Spain beckons millions of British tourists with its sandy beaches and historical cities, but travel rules have changed since Brexit.
Before withdrawing from the EU, Britons could travel, live and holiday anywhere in the EU without special permits and visas.
Though travellers don’t need a visa for short visits to the European hotspot, British passport holders must now show proof of address.
Arriving in the country without the correct documents could leave tourists facing a fine of up to £8,000 and many people are unaware of the new rules, according to Travel Insurance Explained.
Arriving in Spain without the right documents could face in a hefty fine
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The travel body explains: “Since the UK left the European Union, the rules for travelling abroad have changed and British who are not aware of the new entry rules for Spain could face a hefty fine.
“Regardless of whether you’re staying in a hotel, hostel, Airbnb or a relative/friend’s house, if your trip is 90 days or less you will need to produce evidence of your pre-booked accommodation at border control once you reach Spain.”
The Foreign Office states that the three following documents will be accepted by Spanish customers:
- Booking confirmation from a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb
- Proof of address if you are visiting your own property in Spain
- An invitation or proof of address if you are staying with family, friends, or a third party.
“While this sounds relatively easy, it is important to [remember] the ‘invitation’ or ‘carta de invitation’,” notes Travel Insurance Explained.
Visitors should also be aware that their host must be a Spanish national, an EU citizen living in Spain or a non-EU citizen with legal residency.
Failure to show proof of address could result in a hefty fine for passengers arriving from the UK, the US and other Latin American states.
Identity documents have also been subjected to strict rules.
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Visitors must also ensure all their passports are less than 10 years old before the date a tourist enter Spain.
It also has to be valid for a minimum of three months after the date you tourists leave the country.
Another rule requires tourists to spend a minimum of £93 each day they are in Spain or the nation’s islands.
To find out which rules apply to you, visit the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website before travelling.