A little-known travel rule means holidaymakers heading to Spain and several other European countries must be able to show they have sufficient funds for the duration of their stay - working out at £93 a day. It is is part of the Schengen Borders Code, which has been signed by 27 countries, including Portugal, Greece, and Italy.
It states that travellers from outside the European Union must demonstrate sufficient funds to enter the country. The required amount varies between destinations.
Spain defines ‘sufficient financial means’ as access to €109 (£93) per person, per day, Birmingham Live reports. For a family of five, this equates to €545 per day or €7,630 for a two-week holiday in Spain.
The spot checks also mean you could also be asked to prove you have somewhere to stay during your visit along with a valid onward or return ticket.
In a previous statement, Manuel Butler, the 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."
He added: “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."
He pointed out that there are similar rules for visitors entering the UK, adding: "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."
However consumer organisation Which? says it is "very unlikely" the money rule will be applied. Last summer, the Ministry of the Interior told it that this rule is not being applied to tourists and nobody has been refused entry for not having enough money.
More information is available from the Spanish Ministry of Interior and the Gov.UK page for entry requirements to Spain
