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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Getting help

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Spain

112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Make sure you know the contact details of the local emergency services and the location of the nearest police station.

Reporting crime

To report a crime, including stolen property and lost or stolen passports, visit the nearest National Police (‘Policia Nacional’), regional police (‘Ertzaintza’ in the Basque Country, ‘Mossos d’Esquadra’ in Catalonia, and ‘Policia Foral’ in Navarre) or Civil Guard (‘Guardia Civil’) station to file a police report (‘denuncia’).

Some Spanish cities also offer a Foreign Tourist Assistance Service (‘Servicio de Atención al Turista Extranjero’ or ‘SATE’) run by the Town Hall and National Police where you will be able to report a crime in English.

Violent crime or sexual assault must be reported in person at the nearest police station. If you’ve had belongings stolen, you’ll need to keep the police report for insurance purposes.

While in Spain, you can file a police report online for minor offences such as bag or car theft.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you’ll need to apply for an emergency travel document from the nearest British Consulate and to apply for a replacement passport when you return to the UK.

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Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

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For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider

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FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

finding English-speaking lawyers ,  funeral directors and  translators and interpreters  in Spain

dealing with a  death in Spain

being  arrested in Spain

getting help if you’re a victim of crime

what to do if you’re in hospital

if you are affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

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If you are in Spain and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Madrid or your nearest consulate .

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Living in Spain

If you’re living in or moving to Spain, read the Living in Spain guide in addition to this travel advice.

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Spain drops all remaining COVID travel restrictions, including for UK citizens

Unvaccinated Brits no longer need to show a negative test or proof of recovery to enter Spain.

Spain has lifted all its remaining COVID restrictions. Until today, it was the only European country that still had restrictions in place for non-EU travellers .

From 21 October 2022, both EU and non-EU citizens no longer have to show proof of vaccination , recovery or a negative COVID test. Tourists are also no longer required to complete a health control form prior to travel .

The news will be welcomed by UK citizens as it comes just in time for the half-term school holiday. The government website states: "All COVID-19 travel restrictions for travellers to Spain have been lifted. The rules that previously applied to travellers coming to Spain no longer apply."

Last month, the popular destination dropped all entry rules for anyone arriving from the EU or Schengen area. But UK, US and other tourists were still subject to restrictions. It was thought these would last until at least mid-November, but they have been lifted earlier than expected.

With its sunny beaches, rich architectural heritage and delicious food , there are plenty of reasons why the Mediterranean nation was the world’s second-most visited country pre-pandemic. And, of course, the long-running favourite of British holidaymakers.

Spain now completes the list of  European nations  - including Luxembourg most recently - scrapping their  travel restrictions entirely. So if you’re one of the many tourists on their way to Spain, here’s what you need to know.

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What are the latest travel rules for Spain?

Tourists from all countries no longer need to show any COVID documents in order to enter the country. 

Previously, you had to show proof of vaccination , a recovery certificate or a negative test through the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) or Health Control Form. This system has now been abolished. 

Spain is now welcoming all tourists regardless of vaccination status, recovery or testing.

• UK passport holders warned to check expiry date after hundreds stopped from flying
• Post-Brexit rule requires Brits visiting Spain to have €100 spending money per day 

UK citizens are free to travel to Spain, restriction-free. Travellers are still encouraged to exercise caution to stem the spread of the virus. Local and regional restrictions may be introduced at short notice, so it is advisable to check before you travel.

• New flight-free food adventures: Three slow and sensual trips across Spain and Italy
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Are masks required in Spain?

By royal decree, masks are no longer mandatory in the vast majority of settings - from bars and cafes to museums and cinemas.

Public transport and medical settings are two key exceptions, however, as face coverings are still required in hospitals, medical centres and nursing homes and on airplanes, buses, trains, metros and taxis - as well as ferries if a 1.5 metre distance can’t be maintained indoors.

It follows the scrapping of Spain’s strict outdoor mask wearing rule earlier this year.

However, domestic rules can vary from region to region, so it’s important to check the exact requirements for where you’re headed. The Spanish Tourist Board’s Travel Safe website  has more guidance on this, with a breakdown of rules for each of Spain's 17 autonomous regions on its interactive map.

