The Spanish government has sent a message to British tourists planning to go to Spain this summer about the £97 rule.
There is now clarity on the widely reported measure, and it’s worth remembering prior to jetting off on your holiday.
With the UK leaving the EU, there’s a bit of a headache that is thought be caused at the Spanish border if you aren’t careful.
The new law is thought to bring tourists an additional headache. (Getty Stock Photo)
Rules are already said to be in place if you’re looking for a hot Spanish getaway, with those looking for a cheaper-than normal trip to Benidorm already banned from swimming at night in their shining waters.
But this new rule, known affectionately as ‘the £97 rule’, is more complicated than most would think, with the post-Brexit rule reported to be hitting residents of the beautiful island that we call home.
Seeing as 2023 saw over 17.3 million Brits touch down in Spain for breaks – that is over quarter of the country’s population.
This rule has to do with the Schengen Area, a zone of free movement within the European Union, of which the UK is not a part of anywhere.
How serious is the £97 rule? (Getty Stock Photo)
It means that we’re treated the same as the rest of the world, and it has been believed that we must prove something key upon touching down in Spain.
Guidance states that Brits will have to show proof that they have at least €113.40 (£97) per person per day during their holiday stay in Spain.
Previously, the Spanish government stated that ‘foreigners must prove, if required to do so’, in regards to the rule.
However, a spokesperson from the country’s government has since spoken to LADbible to clarify the law and how worried we should be about it, being as clear as possible.
“The requirements are common for all citizens from outside the Schengen territory and are not specific to Spanish legislation, but are included in the Schengen Borders Code and are applicable in all EU countries,” they began.
“Also clarify that these are not systematic controls for tourists and that there has been no denial of entry for this reason.
Turns out that there’s not much to worry about. (Getty Stock Photo)
“It is a hoax spread from time to time by English media, devoid of rigour and without any basis.”
Although, the UK Foreign Office state on their website: “If you enter the Schengen area as a tourist, you may need to provide additional documents at the border.
“As well as a valid return or onward ticket, when travelling to Spain you could be asked to show you have enough money for your stay.”
But with the Spanish government confirming that nobody has been turned away after not providing proof of funds, it looks like it really might be a ‘hoax’, so you can jet off to Spain with less worry and travel anxiety.
Featured Image Credit: Alejandro Martinez Velez/Europa Press via Getty Images/JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images