Spain has released new rules and restrictions for British holidaymakers hoping to go there over the summer.
Tourists travelling from the UK to the popular holiday destination will need to provide evidence of a return flight or onward ticket and proof of accommodation while on holiday. Furthermore, holidaymakers will also have to prove they have enough finances to enjoy their time in the country.
However, travel operators and punters are disappointed at the new restrictions and argue that it put the UK at a disadvantage despite contributing significantly to the Spanish tourism sector. It follows a previous U-turn on moves to reduce tourist congestion at airports by providing UK travellers their own automatic e-gates to enter the country, the Daily Express reports.
Read more: Life in the leafy Greater Manchester suburb where house prices have risen faster than anywhere else
But, UK passport holders are still required to have their stamps done by hand, regardless of whether the new gates were used or not. The UK Foreign Office, said: "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.
"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.” Tourists may also be asked to provide evidence that they are able to spend a minimum of 100 euros each day of their holiday, equating to £85.22 plus an additional minimum of 900 euros (£766.94).
he Spanish Ministry del Interior, added: "Foreigners from third countries must prove if required to do so by the officials in charge of controlling the entry of people into Spanish territory, that they have economic resources for entering the country, through cash, traveller’s cheques, payment letters, or credit cards, which must also be proven to have sufficient funds available on them."
Brits are also being urged to check their passport stamps to see if they happen to travel in or out of the EU Schengen areas. UK Foreign Office guidelines state: "Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area.
"If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit."
Read next:
