Britons reacted furiously to the news that under new rules they would have to show proof of pocket money and return tickets when entering Spain. However, one travel expert has said that in reality the change will mean little to vacationers.
Under the rules, Spain would be able to check whether travelers had set aside at least €100 (£85) in spending per day and extra cash. They would also see that Spanish authorities can check British accommodations and return tickets.
The rules aren’t exactly new, though, although they’re new to UK citizens. As a result of Brexit, Britain has become a third country and now these existing rules will apply to British citizens.
Travel expert Nick Trend wrote for The Telegraph: “This is not Spanish revenge for Brexit.
“Now that we are no longer in the EU, we have simply reverted to the same immigration rules for visitors from non-EU countries.”
He added that the rules are not even a specific Spanish requirement, any national from outside the EU or the Schengen area can be subject to these checks.
Britain actually has similar requirements for those visiting the country. The government’s website states that tourists “must have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs related to” [their] visit”.
The US, under the 90-day visa waiver program valid for some countries, including the UK, requires travelers to present a transit ticket before being admitted.
How often countries actually enforce the rules is another matter. Mr Trend said the rules are unlikely to affect most travellers.
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It is unlikely that the new rule change will be enforced on a regular basis, aside from perhaps the occasional spot check.
Spain gets most of its tourism from the UK, and with most global economies feeling the pressure of inflation or even recession, it’s unlikely that Spain would like the steady stream of revenue it receives from British tourists – especially in the summer. harm.
Mr Trend said: “I have crossed the EU border many times since then and no question has ever been asked.
“All of this shows that there is often a gap between the fine print in the rulebook and what is applied in practice.”