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Spanish officials have confirmed that unvaccinated travelers from outside of the EU/Schengen Zone cannot enter Spain unless they have a recovery cert © Getty Images

The Spanish tourism board in the UK has confirmed that unvaccinated British travelers cannot travel to Spain after mistakenly announcing on Wednesday that they could.

Yesterday, the Spanish tourist board in the UK tweeted that unvaccinated travelers were permitted to travel to Spain if they provided a negative test ahead of the Easter break. The tweet said the move was a "step in the right direction" and it led to multiple reports appearing across the media recounting the new rules.

However, later on Wednesday evening, the tourist board removed the tweet and said that it had been sent in error. It confirmed that the current rules still stand, unvaccinated British travelers are not permitted to enter Spain, even if they test negative for COVID-19. There is an exception for those who have recovered from the virus within the last six months and children between the age of 12 and 17.

Pedro Medina, deputy director of the Spanish tourist office in the UK said: "We apologise unreservedly for the miscommunication earlier today which was due to a misunderstanding of the new entry requirements."

What are the current rules for traveling to Spain?

If you are coming from the EU or Schengen Zone , you can provide either a certificate of vaccination, a certificate of recovery, or a negative PCR (72 hours prior to arrival) or antigen test (24 hours). Children under 12 are exempt from the rules.

If you are coming from a country outside the EU/Schengen Zone, including the UK, the US, and Canada, you must be fully vaccinated, show a certificate of recovery (issued within the last six months), or provide an essential reason for traveling to Spain.

Traveling to the Canary or Balearic islands in Spain? Here’s what to expect

Anyone over 18 who received the last dose of a primary vaccine course more than 270 days (nine months) ago must receive a booster to be considered fully vaccinated. At least 14 days must have passed since the last jab. Those aged between 12 and 17 just need to show proof of a complete primary vaccine course to be considered fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated teenagers (between the age of 12 and 17) who are traveling from the UK, US, or any country not in the EU/Schengen Zone, can take a negative test to travel to Spain.

When will Spain relax entry rules?

Many countries in Europe such as Denmark, Ireland, Iceland, and the UK have dropped all COVID-19 entry rules at their borders. Spain's entry rules are in place until at least April 30, 2022. However, the government has given no indication that the rules will change after that date. 

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Spanish tourism sector cheers return of British visitors, but warns recovery rests on UK lifting restrictions

Popular tourist destinations such as the costa del sol and the canary islands have celebrated the end of travel rules for their largest market, but are calling for spain to be put on the united kingdom’s “green list”.

As of Monday, travelers from the United Kingdom are no longer subject to the coronavirus restrictions for visitors to Spain from outside the European Union . This means that British tourists can enter the country without having to present a negative PCR test. These restrictions were also waived for visitors from Japan, and as of June 7 travelers from around the world who have the full protection offered by a Covid-19 vaccine will also be able to visit without any restrictions. The announcement, made on Friday by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the Fitur tourism fair, has been welcomed by Spain’s main tourist destinations, which are eager to recover from the devastating impact of the coronavirus crisis .

But it’s not all good news. Authorities in England have placed Spain on its “amber list” of countries, with similar classifications and restrictions for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This means in practice that travelers from the UK can come to Spain, but must quarantine for at least 10 days on their return and take two home coronavirus tests , which must come back negative before quarantine can end. What’s more, there are stricter measures still in place in Spain than in the UK, meaning that tourists visiting the country will have to wear face masks while outdoors as well as in indoor public spaces such as supermarkets. There are some exceptions, such as when practicing sport and on the beach when social distancing can be observed.

On Monday, UK Business Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan also urged British citizens not to visit destinations on the amber list unless it is strictly necessary to do so. “Please don’t go unless there is an urgent family reason and so on,” she told Sky News. She later told Times Radio: “The reality is, at the moment, amber countries [such as Spain] are still not meeting the criteria for our scientists to say that they should be green. So the recommendation remains don’t go unless you have to and remember that, if you do go, you will have to quarantine for 10 days and that will be monitored.”

But Spain’s secretary of state for tourism, Fernando Valdés, is confident that Spain will be added to the coronavirus “green list” of destinations given transmission rates in the country are falling and the Covid-19 vaccination drive is advancing at a good speed.

The next review of the UK’s traffic light system will take place on June 7. A lot is riding on this decision as the UK is the main source country of tourists to Spain. In 2019, 18 million UK nationals visited the country, accounting for 21.6% of all arrivals. EL PAÍS spoke to experts in some of the most popular Spanish tourist destinations about what the travel changes mean for the industry.

