spanish state visit to uk

Spain’s King Felipe calls for Gibraltar “dialogue” during parliament speech

King felipe vi and queen letizia begin three-day state trip to the united kingdom, the first of its kind for 30 years.

Spain’s King Felipe VI called for the British and Spanish governments to redouble their efforts to find “satisfactory” formulas for all over the issue of Gibraltar, during a speech made on Wednesday afternoon before a joint session of the House of Commons and the House of Lords in London.

The speech came on the first day of the Spanish royals’ state visit to the United Kingdom, and was delivered in English by the 49-year-old monarch. Directly addressing the thorny issue of the British overseas territory, located in the south of Spain, King Felipe said that “during our rich and fruitful history there have also been estrangements, rivalries and disputes, but the work and determination of our governments, authorities and citizens have relegated such events to the past.

If the size of the welcome serves to gauge the importance of the head of state being received, Felipe VI’s visit must be historic

“I am certain that this resolve to overcome our differences will be even greater in the case of Gibraltar and I am confident that through the necessary dialogue and effort, our two governments will be able to work toward arrangements that are acceptable to all involved.”

The king also called for solutions so that any deal on Brexit – the United Kingdom’s planned withdrawal from the European Union – guaranteed the “necessary confidence and certainty” needed by the hundreds of thousands of Spanish citizens who live in the UK and the Britons who reside in or visit Spain.

Pomp and ceremony

At the start of their state visit , the king and queen of Spain were received in London on Wednesday by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh at an elaborate formal event on Horse Guards Parade in the political district of Westminster, after they had already met with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. An avenue lined with Commonwealth flags, cavalry, bagpipes, drums, bugles and gleaming cutlasses awaited the royals.

The arrival of King Felipe and Queen Letizia was also accompanied by a 41-gun salute from Green Park, and another 41 from the Tower of London. If the size of the welcome serves to gauge the importance of the head of state being received, then Felipe VI’s visit must be historic. Queen Elizabeth had pulled out all of the stops for the event. Nothing was missing in London on Wednesday: there was the threat of rain, wind, cold and even the odd ray of sunshine.

As well as the queen and the duke, a delegation led by the prime minister, Theresa May, was also there to receive the Spanish royals. Later in the day, King Felipe and Queen Letizia had lunch in Buckingham Palace, before visiting an exhibition of Spanish artworks from the Royal Collection in the Picture Gallery. There was also an exchanging of gifts.

Before heading to the British parliament, the king and queen met with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall to have tea in their London residence, Clarence House.

Tonight Queen Elizabeth will be holding a gala dinner in Buckingham Palace in honor of the royal couple, at which all the members of the British royal family will be present – something that is not often seen during such state visits. Around 150 invitees will be present , including Spanish and British business leaders who have interests in both countries .

On Thursday night, the London Eye – the giant Ferris wheel located in the British capital – will be lit up with the colors of the Spanish flag.

This trip is the first state visit to be made by the Spanish royal family since 1986, when King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía traveled to London, just when Spain was joining the European Union. Now, of course, the visit is taking place at a time when the commercial and social relationship between the two countries is set to be affected by the UK’s exit from the EU .

English version by Simon Hunter .

More information

Spanish royal visit to UK will highlight expat issues and economic ties

Spain’s King Felipe to address parliament during upcoming UK visit

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PHOTOS: Queen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain meet the Queen during their pageant-filled visit to Britain

Queen Elizabeth is currently hosting her Spanish counterpart, King Felipe VI, on a State Visit to the UK, along with his wife Queen Letizia . 

The occasion, a three-day-long barrage of soldiers, dignitaries, banquets and horse-drawn carriages, is the most lavish symbol of friendship that Britain can offer to another country.

Here are the best photos of the visit so far, which show British pomp and ceremony in full flow:

Queen Elizbaeth II and Prince Philip met with King Felipe VI of Spain and his wife Queen Letizia. They posed for a photograph on Horse Guards Parade in central London.

The two families go way back. Here are some snaps of Elizabeth with Felipe's father, King Juan Carlos, and the last Spanish state visit in 1986.

—The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 12, 2017

—Embassy of Spain UK (@EmbSpainUK) July 6, 2017

The Royal party was surrounded by soldiers in ceremonial gear, and members of the Queen's personal staff.

Prince Philip and Felipe inspected an honour guard before proceeding to Buckingham Palace.

Prime Minister Theresa May, pictured with Home Secretary Amber Rudd, attended the ceremony, but had no formal role in it.

State visits are conducted by the Queen, not the Government. However, by attending the event Theresa May managed to escape the weekly Prime Minister's Questions sessions, which her deputy took over instead .

