How Much Spending Money Do UK Tourists Visiting Spain Have To Prove?

Visiting Spain in 2025?

As travel between the UK and Spain continues to bounce back, many holidaymakers are hearing that they could be asked to prove they have enough money to cover their stay. With new EU border systems coming online in late 2025, the topic has returned to headlines — but the rule itself is not new. Here’s what’s really required when entering Spain and how to make sure you’re prepared.

Where the Rule Comes From

The requirement for visitors to demonstrate sufficient financial means comes from Spain’s implementation of the Schengen Borders Code. It applies to all non-EU and non-Schengen nationals — including UK citizens since Brexit — who enter Spain as tourists or short-term visitors. Border officers may ask travellers to show that they can support themselves for the duration of their stay without becoming a burden on the Spanish state.

This rule is not unique to Spain; every Schengen country follows similar criteria. The amount required and how it is checked can differ slightly between member states.

How Much Money Must You Be Able to Show in 2025?

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior updates the minimum amount each January in line with the national minimum wage index. For 2025 the official amount is €113.40 per person per day, with a minimum total of €1,020 for the trip, regardless of length. This represents a modest increase from the 2023 level of €108 per day.

Converted at current exchange rates, that’s roughly £97 per person per day and £875 total. For example:

• A couple staying for 7 days should be able to demonstrate access to about €1,588 (£1,370).

• A family of four visiting for 10 days would need around €4,536 (£3,910).

• A solo traveller spending a long weekend would need about €453 (£390).

It’s important to remember this is not a fee — it’s simply the amount border officials may expect you to have access to.

How Can You Prove You Have It?

If asked, travellers can provide evidence in several forms:

• Cash in euros or another convertible currency.

• Certified traveller’s cheques or a bank draft.

• Credit or debit cards accompanied by a recent bank statement showing available funds.

• Proof of digital banking balance using a smartphone app (in practice, many officers accept this).

• A letter from your bank confirming your account and balance.

The regulation refers to the availability of funds rather than having the entire sum in cash. Spanish border officers rarely handle large sums of money physically; they generally glance at documentation or a banking app to confirm access.

What About the €10,000 Cash Rule?

Many travellers confuse proof-of-funds checks with customs cash declaration rules. They are not the same. The €10,000 limit applies to how much cash you can physically carry when crossing the EU border — if you exceed it, you must declare it to customs. The proof-of-funds rule, on the other hand, is about demonstrating financial solvency; it has no upper limit and can be satisfied through digital means.

When and How Are Checks Carried Out?

Checks are made by Policía Nacional officers at border control when you enter Spain. In most cases, they take only a few seconds — the vast majority of UK tourists are waved through after passport scanning. Proof-of-funds questions are normally reserved for passengers selected for secondary screening or when other documents appear incomplete (for example, no hotel booking or return ticket).

With the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS travel authorisation launching in October 2025, these checks will become more digital. ETIAS pre-screening will already verify your identity, travel history, and eligibility before you fly, meaning fewer manual document checks on arrival.

Other Documents You Might Be Asked For

In addition to proof of funds, travellers entering Spain from the UK may need to show:

• A valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure.
• A return or onward ticket.

• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, rental confirmation, or Carta de Invitación if staying with friends or family).

• Travel insurance covering emergency medical care.

These are standard Schengen entry requirements and apply equally to visitors to France, Italy, or Portugal.

Is This a New Rule?

No — the requirement predates Brexit. It was first enforced in Spain in 2022 under existing Schengen regulations. What’s new is the awareness among British travellers, as they now fall under the “third-country national” category. EU visitors, including Irish citizens, remain exempt.

Why Does Spain Ask for Proof of Funds?

The purpose is to ensure visitors can pay for their accommodation, meals, and return travel without working illegally or overstaying. Spanish border officers rarely apply the rule strictly, but it gives them legal authority to deny entry to anyone who cannot demonstrate self-sufficiency or a clear travel plan.

How Likely Are You to Be Asked?

In practice, very few tourists are questioned. Spain relies heavily on British tourism — more than 17 million UK residents visit each year — and officials have no interest in discouraging travellers. Most people entering Spain for genuine short holidays will never be asked for bank statements or cash. Random spot checks, however, do happen at airports such as Madrid-Barajas, Málaga-Costa del Sol, and Alicante-Elche.

What If You Are Asked?

Stay calm, polite, and cooperative. Open your banking app or show printed proof of your available funds. If you booked a package holiday, you can present your booking confirmation as evidence that flights and accommodation are prepaid. If travelling on a cruise or group tour, documentation from the operator generally suffices.

What Happens If You Cannot Prove It?

Border officials have discretion, but refusal of entry is extremely rare for genuine holidaymakers. In the unlikely event you cannot satisfy the requirement, you may be asked further questions or temporarily detained while embassy assistance is contacted. To avoid any stress, carry at least one verifiable document showing you can cover basic expenses.

Real-World Spending Comparison

According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute, the average UK tourist spends around €130 per day (roughly £110) in 2024 — well above the official minimum. Families and retirees tend to spend more, while younger travellers may spend less. The financial requirement therefore acts as a safeguard rather than an expected daily spend.

ETIAS: The 2025 Game-Changer

From October 2025, UK citizens will need to apply online for ETIAS authorisation before entering any Schengen country. The process costs €7, is valid for three years, and links electronically to your passport. Once ETIAS goes live, travellers will upload passport details, answer basic security questions, and confirm travel funds digitally — reducing the need for in-person proof checks at the Spanish border.

Children and people over 70 will be exempt from the fee but still require authorisation. More information will be available at the official portal: ETIAS official website.

Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Spain

• Keep your travel documents and accommodation confirmation easily accessible.

• Download or print a recent bank statement if you’re concerned about being asked for proof.

• Avoid carrying large sums of cash — a debit or credit card with clear balance evidence is sufficient.

• Know your rights: you can request a translator or embassy contact if you encounter difficulties at border control.

• Respect the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for visa-free stays.

The Bottom Line

The spending-money rule may sound intimidating, but for most UK tourists it’s simply background bureaucracy. As long as you have reasonable proof of funds, a return flight, and a confirmed place to stay, entry to Spain remains quick and easy. The country continues to welcome British visitors with open arms — just make sure your documents are in order before you set off.

Planning Future Trips?

If you’re considering a longer stay or relocation, understanding Spain’s residency and healthcare system is just as important as its entry rules. For a simple breakdown of Sanitas health plans, medical coverage, and visa-compliant options, visit our Quick Guide to Sanitas Health Insurance.

Sources

Ministerio del Interior de España
UK Foreign Office Travel Advice for Spain
ETIAS Official EU Portal