Costa del Sol: “This will allow us to recover employment soon”

After being closed for months, half of all hotels in Costa del Sol in the southern region of Andalusia have reopened ahead of the peak summer season. Since the state of alarm ended on May 9 , and with it, restrictions on inter-regional travel, hotel reservations in the popular tourist destination have skyrocketed. Last weekend, the average occupancy rate was at 40%, but in some hotels, it was as high as 100%.

The hospitality industry is also starting to bounce back. Nearly 90% of beach bars, known in Spain as chiringuitos , were closed during the state of alarm, but now most have reopened due to the rise in tourists from Andalusia and the rest of Spain. With more international visitors set to arrive, “this will allow us to recover employment soon,” says Manuel Villafaina, the president of the Beach Business Association, which represents more than 400 chiringuitos.

But the tourism industry in Costa del Sol is heavily dependent on tourists from the UK , who represented one-third of all arrivals in Málaga airport before the pandemic. In 2020, Málaga province, which is home to the Costa del Sol coastal strip, reported a drop of 9.3 million tourists – 2.2 million of them from the UK – and €10 billion in losses from tourist spending.

The sector has welcomed the news that Spain has lifted restrictions on British travelers, but says it is important for the UK government to place the country on its coronavirus “green list” of destinations.

“We have opened the door, but now we need the support of the British government so that citizens can come [to Spain] without restrictions,” says Margarita del Cid, the head of the tourism department in Costa del Sol.

Javier Frutos, the head of the Málaga Hotel Association, agrees: “It is absolutely essential to get the green light on the British traffic light system as soon as possible.”

Half of all hotels in Costa del Sol have reopened, but the situation is still far from what it was before the pandemic. Indeed, many establishments have decided to delay reopening such as Alay Hotel in Benalmádena. “Until the British government eliminates the mandatory quarantine rule, Britons are going to prefer Portugal or another destination [on the green list] over Costa del Sol,” says Álvaro Reyes, the head of marketing at Alay Hotel.

José Carlos Martín, the tourism chief in Mijas, says the arrival of vaccinated travelers is also important. Mijas, a town of 82,742 inhabitants in Málaga, receives a large number of tourists from Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. But, according to Carlos Martín, travel groups have warned that in these countries “the vaccination drive is much slower [than in Spain], which could become a problem here,” he says. “We have done our part, until the rest of the countries do their bit, the recovery will be slow.”

Málaga is currently the only province in Andalusia that is on the level 1 risk level, which means while there are some coronavirus restrictions, it is one step away from a complete return to normality.

Barcelona: “We are not interested in how many tourists come, but rather what kind of tourist comes”

At the end of April, Barcelona launched a campaign to win back US tourists to the Catalan capital in response to news from the European Commission that vaccinated visitors from the US would be allowed into the EU. Before the pandemic, Barcelona received more American travelers than from any other country, only outstripped by domestic tourists.

The city’s tourism board, Turismo de Barcelona, has also set its sights on visitors from France, the UK and Russia. At the beginning of April, a tourism commission was sent to Moscow and St Petersburg in a bid to attract visitors to the Catalan city, which led to a 10% spike in Russian tourists. “In Barcelona, we are not interested in how many tourists come, but rather in what kind of tourist comes,” Marian Muro, the head of Turismo de Barcelona, said at the time.

But British visitors are also key to Barcelona’s tourism industry. In 2019, 763,627 Britons stayed in a hotel in the city, according to a report on tourism activity in the Catalan capital. This is the third-highest number after tourists from Spain (1,612,487) and the US (1,103,996). Hotel stays from UK visitors represented 8% of the total, a figure that exceeded that of France and Italy.

Valencia: “They want to come, they haven’t been allowed in pubs and they are fed up with the rain”

Valencia on the Mediterranean coast will be one of the destinations that will most quickly see the positive effects of the decision to lift travel restrictions on British tourists, says Nuria Montes, the secretary general of the Benidorm Hotel Association (Hosbec). Alicante province in the eastern region is home to the highest number of Britons in Spain, with 70,000 UK residents. What’s more, the British market makes up one-third of all international tourists to Valencia. According to figures from the tourism sector, 89% of visitors from the UK in Valencia travel to Alicante, and of this number, half spend their vacation in Benidorm. “In a normal year, three million Britons arrive at the Alicante-Elche airport,” says Montes.

