Spain's '£97 a day' rule explained - what you need to know and how to prove you have the funds
15.04.2024 - 19:25
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
With the holiday season kicking off, many Brits will be planning trips away to popular destinations in the coming months, including Spain. But UK holidaymakers may need to show proof that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay when they arrive at the border.
According to Spain’s official guidance for travellers entering the country from outside of the Schengen zone, if requested by “competent authorities” they “must present proof of having sufficient financial means for the proposed stay, or of the ability to legally obtain such means.” It states that the minimum amount required is 120 dollars per person per day - equivalent to around £97.
The guidance adds that the funds can be proved by the following: presenting cash, traveller’s cheques, a credit card accompanied by a bank account statement, an up-to-date bank book, or any other resource that accredits the amount available, such as a credit statement regarding the card or bank account. It said bank letters or online bank statements will not be accepted.
READ MORE: Foreign Office latest travel advice for Morocco, Egypt, Dubai and more
There’s been reports of British tourists planning to ‘boycott’ the popular destination over the £97 entry rule. However, the entry requirement is not new and is not unique to Spain. Back in 2022 it was £85, which increased to £93 last year, and now it stands at £97.
The requirement for third-party travellers to show proof of funds is applicable to other EU countries as well - not just Spain. In fact the Official EU guidance for the Schengen border code states: “Means of subsistence shall be assessed in accordance with the duration and the purpose of the stay and by reference to average prices in the Member State(s) concerned