The new demands of the Spanish government to enter Spain have caused a stir among the Brits

British travellers entering Spain may be requested to provide proof of having at least €100 each day for the duration of their stay.

Foreign currency, traveler’s checks, cash, payment letters, and credit card allowances are all acceptable forms of identification.

In addition to these criteria, tourists may be asked to produce proof of a return or onward ticket, as well as proof of a place to stay during their visit.

The UK Foreign Office listed acceptable evidence as “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.”

The rules – which have been in place since 1 January – were recently picked up by British media, resulting in a storm of online criticism.

How strictly are the Spain entry rules enforced?

Technically, anyone who does not meet the admission standards may be denied entry into Spain.

However, the Spanish Tourist Office has responded to criticism by stating that the restrictions apply to the entire Schengen area.

“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).

“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.”

Because the UK is no longer a member of the European Union, it now falls under the ‘third country’ travel category, requiring further inspections. This is an inevitable outcome of Brexit.

But just because the rules can be implemented doesn’t mean they are, according to Butler.

“When entering Spain, these checks are not systematically carried out for every traveller,” he explains.