In Benidorm, hotel occupancy is at 35%, but this is expected to rise to 50%, says Montes. According to Montes, if the UK government lifts the travel restrictions on Spain, occupancy could return to pre-pandemic levels in June. “If the British and European markets work well, we are going to get to summer with almost everything open,” she says.

Ximo Puig, the premier of Valencia, argues the region’s low incidence rate makes it “the safest destination in Europe.”

Journalist Michelle Baker says Britons have also welcomed the decision to lift travel restrictions. “They want to come back,” she explains. “They are fed up with the weather, that they haven’t been able to go inside a pub until a week ago and no one wants to sit outdoors in the rain.” According to Baker, Benidorm “needs the purchasing power” of Britons, who have been saving money to go on a vacation for 18 months. She, however, believes UK visitors should not be exempt from all restrictions. “We should request a PCR from those who come because the figures of the Indian strain [of the coronavirus] are increasing alarmingly in the United Kingdom,” she explains.

Balearic Islands: “Lifting the restriction was a much-needed measure”

The Balearic Islands rely heavily on tourists from Britain. Before the pandemic in 2019, the archipelago received more than 3.6 million visitors from the UK, a number that fell to just 150,843 in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus crisis .

While the tourism industry is pleased that travel restrictions on Britons have been lifted, it is anxious for Spain to be put on the UK’s green list of destinations. “It is an important country for the archipelago,” says María José Aguillço, the vice president of the Balearic Island Hotel Association. “Lifting this restriction was a much-needed measure to reactivate the British market and will be more so, if the Balearic Islands is placed on the green list on June 7, which we trust it will.”

Spain is hoping that the country or at least specific regions , such as the Balearic Islands, will be placed on the UK’s green list due to the recent fall in coronavirus cases.

The tourism industry in the Balearic Islands has a long way to go before it is back to normal. Currently, only 30% of hotels in the region are open, compared to 90% before the pandemic.

Canary Islands: “Middle-class tourists come here, and the cost of tests for a normal family is financially prohibitive”

The hotel industry in the Canary Islands is pleased that British travelers are no longer subject to restrictions, but warns that restrictions in the UK are still a big hurdle . Since Spain is on the amber list, UK tourists who visit the archipelago must take a series of PCR tests upon their return, which is very costly.

“The news is only half-good as long as the United Kingdom continues to consider Spain an unsafe destination, meaning travelers have to take two PCR tests and quarantine when they [return home],” says José María Mañaricúa, the president of Las Palmas Hospitality and Tourism Federation. “Middle-class tourists come to the Canaries and the cost of these tests for a normal family can be as much as £700 or £800 [€813 to €926], which is financially prohibitive.”

The United Kingdom is the main source country of tourists to the Canary Islands, accounting for 37% of all visitors to the island In 2019.

With reporting by Hugo Guitiérrez, Lucía Bohórquez, Nacho Sánchez, Rafa Burgos, Lucía Bohórquez, Guillermo Vega and Alfonso Congostrina.

English version by Melissa Kitson .

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Spain tells unvaccinated British tourists they are not welcome after rapid U-turn

Just a day earlier, the country had announced it would welcome all UK holidaymakers with immediate effect, with those unvaccinated against COVID-19 able to enter with a negative pre-departure test.

Thursday 7 April 2022 15:17, UK

The Spanish tourist board in London has reversed its decision to open up the country to unvaccinated British travellers.

On Wednesday, the board had announced that Spain would welcome all UK holidaymakers with immediate effect, with those unvaccinated against COVID-19 allowed to enter with a negative pre-departure test.

But the decision was reversed in a matter of hours - with the board's deputy director saying the announcement was a "miscommunication" caused by a "misinterpretation of the rules" laid out in a Spanish health department bulletin.

UK passengers aged 12 and above are still required to show proof of being fully jabbed or a certificate of recovery from COVID, dated no more than 180 days previously.

The only exception applies to those aged 12 to 17, who are able to enter Spain unvaccinated provided they have proof of a negative, approved PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

Pedro Medina, deputy director of the Spanish tourist office in the UK said: "We apologise unreservedly for the miscommunication earlier today which was due to a misunderstanding of the new entry requirements."

