British tourists going on holiday to Spain face a £98 border rule before being allowed to enter the country. Rules set out by the Spanish Government state that foreign visitors must prove – if required to do so – that they have enough money for the duration of their stay.
Under current rules, the minimum amount holidaymakers must prove that they have is at least 113.40 euros (around £98.22) per person, per day, with a minimum of 1,020.60 euros (around £883.98) or its legal equivalent in foreign currency. This can be accredited by showing border officials cash, traveller’s cheques, payment letters or credit cards, which must be accompanied by a bank statement or an updated bank book.
If holidaymakers have less than the minimum amount required, their entry into Spain could either be denied entirely, or the length of stay could be reduced in proportion to the amount of money they have available.
The Spanish Ministry del Interior states: “Currently, the minimum amount to be credited is 113.40 euros per person per day, with a minimum of 1,020.60 euros or its legal equivalent in foreign currency (Effective from January 1, 2024).
“The availability of the indicated economic means by foreigners will be accredited by showing them, in the event that they have them in cash, or by presenting certified checks, traveller’s checks, payment letters, or credit cards, which must be accompanied by a bank account statement or an updated bank book (letters from banking entities or online bank statements will not be accepted) or any other means that reliably accredits the amount available as credit on the aforementioned card or bank account.
“In the event that, when carrying out the entry control of persons into Spanish territory, it is verified that a foreigner lacks sufficient financial resources for the time they wish to remain in Spain and to continue their journey to the country of destination or to return to the country of origin, or does not have a nominative, non-transferable and closed ticket or tickets, on the means of transport they intend to use, their entry into Spanish territory will be denied as established by regulations.”
The UK Foreign Office warns that Spanish border control may also ask for other additional documents before allowing entry, including:
- a return or onward ticket
- proof of travel insurance
- a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if you’re staying at your own property
- an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts
The Foreign Office also warns that tourists must get their passport stamped on entry and exit into Spain now that the UK is no longer part of the EU.
British nationals can visit Spain, and other Schengen countries, for a total of 90 days within a period of 180 days, so you’ll need a stamp to prove you haven’t overstayed the visa-free limit.
If your passport is missing a stamp, you must show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area – such as with boarding passes or tickets – and ask Spanish border guards to add the date and location in your passport.