Spanish tourism bosses have responded to fears that UK holidaymakers will be asked to prove they have £85 a day spending money to enter the country. The nation's tourist office said it wanted to reassure visitors they would not have to demonstrate proof of having that amount of cash to cover their stay.
A statement on behalf of the Spanish Tourist Office said the rule was not new and had been in force since January 1. It added that the regulations were not confined to Spain and applied to visitors from most nations outside the EU-Schengen border-free travel area.
Manuel Butler, 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.
“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.
“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.”
The UK Foreign Office had highlighted the regulations stating British citizens had to carry additional documentation when visiting Spain, including having enough money to fund their stay. It also stated: "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."
Many travellers attacked the post-Brexit rules on various social media platforms. TV personality Gillian McKeith tweeted: “Spain is not worth the hassle. There must be better places to go...Brits must prove they can spend £85 a day to enter Spain. And you need an onward ticket and accommodation booked for your stay."
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
