Friday, July 4, 2025
As summer approaches, millions of Brits are planning their vacations to Spain, a perennial favourite for holidaymakers looking for sun, sand, and culture. However, post-Brexit regulations mean that UK tourists may be at risk of hefty fines if they fail to comply with certain accommodation rules. In particular, the Spanish authorities are cracking down on non-EU tourists, including those from the UK, and enforcing new documentation requirements that could lead to fines as high as £6,900. Understanding these rules is crucial for a smooth and stress-free holiday, especially if you’re planning to stay with friends or family rather than in a hotel or rental property.
New Accommodation Proof Rule for Non-EU Tourists
Since the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, UK citizens are no longer considered part of the EU’s “Schengen Area” and thus no longer enjoy the same rights to free movement. While British tourists are still permitted to visit Spain for up to 90 days without a visa, they must now adhere to more stringent entry requirements. One of the key regulations that holidaymakers need to be aware of is the requirement to prove they have booked accommodation for the duration of their stay. This rule applies to all non-EU citizens, and failure to comply could result in hefty fines.
For those staying in hotels, hostels, or rental properties booked through sites like Airbnb, proving accommodation is relatively simple. Tourists just need to show their booking confirmation when passing through passport control upon arrival. A printed or digital copy of the reservation will suffice to meet the new regulations. However, the situation becomes more complicated if you are planning to stay with friends or family while visiting Spain.
The ‘Letter of Invitation’ You Need to Avoid a €8,000 Fine
If you’re staying with friends or family during your visit, you will likely need an official document known as a letter of invitation (or carta de invitación). This letter must be obtained from the local police station in Spain and serves as proof that your host has officially invited you to stay in their home. The letter is a legal document that affirms that your host is aware of your stay and is assuming responsibility for your accommodation while you are in Spain.
Obtaining this letter is your responsibility as the guest, not your host’s. It’s essential that your host meets certain criteria to be eligible to sponsor your stay, such as being a Spanish national, an EU citizen residing in Spain, or a non-EU citizen with legal residence in Spain. The process can be time-consuming, requiring the host to provide personal details and documentation to the police, and the letter itself can take several days to process. It’s strongly advised that you secure this letter well in advance of your travel to avoid any last-minute complications.
The failure to produce this letter upon request by Spanish authorities can result in a fine of up to €8,000 (approximately £6,900). Given the amount of money involved, it’s clear that neglecting this requirement is a risk that can easily be avoided with a bit of preparation.
New Legal Obligations for Accommodation Hosts
Spain’s new regulations are not just aimed at tourists but also at the hosts who offer accommodation to foreign visitors. Since 2020, hosts have been required to collect and report a significant amount of personal information about their guests. These details include your full name, passport number, date of birth, home address, nationality, and even your mobile phone number. In addition, hosts must also provide information about how guests paid for their accommodation, whether by credit card, cash, or another method. These legal obligations are designed to ensure that all visitors are properly documented and accounted for, which can help authorities maintain security and manage immigration processes more efficiently.
While this may feel invasive, it is important to understand that this is not an attempt to collect sensitive information for malicious purposes, but rather a legal requirement in line with Spain’s policies for non-EU visitors. If you are staying with friends or family, expect to provide the necessary information when your host submits the carta de invitación to the authorities.
Tourists who refuse to provide this information or who are unaware of these requirements could face fines for non-compliance. If your host is unwilling to cooperate with these new legal obligations, it’s advisable to reconsider staying with them, as both you and they could be subject to penalties.
Warnings for Brits in Barcelona: Pub Crawls and Rental Restrictions
In addition to accommodation rules, tourists heading to popular Spanish cities like Barcelona should be aware of other potential pitfalls that could lead to fines. The Catalan capital is a magnet for young tourists, many of whom indulge in pub crawls, group activities, or parties during their stay. However, the city has become increasingly strict when it comes to managing such events. For example, illegal gatherings and unlicensed pub crawls could lead to fines of up to €300 (£258). Barcelona has taken steps to limit rowdy behavior and ensure that tourists respect local laws and culture, so it’s important to follow the rules and avoid attracting attention in this regard.
Furthermore, there has been a crackdown on short-term rentals, particularly in areas where local landlords have been offering unregulated Airbnb-style accommodation. While this primarily affects property owners, there are still consequences for tourists who violate short-term rental rules, including fines of up to €5,000 (£4,310) for staying in unregistered rental properties. Although this penalty is usually aimed at landlords, it’s still wise to ensure that your accommodation is legally registered before booking. Always check that your rental property complies with local regulations to avoid any issues during your stay.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead to Avoid Fines and Hassles
With these new rules in place, it’s more important than ever for British tourists to plan ahead when traveling to Spain. The threat of fines up to £6,900 for failing to prove accommodation, especially when staying with friends or family, should be enough to make anyone double-check their travel documentation. Make sure you get the letter of invitation if necessary, ensure that your host is fully informed of the legal obligations, and always confirm that your accommodation is booked through a legitimate, registered provider.
By understanding and following these new regulations, you can avoid unwelcome surprises and ensure that your Spanish holiday remains as enjoyable and relaxing as it should be.
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