Ahead of the summer travel season, Spain mandates that visitors provide proof of accommodation.
New regulations have been implemented for UK and non-EU tourists traveling to Ibiza and other Spanish regions, potentially resulting in fines of up to £8,000 if proof of accommodation cannot be provided upon entry. The requirement applies to all British citizens and non-EU passport holders, necessitating evidence of accommodation for the entire stay, which must be below 90 days.
Additionally, non-EU tourists must demonstrate proof of a return or onward ticket to enter Spanish territories. Acceptable forms of accommodation proof include booking confirmations from hotels, Airbnbs, or hostels, as well as documentation for visits to holiday homes or second residences in Spain.
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Visitors planning to stay with friends or family must present an “invitation letter” upon arrival. To obtain this, hosts must be Spanish nationals, EU citizens residing in Spain, or non-EU residents with legal status in Spain. The application process for the letter, which cannot be handwritten, involves scheduling an appointment at the local police station and may incur fees of approximately €70 to €80.
Failure to present the required paperwork may result in significant fines, as high as £8,000, for both holidaymakers and hosts.
Furthermore, guests overstaying the 90-day limit may face fines of up to €10,000, with the possibility of higher penalties. Tourists visiting Spanish regions have been cautioned about earlier closing times at restaurants and bars, following the Prime Minister’s decision to reduce work hours to 35 per week.
For detailed information, travelers should refer to Spain’s official guidelines.
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