For jabbed travellers, the tourist office said: "If more than 270 days have passed since the final dose, certification of a booster vaccination is also required, except for teenagers aged 12 to 17 inclusive."

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And those wanting to enter the country by using a certificate of recovery must have a document obtained from "the official authorities" in connection with a test "carried out by qualified personnel".

In this case, self-testing kits will not be valid and hopeful holidaymakers will have to gain a certificate from a test administered by an EU-approved list of providers.

Meanwhile, one change that has been confirmed is that children under 12 and those travelling to Spain with an NHS COVID travel pass no longer need to complete the country's health control form in advance.

It is still uncertain how airlines and tour operators conducting flights from the UK to Spain will deal with the Spanish tourist board's announcement, nor how it will affect unvaccinated travellers who had booked a holiday before the U-turn was announced.

Spain remains the most popular destination for British travellers, with the nation welcoming 18.1 million visitors from the UK in 2019 - an average of 50,000 arrivals per day.

Tourist figures dropped during the COVID pandemic, with Spain imposing further tough entry requirements at the beginning of this year, insisting all arrivals aged 12 or older were fully vaccinated.

The latest move comes as Spain's health minister plans to lift face-mask requirements for indoor spaces except for public transport and medical centres after Easter, when many people in the country travel to see their families.

Carolina Darias said she would bring the proposed action to a government Cabinet meeting on 19 April.

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Spain's official tourism website

• SPANISH TOURIST BOARD LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN TO REWARD TRAVEL AGENTS

The campaign entitled 'The Ultimate Escape' recognises the efforts and commitment of travel agents during the Covid-19 period

The Spanish Tourist Board has launched a new campaign to give away 85 holidays to Spain for UK travel agents in recognition of their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The campaign entitled ‘The Ultimate Escape’ was the brainchild of Manuel Butler, UK director of Turespaña to reward the travel sector for its dedication and tireless hard work during the pandemic.

The launch of the Ultimate Escape was announced at UK travel industry event, the Travel Weekly Globe Awards, and will provide 85 agents with a four-night break to either Andalucía, the Balearic Islands, Valencia or Galicia.

The trip will include flights, four nights’ B&B accommodation and a special one-day itinerary that includes lunch and dinner and will showcase Spain’s beaches, culture, gastronomy, wine and activities.

Agents can be nominated by a manager or a supplier partner here .

For further information on Spain as a visitor destination, please visit  www.spain.info  or email  [email protected] .

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Spanish Tourism Board head is keen to attract the 6.5m British tourists who spend up to 30% more than average on their holidays

Manuel butler, director of the spanish tourism office in london, says this will be the first peak season with arrivals from the uk at 2019 levels and is confident that there will be no problems post-brexit.

Pilar Martínez

Friday, 13 May 2022 | Updated 15/05/2022 08:24h.

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He is an expert in tourism. His career, which has included being the head of Turespaña in 2012 and CEO of the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), proves that. Manuel Butler, who is a qualified naval engineer, runs the Spanish Tourism Office in London, a post he held previously between 1999 and 2004. At a recent meeting with businesses from the Malaga tourism sector, which was organised by the Costa del Sol tourist board, Butler confirmed that British tourism is returning to pre-pandemic levels and he made some important points about the return of the principal source market for the destination. He is very clear that British tourists must go home with lovely memories of their re-encounter with the Costa del Sol, and he says, "We have to welcome these tourists with open arms."

Are we going to see the keenly awaited recovery of British tourism this summer?

The figures for the first quarter of this year were nowhere near normal, but it looks as if this summer Spanish destinations will return to 2019 levels in terms of British tourists. A little lower or a little higher, maybe, but yes, back to pre-pandemic figures.

He is keen to attract the 6.5 million British tourists who spend up to 30% more than average on their holidays

And how is the situation looking for the Costa del Sol?

I have been checking the movements of tour operators and airlines, and everything is focused on Malaga airport and the Costa del Sol. This destination has a fantastic reputation, from Malaga city all along the coast and, as well, even the inland area is starting to get more traction. During the pandemic, which of course is not over yet, people have shown that they want to be out in the open air. The Costa del Sol tourist board is also doing a commendable job promoting the rural areas of this region.

This looks like being the first normal summer in terms of the British market for two years. What message do you have for the destination and the tourism sector ?

