Spain's '£97 a day' travel rule and how to prove you have enough funds for your holiday

Holidaymakers are being reminded about the travel requirements for Spain, which includes a rule often referred to as the "£97 a day rule".

British nationals heading to Spain should be prepared to show they have enough funds for their stay, as part of the country's entry requirements. It's crucial to note that this financial proof requirement isn't new and it's not exclusive to UK travellers.

The rule doesn't imply that visitors are obliged to spend a set amount daily; rather, it's about proving the ability to support oneself financially during the stay, as reported by the Daily Record. Here's the lowdown on Spain's £97 a day rule, how you can demonstrate you have the necessary funds, and whether it could impact your holiday plans reports Chronicle Live.

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What exactly is Spain's £97 a day rule?

This stipulation applies to all non-EU nationals, including those from the UK, who must show they have sufficient means when they arrive at Spanish borders. According to the Spanish Government website: "At the request of the competent authorities, the traveller must present proof of having sufficient financial means for the proposed stay, or of the ability to legally obtain such means."

According to the authorities, this equates to €113.40 per day (approximately £97), with a minimum of €972 (around £830). This figure has increased since the guidelines previously stipulated a daily expenditure of £85 in 2022, when the rule was implemented post-Brexit.

It's crucial to understand that visitors are not obligated to spend £97 each day, but merely need to demonstrate they have the means to do so. This regulation applies not only to Spain, but to all 27 countries within the EU Schengen zone, each of which establishes their own spending limits.

As third-party nationals, UK residents may be asked to fulfil other requirements by Spanish border officials, which include:

• Proof of accommodation

• Proof of return ticket

• Purpose of entry

• Length of stay - a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period - those planning to stay longer than this amount must apply for a Schengen visa

• A letter of approval if staying with friends - known as a carta de Invitacion

How to provide sufficient proof of funds when travelling to Spain.

The Spanish Government states that proof of funds can be shown by presenting:

• cash

• traveller's cheques

• a credit card accompanied by a bank account statement

• an up-to-date bank book

• any other resource that accredits the amount available, such as a credit statement regarding the card or bank account

Bank letters or online bank statements will not be accepted.

Have UK holidaymakers been denied entry into Spain for lack of funds?

To date, there is no evidence to suggest that Britons are being refused entry at Spanish borders due to an inability to prove they have £97 to spend each day, according to Spanish publication The Locale. However, this does not guarantee automatic entry into Spain if you lack the correct proof of funds, so it's always advisable to adhere to guidelines to avoid disappointment.