After the inspection at Horse Guards, the monarchs rode together in a horse-drawn carriage to Buckingham Palace.

The Mall, which leads to the palace gates, had been decked out in Spanish and British flags.

A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) Jul 11, 2017 at 3:39am PDT

The royal spouses were taken to the palace in a separate carriage, without the gold linings and smaller coats of arms.

Both parties were accompanied by members of the Queen's personal bodyguard, the Household Cavalry.

Elizabeth and Felipe walked down a red carpet at the entrance to Buckingham Palace, where the visit continued out of the public gaze.

They had a lunch with other members of the Royal family, and drank sherry chosen by Britain's poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy.

After lunch the queen changed into a more casual, floral dress, and showed the spanish couple around her art collection., the ceremonies are due to continue, with the spanish royals remaining in the uk until friday..

Here's what's planned for the rest of the visit:

The Spanish royals will take tea with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House.

Felipe will then address Parliament in the Royal Gallery and afterwards meet with MPs.

Felipe and Letizia will then be the Queen's quests at a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.

Felipe will go to a meeting at the UK-Spain Business Forum with the Queen's brother, Prince Andrew.

Prince Harry will show Felipe and Letizia around Westminster Abbey, where Felipe will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

Felipe and Letizia will meet prominent Spanish expats at the Spanish Ambassador's house.

Then Felipe will meet Theresa May at 10 Downing Street.

The Spanish royals will be guests at a banquet at London's Guildhall, where he and the Lord Mayor of London will give a speech.

Felipe and Letizia will formally say goodbye to the Queen and Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace.

Prince Andrew will then take them to the Francis Crick Institute, a major biomedical research centre next to St Pancras station in London, where they will meet Spanish scientists.

Felipe and Letizia's last stop is in Oxford, where they will visit the Bodleian library, be given a private viewing of Spanish treasures held in Oxford.

They will then visit Exeter college, where a professorship in Spanish is named after Felipe's great-grandfather, Alfonso XIII, and meet Spanish students and academics.

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Spanish Royal Family State visit to the United Kingdom

• Posted by Jonny hough
• On July 7, 2017

In line with our long charity history of cultural diplomacy and our well established commitment building stronger links between Spain and the United Kingdom, and following last year’s presence of Queen Sofia of Spain as guests of honour at the BritishSpanish Soicety Centenary Gala Dinner, together with the Duke of York, our charity is delighted to announce the State visit of HE King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain to the United Kingdom from the 12-14 th of July.

While the Spanish Royal couple are due to fly to a London airport on Tuesday, the 11 th July, their main official engagement will begin the next morning, 12 th July when they are greeted by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, before  a ceremonial welcome by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace.

After a private Royal lunch, King Felipe will visit the palace of Westminster and make a special address to members of parliament during. After a private Royal tea, King Felipe and Queen Letizia will attend a dinner at Buckingham Palace.

On Thursday, the 13 th , the Spanish Royal couple will attend a reception at the Spanish ambassador’s residence, and in the evening  a Banquet at Guildhall given by the Lord Mayor and the City of London

Other scheduled events during the visit included a lunch at the British prime-minister’s official residence 10 Downing Street with Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn the leader of the Labour Party, a UK-Spain Business Forum, and a visit to Exeter College, Oxford University, which holds  the seat of the University of Oxford’s the King Alfonso XIII  Professorship of Spanish Studies, established in 1927 by King Felipe’s great grandfather.

The British and Spanish Royal families have enjoyed a close relationship over the years, against the background of strong cultural, trade, educational, and tourist links. There is a large resident and working Spanish population in the UK, as there are also many British who visit Spain on holiday as favored destination or are resident there.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall made an official visit to Spain in 2011.Prior to that Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh went to Spain on a State Visit, in 1998. The last State Visit from Spain to the UK in 1986 by King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.

Last year the latest State visit from Spain was postponed because of delays to the formation of a new Spanish government. However Queen Sofia attended as guest of honour the Centenary Gala Dinner in London of the cultural  and educational charity, the BritishSpanish Society. His Royal Highness the Duke of York also attended as a guest of honour, in representation of the British Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth sent the BritishSpanish Society a message of good wishes.

Click here to know more about our charity work. Click here to see membership options.

