Those heading to Spain for a sunny getaway have been warned about a little-known rule Millions of Brits visit the country and the surrounding islands every year for sun, sea and relaxation, but many may be unaware of the £93 rule all visitors must follow.
As reported by Birmingham Live, Spanish officials ask visitors to prove you have a return or onward ticket and pre-booked accommodation - a hotel booking confirmation, or proof of address if you're visiting friends or staying in your own property. The spot checks also mean you could also be asked to prove you have sufficient financial means for the duration of your trip.
It is unlikely but it could happen, so it is better to be prepared. Spain defines ‘sufficient financial means’ as access to €109 ( £93) - or the equivalent in another currency) per person per day.
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For a family of five, this equates to €545 per day or €7,630 for a two-week holiday in Spain. 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."
The Gov.UK page for entry requirements to Spain says UK nationals entering the Schengen zone (including Spain) as tourists may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, it is possible that travellers to Spain may also be asked to:
show you have enough money for your stay. More information is available from the Spanish Ministry of Interior (in Spanish).
show proof of accommodation for your stay, for example, a 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.
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