You have to bear in mind that the British are our main customers and it has been hard for them, not being able to travel abroad for two years, especially with the climate in their own country. We have to welcome them with open arms and offer them a special experience, or detail, or a happy memory to take home with them: for example how nice the staff were in the hotel reception or the restaurant. I think that is the key. We have to be very conscious of the fact that we need to make them feel wanted.

Airlines have been warning about potential problems at passport control for passengers from the UK, now that Britain is no longer an EU country and due to the consequences of Brexit, during this first summer of normality. Does that situation worry you?

I know that more staff have been assigned to passport control and some processes at the airports have been automated. We will have to stay on our toes to make sure there are no problems this first summer since Brexit, and that everything goes smoothly.

Portugal has decided to treat British tourists as if they were from an EU country; what effect is that likely to have for the Costa del Sol and other destinations in Spain?

It isn't going to be positive. It might be neutral or it might be negative. We will have to see.

As Spain has so many British tourists, is the government not thinking of doing something similar to Portugal?

So far I have had no indication of that, but that doesn't mean it won't happen.

What is the profile of a British tourist now, after two years of pandemic? Are they keener on sustainability, are they more demanding...?

Sustainability is very important and so is a personalised product. I believe that tourism has to take a step forward as some other industries have done, towards more personalised marketing. By that, I mean we need to try to satisfy the needs of specific consumers and look for those who are the most interesting types of visitor for the destination. We must listen to the consumer much more. That's why I say it is so important to refocus the whole of tourism on the people.

To what extent is sustainability a determining factor when the British are considering where to go on holiday?

If there are two destinations that are similar in quality and price, and one is sustainable and the other is not, the customer will be more attracted to the sustainable one. That trend is going to become more important, although at the moment price is still the main factor. We are convinced that sustainability will become a predominant factor, which is why tourism needs to work on making certain facts known, such as that the hotels on the Costa del Sol have reduced their energy consumption by such-and-such an amount, or have reduced their carbon footprint by so much, and are taking measures such as putting an end to single-use plastics. Rather than talk about huge sums of investment, it is better to demonstrate what is being done in order to move forward in terms of sustainability.

What impact could the Russian invasion of Ukraine have on the British market?

Turkey is the country most affected by Russia invading Ukraine because it is a very popular holiday destination for the Russians. Only a tiny part of that clientele will go to Turkey now, so to attract other visitors it is likely to reduce its prices this summer. That will mean that some British tourists will choose to go there, and also some Germans.

How do you attract British tourists who have higher spending power?

Through marketing and big data. Turespaña already has that knowledge because it carried out a major campaign in Germany. It is a matter of clearly segmenting clients who spend more and are most oriented towards environmental sustainability. If you know where those clients are and what their consumption patterns are, it's a question of adapting the marketing to that specific group. In the UK we are talking about 6.5 million people who travel abroad on average three times a year. In other words, we are talking about 18 or 19 million trips a year. They are a very important part of it because they also spend between 20 and 30 per cent more than the average British tourists who visit Spanish destinations at present.

And the Costa del Sol could also benefit from that...

Of course. We have to try to attract that type of tourists.

What other niches are opening up in this country?

Working from home, which is actually more than a niche; it is an until now undiscovered market. Offering that facility would be a great opportunity for the Costa del Sol because of the climate, infrastructure and gastronomy. I have seen a lot of interest among professional people in basing themselves in Malaga, and we are going to set to work on making inroads into that market.

• 1 Project to modernise and revitalise six streets in Costa del Sol town draws to an end
• 2 Costa del Sol public swimming pool to reopen in summer after three-million-euro investment
• 3 Costa del Sol town confirms date for new market after failure to announce postponement sparked anger
• 4 Excellent weather attracts huge turn-out for residents' day festivities in Torremolinos
• 5 This is the moment dolphins were spotted unusually close to the shore on the Costa del Sol
• 6 This is the foodie fair where you can try different flavours of the traditional gazpacho dish in Malaga province this weekend
• 7 Seville's world-famous April fair offers grand display of culture, tradition, revelry and pride
• 8 New Costa del Sol health centre set to open in 2027
• 9 Designers show off flamenco fashion in Alhaurín el Grande
• 10 Surreal moment Malaga CF player sells match-worn shirt to fan is caught on camera

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Spain tourist board ‘sets record straight’ over £85 per day proof for holidaymakers

Statement says this is not a new rule and applies to other countries as well

• 11:27, 2 AUG 2022
• Updated 07:21, 3 AUG 2022

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The Spanish Tourist Board has put a statement out to try and reassure British holidaymakers anxious about having to show proof of their finances. It comes after reports that new rules meant people entering the country might have to prove they had access to at least £85 per day during their stay.

