The UK's biggest tour operator and Spanish tourism officials have moved to ease the fears of anxious British holidaymakers concerned they would have to provide proof of their finances before being allowed to enter the country. It follows reports that tourists would need to prove they had access to at least £85 per day spending money during their stay.
Statements from the Spanish Tourist Office and travel giant TUI highlighted it was not a new requirement and was part of a wider set of regulations affecting non-EU visitors to nations in the border-free Schengen travel zone, reports ChronicleLive. 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."
Holiday operator TUI also issued a statement to reassure tourists. It 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."
TUI 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. Please refer to the FCDO page for the latest information."
UK Government advice for visitors to Spain
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. More information is available from the Spanish Ministry of Interior.
Visitors may be asked to prove you have enough funds. However, it is not the case that every holidaymaker will have to show proof of their finances when entering the country.
