Risk Of Random 'Spot Checks' In Spain Raises Travel Concerns for British Tourists

Travel warnings have been issued to British tourists who want to soak up the sun in Spain. They may be asked to prove that they can afford the holiday through "on-the-spot checks".

Spain is the top holiday destination for UK tourists. In 2022, approximately 15,6 million Britons will visit Spain.

As tourists flock to the Spanish coast, they hope to take advantage of the warm temperatures in Iberia.

The rule could apply to Britons, meaning that they would be required to carry PS93 per day when traveling to Spain.

Officials in Spain also ask holidaymakers to show that they have booked a pre-arranged accommodation and a ticket for return or forward travel.

For those who are visiting family or friends, proof of residence can be a hotel reservation or a letter from the address.

Tourists could be asked to show that they have the financial resources to spend on their trip.

It has been made clear that it is unlikely to occur.

Madrid defines sufficient financial means at EUR103 (PS93).

For a family of five, the cost per day would be EUR545 or EUR7.630 for a holiday lasting two weeks in Spain.

Spain's Interior Ministry mentioned that "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 economic resources."

The statement continued: "The availability by foreigners of the economic means indicated will be accredited by showing them, in the event that they have them in cash, or by presenting certified checks, traveler's checks, letters of payment, or credit cards."

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

"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 said: "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."

 

Source: gbnews.com