HOLIDAYMAKERS travelling to Spain could be denied entry to the country if they cannot spend £85 each day of their trip.
Fuming Brits have lashed out at the border control’s restrictions which state that tourists entering the country must be able to prove the weight of their wallets.
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Border guards have the right to stop foreigners crossing into Spanish territories and demand three additional documents from them.
One requirement is that travellers should be able to prove they can support themselves financially during their stay.
The Spanish Ministry of Interior gives a minimum spend of 100 euros per person per day – the equivalent of £85.
Travellers who are stopped must then provide evidence of their funds through certified checks, payment letters, credit cards or traveller’s checks, for example.
But without this sum of cash, sunseekers could be denied entry to Spain.
The little-known rule has been in force since the start of this year, now that the UK falls under the “third country” category outside the European Union.
Surprised Brits reacted to the restriction on social media, shocked to discover that Spain can deny travellers with less money.
As the checks are only enforced occasionally, many had no idea they existed at all.
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One Facebook user commented: “Think spanish resorts are going to be a bit empty…….”
Another added: “£85 per day per person….. What if you’re all inclusive?
“This rule would stop me wanting to go to Spain as I take my banking as personal and I won’t be showing my accounts to any foreigners. This is a stupid rule that will slow their tourism.”
A third social media user said: “Pretty obvious what the Spanish are trying to do, restrict people coming for a holiday who don’t have a lot of money.
“If people are on an all inclusive holiday they are not spending money in the local area, so not helping the local economy.”
The Foreign Office also lays out the two other documents Brits could have to provide at Spanish border control.
These include a return or onward ticket, as well as proof of accommodation for the stay, such as a hotel booking.
If you’re staying with family or friends, you might need a “letter of invitation” instead.
The requirement is only enforced occasionally with on-the-spot checks, but the fury online could put off cash-strapped travellers who’ve been saving up for a trip away.
Brits have already been warned of soaring flight costs and the risk of cancellations this summer.
While many are also cutting costs to afford a break, as the cost of living crisis escalates.
The Foreign Office states: “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 (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.”
The Spanish Ministry of Interior website says: “Currently, the minimum amount to be credited is 100 euros per person per day, with a minimum of 900 euros or its legal equivalent in foreign currency (with effect from January 1, 2022).”
It adds: “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 does not have the nominative, non-transferable and closed ticket or tickets, in the means of transport that they intend to use, their entry into Spanish territory will be denied as established by law.”
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