• th of July.   While the Spanish Royal couple are due to fly to a London airport on Tuesday, the 11 th July, their main official engagement will begin the next morning, 12 th July when they are greeted by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, before  a ceremonial welcome by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace. After a private Royal lunch, King Felipe will visit the palace of Westminster and make a special address to members of parliament during. After a private Royal tea, King Felipe and Queen Letizia will attend a dinner at Buckingham Palace.   On Thursday, the 13 th , the Spanish Royal couple will attend a reception at the Spanish ambassador’s residence, and in the evening  a Banquet at Guildhall given by the Lord Mayor and the City of London Other scheduled events during the visit included a lunch at the British prime-minister’s official residence 10 Downing Street with Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn the leader of the Labour Party, a UK-Spain Business Forum, and a visit to Exeter College, Oxford University, which holds  the seat of the University of Oxford's the King Alfonso XIII  Professorship of Spanish Studies, established in 1927 by King Felipe’s great grandfather.   The British and Spanish Royal families have enjoyed a close relationship over the years, against the background of strong cultural, trade, educational, and tourist links. There is a large resident and working Spanish population in the UK, as there are also many British who visit Spain on holiday as favored destination or are resident there.   Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall made an official visit to Spain in 2011.Prior to that Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh went to Spain on a State Visit, in 1998. The last State Visit from Spain to the UK in 1986 by King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.   Last year the latest State visit from Spain was postponed because of delays to the formation of a new Spanish government. However Queen Sofia attended as guest of honour the Centenary Gala Dinner in London of the cultural  and educational charity, the BritishSpanish Society. His Royal Highness the Duke of York also attended as a guest of honour, in representation of the British Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth sent the BritishSpanish Society a message of good wishes.   Click here to know more about our charity work. Click here to see membership options.  " target="_blank">

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HM King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain will be greeting audiences from their carriage along The Mall on Wednesday 12th July at 12.00 noon

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Spanish royals on state visit to UK, with Brexit issues unavoidable

The visit will play down issues on Gibraltar, the rights of British citizens living in Spain and Spanish nationals living in the UK

The king and queen of Spain start a state visit to the UK on Wednesday in which the two royal families will seek to play down simmering rows over a string of post-Brexit issues between the two countries.

The three-day visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia is the first to the UK by the Spanish royal family since 1986, and was agreed before the Brexit referendum result. It was then deferred twice, first due to the extended negotiations in Spain in March 2016 to form a new government, then by a deferral by Britain due to Theresa May’s decision to call a general election.

Spanish politicians, including the foreign minister Alfonso Dastis, are accompanying the king and queen.

It is being argued that talks on post-Brexit rights for 300,000 UK citizens in Spain and Spanish nationals in the UK – including 3,000 scientists working in higher education – are being conducted at the EU level in Brussels, and therefore need not be raised at length during the state visit. But the Gibraltar dispute, a roadblock in Anglo-Spanish relations further complicated by Brexit, will be unavoidable. Its status is largely a bilateral issue, and Felipe has previously described the British claim to the Rock as an historical anachronism.

Gibraltar’s chief minister, Fabian Picardo, has not been asked to any of the talks or major evening dinners by the UK government. In a speech this week in Malaga, he claimed that the Spanish government would try to insert a clause into any future UK-EU agreement on working rights so that it would not apply to EU citizens working in Gibraltar.

The UK ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, said ahead of the visit: “We are not going to negotiate a solution that is against the interest of the people of Gibraltar. Our position has been very clear. The important thing is to talk about the practical issues and interests we all have in common.” He said the priority was to safeguard the working rights of the approximately 7,000 Spaniards who make the daily crossing to work in Gibraltar.

The vast majority of Gibraltarians voted to remain, fearing a loss of access to the EU if there was a vote for Brexit. In March, the issue shot up the list of Brexit priorities when it appeared Brussels had endorsed the idea that no EU-UK Brexit deal could apply in Gibraltar without the agreement of the Spanish and British governments.

The Spanish government has insisted it will not stop a wider Brexit deal over Gibraltar, which it regards primarily as bilateral issue, but it has a bargaining card it can play.

During the state visit, the UK government will also be reluctant to be drawn into the issue of the Catalan independence referendum to be held in October. The Catalonian government has urged Madrid to follow the example set by the UK government, who granted Scotland an official and binding referendum on secession in 2014.

British ministers are likely to argue that the Spanish constitution makes no provision for such a referendum, as Spain is a unitary state. But if there is a vote for secession, nationalists in Scotland and Wales will back calls for the UK to recognise the result. The UK’s Labour Party has yet to set out a position.

The Spanish royals will be formally greeted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on Horse Guards Parade on Wednesday before attending a state banquet on Wednesday evening.

Prince Harry, in his first involvement in a state visit, will take the royal couple around Westminster Abbey before the Spanish king addresses both parliaments. He will meet Theresa May accompanied by his ministers for a lunch at Downing Street on Thursday. On Friday Felipe is due to visit Oxford University where the royal couple will be greeted by the strongly anti-Brexit vice-chancellor Lord Patten.

