Brits going to Spain warned of unknown rule that requires them to prove they have enough spending money

It is no secret that we absolutely love Spain.

From Barca and Madrid to Jerez and Seville, there is so much to explore.

And more than 17 million Brits decided to head South for their holiday last year, up 15 percent from 2022.

Just a two and a half hour flight away, it's an easy, relatively cheap holiday destination, depending on where you stay and when you fly, of course.

Now, whether we like it or not, things have changed post Brexit, and it's important to be aware of what's changed when you arrive at the airport.

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UK tourists now need to prove they have enough spending money during their trip.

If not, you are at risk of being denied entry.

UK TV personality Gillian McKeith was among the many who were fuming when they found out about the new regulations, which have been in place since 2022.

"Spain is not worth the hassle. There must be better places to go," she tweeted.

"Brits should forget about Spain and expand their travel horizons!" another holidaymaker said.

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You'll basically need acceptable evidence that you have at least €113.40 (£96.97) a day, for the duration of your stay, along with proof of accommodation.

The UK Foreign Office said this can be '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'.

However, the Spanish Tourist Office has hit back at the criticism, and has explained that 'this is not a new requirement' for non EU members.

"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," said Manuel Butler, Spanish Tourist Office director (UK).

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"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."

Although Butler explains that these rules won't be implemented on every single person who enters the country.

"When entering Spain, these checks are not systematically carried out for every traveller," he said.

Spain's Ministry of the Interior adds: "Foreigners must prove, if they are required to do so by the officials in charge of controlling the entry of people into Spanish territory, that they have financial resources.

"Currently, the minimum amount to be credited is €113.40 per person per day (with effect from January 1, 2024)."

Topics: UK News, Travel, Brexit, Money

Anish Vij

Anish is a GG2 Young Journalist of the Year 2024 finalist. He has a Master's degree in Multimedia Journalism and a Bachelor's degree in International Business Management. Apart from that, his life revolves around the ‘Four F’s’ - family, friends, football and food. Email: [email protected]

@Anish_Vij