While the rule itself is not new, the number of documents travellers may be asked to show at the border has increased.

Under existing rules, visitors from outside the European Union may be asked to prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. Following a recent increase in Spain’s minimum wage, the amount travellers must be able to demonstrate has also risen.

British travellers heading to Spain should be aware that they may be asked to prove they have enough money for their trip. The current minimum is €1,098.90, but the amount increases with the length of the stay, with roughly €121 added for each additional day.

For example, someone staying in Spain for ten days would need to prove they have around €1,220 available.

Travellers can provide evidence in several ways, including cash, bank cards supported by official bank statements, traveller’s cheques or letters of credit. However, screenshots from banking apps or online accounts are generally not accepted as proof.

Advice from the UK Foreign Office, published by The Sun, states: “Make sure that you have access to enough money to cover all of your costs when travelling abroad, including unforeseen costs, e.g. medical care.”

The requirement dates back to 2021, when the Brexit transition period ended, and UK citizens became subject to the same entry conditions as other non-EU nationals travelling within the Schengen Area.

While Spanish border officers do not routinely check every visitor’s finances, they have the authority to request proof at any point. Failure to provide the required evidence could result in a traveller being refused entry.