The statement on behalf of the tourist board said it was not a new rule; did not just apply to UK travellers; and that other countries also had the same rule. The board said it was time to “set the record straight” after recent media reports.

In the statement, Manuel Butler, the Spanish Tourist Office director (UK), said: “The requirement for UK travellers to be able to illustrate sufficient means for the duration of their stay and the return is established in the Schengen Borders Code and is not a Spain-specific requirement.” He added: “This is not a new requirement and has been in place for some time for visitors from outside of the European Union or Schengen area.

Read more: Spain holiday warning issued by Foreign Office amid planned airline strikes

“When entering Spain, these checks are not systematically carried out for every traveller." He pointed out that there are similar rules for visitors entering the UK, adding: "Likewise, travellers coming to the UK are also required to show that they have specific means to support themselves and any dependents for the duration of the trip and the ability to pay for the return or onward journey."

The financial rules on Spain's Ministry of Interior website say that the amount of money tourists must have depends on the length of their stay, though the minimum amount is €900, which is equivalent to about £750. The website states: "Currently, the minimum amount of money that you need to prove you have is €100 per person per day (£85), with a minimum of €900 (or its equivalent in foreign money) effective from January 1, 2022."

What is the official UK Government advice to people travelling to Spain?

The Gov.UK page for entry requirements to Spain says UK nationals entering the Schengen zone (including Spain) as tourists may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, it is possible that travellers to Spain may also be asked to:

show you have enough money for your stay. More information is available from the Spanish Ministry of Interior (in Spanish).

show proof of accommodation for your stay, for example, a hotel booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting your own property (e.g. second home), or an invitation from your host or proof of their address if staying with a third party, friends or family. The Spanish government has clarified that the “carta de invitation” is one of the options available to prove that you have accommodation if staying with friends or family. More information is available from the Spanish Ministry of Interior .

In summary, you may asked to prove you have enough funds. However, it is not the case that every holidaymaker will have to show proof.

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Welcome to Spain's official tourism portal

Come to Spain, and smile

Lovely weather, vibrant street life, tours and visits arranged for you and all the comforts and facilities you expect in transport and accommodation. We answer all your questions to make you smile on your holiday.

It’s time to plan your trip to Spain.

Lovely weather, great atmosphere, luxury services... We answer all your questions to make you smile on your holiday. It’s time to plan your trip to Spain.

Moorish culture in Spain

We invite you to discover the living legacy of Moorish culture in Spain. From the Alhambra in Granada, or the Grand Mosque in Cordoba to beautiful gardens, Arab baths or alcazabas that you can visit.

The Alhambra in Granada or the Grand Mosque in Cordoba are wonderful examples of the Moorish legacy in Spain.

Fancy going shopping?

Setting trends with the latest fashions from the most prestigious designers. In the major cities you will find flagship stores of big brands and numerous workshops and boutiques of new designers.

And remember that in Spain you have the right to purchase items Tax Free, with a refund of the taxes you pay on your shopping.

In Spain you will find the most exclusive brands, international companies and the latest from big designers.

Delicious cuisine in Spain

The Mediterranean Diet is the hallmark of Spanish cuisine. Gastronomy with the flavour of olive oil and appetising dishes based on vegetables, seasonal produce and combinations bursting with flavour.

What’s more, you will find many award winning, internationally renowned haute cuisine restaurants. Are you coming along?

Discover why Spanish haute cuisine is famous across the globe and enjoy the Mediterranean diet.

Spain for all the family

Fun for all ages and all tastes. Large, entertaining theme parks, zoos, aqua parks, children’s shows...

And above all, facilities that enable the adults to take a break. You will find hotels next to the big leisure parks, children’s menus are widely available and there is an abundance of practical services such as childcare, nursing rooms, play areas, lockers...

A destination for all the family, with large theme parks and plenty of options to ensure the kids have fun.

Main destinations

This is the capital of Spain, a city with a vibrant street life, the centre of communications and business and the place where Real Madrid play. Enjoy its other major attractions such as its cultural offering, rich gastronomy, abundant gardens, multiple children’s activities and its insatiable night life.

