If British tourists visiting Ibiza or other Spanish regions fail to show proof of accommodation on entry, they could face penalties of up to £8,000. The new rule applies to all UK citizens and non-EU passport holders entering Spain and requires them to show evidence of accommodation for their entire stay, which must not exceed 90 days.
Furthermore, non-EU travelers will also have to present proof of a return or onward ticket in order to enter Spanish regions. Proof of accommodation can take the form of a hotel, Airbnb, or hostel booking confirmation, or evidence of a holiday home or second residence in Spain. Alternatively, visitors looking to stay with friends or family members will be required to present an “invitation letter” or “carta de invitación” on arrival.
The host, who must be a Spanish national, an EU citizen living in Spain, or a non-EU citizen with legal residence in Spain, should issue the invitation, which cannot be a handwritten letter, as per the Olive Press. The process, requiring multiple steps and costing around €70 to €80, including an application at the local police station via appointment and can take between 20 and 60 days.
Guests who exceed the 90-day limit could face fines of up to €10,000, according to the Olive Press. In addition, tourists visiting Spanish regions have been informed of earlier relaxation times at restaurants and bars following the Prime Minister’s decision to reduce work hours to 35 hours per week.
Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz believes that it is insane to keep extending opening times, as having a restaurant serving till 1 am is not reasonable, and she is now calling for closing times to follow those of other European countries. The full entry requirements for a Spain visit can be found here
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