Newspapers in the UK love to run this story and it’s not the first time we’ve seen it. Either it is good ‘click-bait’ for them, or they like to play on the insecurities of their loyal readers.
Technically, visitors to Spain from non-EU countries could be asked to show that they have money to sustain their stay in the country. The UK is one of over 175 countries not part of the EU or the Schengen area. This is not a new rule made for Brits post-Brexit. Millions and millions of visitors to Spain from these countries might have to show a minimum of €113.40 (c.£97) per day for the duration of their trip. As well as ‘subsistence’ you might also be asked to show proof of accommodation and an onward or homeward ticket.
This is a clause or rule buried deep within the Schengen Borders Control protocol and so it applies, in theory, to every country that is a signatory to the Schengen Agreement. What differs between countries is the theoretical daily ‘subsistence’ sum. For example, in France the sum is similar to Spain, but in Germany the figure is much lower, at just €45 per day.
Spanish Government’s Response
Authorities in Spain are frustrated by what they see as mischievous reporting of this story in the UK. There are no systematic checks at entry points and no one has been denied entry to Spain on the grounds mentioned above. Can you imagine the practical implications and the negative PR? It would verge on tourism self-harming. To date, NO BRITISH TOURIST HAS BEEN DENIED ENTRY TO SPAIN ON THE BASIS OF A LACK OF FUNDS.
With such a difference between theory and practice, what should you do?
While the chances of being stopped at the border are very small, the theoretical likelihood does exist. Most people travelling to Spain would have with them ( typically on their smart phone), details of where they are staying and their return travel details. It is prudent to have these to hand. On the money side, if you want to make extra sure, have a current credit card statement (and the card) with proof of accessible funds e.g. access to credit. This is evidence of subsistence. Or, if you want to, have the requisite amount of cash for the number of days you are staying.
But we can’t be any clearer, there is no record, nor precedent for anyone being refused entry to Spain (or any other Schengen nation) for not having sufficient funds. Evidence of where you are staying and when you are going home will be something you will have on you in any event.
Buen viaje