Discover one of the most modern, active and cosmopolitan European cities on the Mediterranean. Awaiting you is a cultural destination with a distinctive character, thanks to the work of Gaudí. You can spend your days shopping, watch an FC Barcelona football match, and find so many ways to have fun with the family.

Andalusia and Costa del Sol

Andalusia is in the south of Spain and you will love it as it is one of the most cheerful and colourful parts of the country. The cultural heritage of Moorish origin is truly impressive. Don’t forget to visit monuments such as the Alhambra or destinations like the luxurious Marbella, in the heart of the Costa del Sol.

Other destinations

A Medieval old town , examples of avant-garde architecture, traditional cuisine and the Mediterranean coast just an hour and a half from Madrid by train.

Balearic Islands

The turquoise waters and the lively atmosphere on these islands in the Mediterranean sea are famous the world over.

Canary Islands

Many people know them as the sun of Europe or the 'fortunate islands' . The reasons? They have stunning beaches, great weather all year round and unique natural surroundings.

Spain  Premium

Spain, everything you wish for.

In Spain, you’ll find the journey you’re looking for. Unique, exclusive experiences, with the finest services and amenities there for you to use.

Luxury accommodation where quality and customer satisfaction are the top priority. Gourmet restaurants to surprise the most sophisticated palate. Go shopping and enjoy special, fully personalised treatment. Pamper yourself in a hedonistic spa. See the sights of our cities and destinations in an original, different way…

You won’t need to worry about anything - simply enjoy yourself. A memorable trip you’ll want to repeat.

Spain.info: the comprehensive tourism portal of Spain

To find information on other destinations in Spain, and lots more interesting travel ideas, we recommend the international version of the Spain.info website.

Do you like Bollywood movies?

Spain was chosen as the setting for Bollywood movies, thanks to the passion for life of the Spanish people and the fiestas held here throughout the year. Find out more here.

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UK tourists threaten to 'not go' on Spanish holidays after new £97 rule introduced

Uk tourists may boycott spanish holidays in favour of other destinations after the new £97 rule.

Mia Williams

UK tourists may boycott Spanish holidays in favour of other destinations after the announcement of the new £97 rule.

In 2023, an estimated 63% of the UK travelled to Spain for a sunny getaway, and it’s been the number one destination for British holidaymakers for quite some time now.

It’s not difficult to see why - with sunny beaches, short flights , and lots of beautiful places to choose from at an affordable price.

But Brits could be taking their families elsewhere as of this year, after a new £97 rule has been put in place by Spanish authorities .

The rule is all down to the EU's Schengen Area, with other new rules already meaning you could get banned from Europe for three years for not following them .

There are 27 countries in the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The UK Foreign Office has issued residents with a warning if they're heading to anywhere in Spain, as the new rule states that British travellers need to have €113.40 (£97) on hand every day if they choose to go - meaning that people are now having to prove that they have enough cash to visit.

Well, the announcement hasn't gone down all too well, as tourists have claimed they simply will ‘not go’ and if they stay true to their word, it is going to have a bigger impact on Spain than originally anticipated.

Talking to BirminghamLive, one British jet-setter said: “If the country would stand together and boycott Spain in favour of other Mediterranean countries, within three months they would be begging us to come back.

“17 million visitors is a lot of money to the Spanish economy.”

Another furious Brit said: “Why not take it to a country where you are welcome and not just your money? Vote with your wallet.

“Spain will get the message, even if by then you've discovered better places and never return to Spain.”

And a third said: “Simply don't go and spend your money in the UK or elsewhere instead and those countries will lose out!

“They will soon put an end to it when they are not receiving any money from British tourism.”

The new rule doesn’t just apply to those thinking of jetting away to mainland Spain though, as it also includes the Canary Islands and Balearics.

One tourist who branded Spain ‘desperate’ said: “Holiday elsewhere! The money rule shows how desperate they are for our cash.”

And it seems as though Spain isn't a stranger to money-related rules.

Benidorm currently states that anyone swimming in the sea between midnight and 7am could be fined between €750 and €1,200 (£641 to £1,026), although this is probably concerning safety which we can definitely get behind.

Topics:  Travel , Holiday , Money

Mia is a freelance writer for LADBible, and an award-winning trainee journalist at the UK’s No.1 journalism school, News Associates.

@ mia_francessca

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