As the weather gets warmer, a lot of us are beginning to get onto those flight and hotel websites to book a summer getaway, with many often favouring Spain as a nearby holiday location with amazing weather.
It is well documented that the European country is a popular holiday hotspot for Brits, so you can imagine that it was a shock when people found out about the new money law put in place there for tourists.
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The new law states that Britons must be able to show proof that they have at least €113.40 (£97) per person, per day, during their stay in the country.
It's fair to say that the news hasn't been received well, with many threatening not to go back to the holiday destination following the implemented law.
Chelsea, an expert from cheapholidayexpert.com has explained all the ins and outs of the law, such as what we can do to prepare, how serious it is, and what to do if we don't have the required funds.
How new is this rule?
Well, it turns out that this rule is not new at all, as it has been in effect since 1 January 2022, though back then it was at £85 a day per person, being increased to £93 per day in 2023.
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So, there's no reason to be scared, it has been quite standard and in place for a while, though it is under a spotlight now that we're past the COVID years.
Should we blame Brexit?
In short, yes.
As the UK left the EU, Brits don't have the freedom of moving throughout the continent anymore, and have to go through closer, more thorough checks.
This can be anything, such as:
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- Showing you have enough money for your stay
- Showing proof of accommodation for your stay
- Showing a return or onward ticket
But this could happen in any EU country, not just being limited to Spain - and with that being said, these rules aren't exclusive to the UK either, instead applying to all third party countries as a standard rule.
How will it affect my holiday?
The Spanish ministry states that: "Foreigners must prove, if required to do so," about proof of funds, meaning that it isn't compulsory for them to check every tourist's bank statement upon arrival.
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Think of it as a random spot check, you may get picked, or you may not.
Has this actually happened to anyone?
Chelsea posted on her Instagram once the news broke, asking people who has travelled to Spain since the start of 2022 to share if they were asked about money.
Only four of the 1373 people asked said that they had, and provided stories about what had happened.
All of them went through the checks in 2022, and only one had to show proof of accommodation, a return flight, and just flashed their credit card to the officer, who seemed unbothered to see a bank statement or account balance.
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The others got away with flashing their credit cards, with no real thorough checks taking place according to them.
But with that being said, they may begin to stop more people as the number of tourists into the country increases.
How should I prepare?
No matter how slim the chance, it's key to have the following at hand:
- Confirmation of your return flight or onwards travel
- Confirmation of your booked accommodation and the address of where you’re staying
Screenshots will do, though PDFs and official confirmations will probably look better.
How do I prepare to prove that I have enough money?
First and foremost, you have to work out if you have £97 per day, with people in families or groups having to do more maths to make this work.
Showing bank cards might be the key, so make sure they're easily accessible, though it sounds like officers are looking for verbal confirmation so far from tourists, according to Chelsea.
The Spanish Ministry of Interior also states you can prove it: "...in cash, or by presenting certified checks, traveler's checks, letters of payment, or credit cards, which must be accompanied by a bank account statement or an up-to-date bank book (letters from banks or Internet bank statements will not be accepted) or any other means with which the amount available as credit of said card or Bank account."
What if I don't have enough?
There are no known cases of this yet, but the official ruling from the Spanish government states: "In the event that, when carrying out the entry control of people in Spanish territory, it is verified that a foreigner lacks sufficient economic resources for the time he wishes to remain in Spain and to continue his trip to the country of destination or to return to the country of origin, or do not have the registered, non-transferrable and closed ticket or tickets, in the means of transport they intend to use, their entry into Spanish territory will be denied as established by regulation."
It does also state that in exceptional circumstances, you could still get let in, but the length of your stay may be reduced.
Bottom line: Come prepared!
This is how it's going to be from now on.
Joshua Nair