, or a negative PCR (taken within 72 hours prior to departure) or an antigen test (taken within 24 hours). The Covid-19 requirements do not apply to children under 12.
A passenger locator form is no longer required to enter Spain. Foreign Office advice states: “You may also be subject to additional checks at the point of entry including a temperature check, visual health assessment, or testing on arrival.”
The Foreign Office has also reminded British travellers that they will need to have their passports stamped on entry and exit from Spain. This is due to the fact that the UK is no longer part of the EU, with Brits required to stick to the Schengen visa-free travelling rules.
British nationals can visit Spain, and other Schengen countries, for a total of 90 days within a period of 180 days. If travellers are planning to stay longer they will need to apply for a visa.
British Passports must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country. They must also be valid for at least three months after the day people plan to leave.
The Foreign Office adds: “You can use the staffed immigration booths or, if you are aged 18 and over, and are instructed to do so by airport staff, you may be able to use the e-gates, if these are in operation. Hand your passport to the border officer for stamping after you have passed through the e-gate.”
This year different Spanish regions and cities have been introducing local rules that restrict the behaviour of tourists. Many areas either ban barbecues or require police authorisation beforehand, so people are advised to check local websites before heading off
.
In Salobrena, Granada, fines of up to £2,500 can be imposed for anyone who starts any type of fire on the beach. Other laws mean tourists and residents alike can be hit with fines for smoking on beaches, as well as drinking alcohol and using soap or shampoo, while one bizarre law means it is also illegal to build sandcastles — in Levante at least.
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