While traveling to Ibiza on a whim makes for a great story, tourists will want to make sure they have at least confirmed a place to crash. A new rule from the Spanish government means that non-EU travelers could face up to £8,000 in fines if they can’t provide proof of accommodation upon entry into Spain.
Outlined in the EU’s Schengen Agreement, the rule requires all non-EU passport holders entering the country to show proof of accommodation for the length of their stay, which can be no more than 90 days.
These travelers must also provide proof of a return ticket or an “onward” ticket demonstrating their departure from the country within the 90-day window.
Proof of accommodation documents can be as simple as a booking confirmation from a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb. If travelers are visiting a second home in Spain, they’ll need to provide evidence of ownership.
If visiting a friend or family member, travelers must produce an invitation letter upon arrival. This invitation cannot be a handwritten letter, and the host must be a Spanish citizen, an EU citizen living in Spain, or a non-EU citizen legally residing there.
Official invitations must be applied for at a local Spanish police station, a process which requires a scheduled appointment, a €70-€80 fee and can take from 20-60 days for approval, according to The Olive Press, a newspaper for expats in Spain.
The Olive Press also reports that tourists or their hosts could be fined up to £8,000 (over $8,700 USD) if they don’t provide the proper paperwork to Spanish authorities. Those overstaying their 90-day limit could be hit with fines up to €10,000 (over $10,900 USD).
Similar to Brazil’s recent rule change for travelers entering their country, tourists arriving in Spain may also be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds for their stay.
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