In their eagerness to launch a new era in Anglo-Spanish relations, the British government is likely to want to highlight the flourishing trade and business relations between the two countries. The UK is the number one destination for overseas Spanish investment, reaching an accumulated 82.5bn euros by the end of 2015.

The Spanish ambassador to the UK, Carlos Bastarreche, was plucked back from the private sector to take up his posting in London this Spring, partly because of his extensive diplomatic experience at the EU.

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The Royal Watcher

Spanish state visit to britain, 1986.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain start their State Visit to the UK tomorrow, where they will be hosted by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. Click HERE to check out the detail of the visit. In honour of the visit, we are featuring the last Spanish State Visit to the UK, made in 1986 by King Felipe’s parents, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia. Take a look at some highlights below-

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Some photos of the state visit of king juan carlos to the uk in 1986 to celebrate this week's #spainstatevisit to the uk. (photos: @hola ) pic.twitter.com/dmzveacgxr — royalarjan (@royalarjan) july 10, 2017, some photos of the state visit of king juan carlos to the uk in 1986 to celebrate this week's #spainstatevisit to the uk. (photos: @hola ) pic.twitter.com/fwctctpamq — royalarjan (@royalarjan) july 10, 2017, embed from getty images window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'lphejoqjrapnz9joeosfda',sig:'anpy5vt7n0jobfazj6j4eaulw_e2yebvjavh_0aepqq=',w:'594px',h:'375px',items:'500404028,178928228',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })});.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia were welcomed by the Prince and Princess of Wales at Heathrow Airport on April 22nd. Afterwards, they attended the Official Welcome at Windsor Castle, which included a carriage procession and a review of the guard, which was followed by the Spanish monarchs meeting members of the British Royal Family.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by @royaltyandprotocol

Glittering Banquet at Windsor Castle during the 1986 Spanish State Visit: https://t.co/Kpkf1X600L 📸 @royalarjan via Hola pic.twitter.com/DWEirj9O3t — The Royal Watcher (@saadsalman719) July 11, 2017

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Royal Watcher (@the_royal_watcher)

In the evening, the Queen (wearing Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik Tiara ) hosted a State Banquet at Windsor Castle in honour of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia (wearing the Fleur de Lis Tiara ). Both the Queen and King gave speeches. Also present were the Queen Mother (wearing the Greville Tiara ), Prince and Princess (wearing Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara ) of Wales, the Princess Royal ( Meander Tiara ), Princess Margaret ( Poltimore Tiara ), Duke and Duchess (in the Iveagh Tiara ) of Gloucester, Duke and Duchess (in the Kent Pearl Fringe Tiara ) of Kent, Princess Alexandra (in the Ogilvy Tiara ), and Prince and Princess (in the Kent Festoon Tiara ) Michael of Kent.

Events during the 1986 Spanish State Visit to the UK: https://t.co/Kpkf1X600L 📸 Getty Images pic.twitter.com/GGj86OA7gu — The Royal Watcher (@saadsalman719) July 11, 2017

Guildhall banquet during the 1986 spanish state visit: https://t.co/kpkf1x600l 📸 getty images pic.twitter.com/wclzh2gnso — the royal watcher (@saadsalman719) july 11, 2017.

Other events included a visit to Prince Minister Margaret Thatcher at 10 Downing Street, a visit to an art gallery, a speech in Parliament by King Juan Carlos, and a Banquet at the Guildhall (at which Queen Sofia wore the Mellerio Shell Tiara ).

Queen Sofia with the Princess of Wales and Princess Irene of Greece during the Return Banquet at the Spanish Embassy in London during the 1986 Spanish State Visit to Britain! https://t.co/vHYhzgclQ3 pic.twitter.com/geRxDCEQgE — The Royal Watcher (@saadsalman719) June 2, 2020

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One of the last glittering events was a Return Dinner hosted by King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia at the Spanish Embassy in London for their British Royal Hosts. Queen Elizabeth II (wearing the Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara ), attended alongside the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince and Princess (wearing the Spencer Tiara ) of Wales, and the Princess Royal (in her Festoon Tiara ). Also present were Infanta Elena (in the Mellerio Floral Tiara ), Infanta Cristina (in the Prussian Meander Tiara ), and Princess Irene of Greece (wearing Queen Sophie’s Diamond Circle Tiara ).

Farewell at Windsor Castle during the 1986 Spanish State Visit to the UK: https://t.co/Kpkf1X600L 📸 Getty Images pic.twitter.com/IcvgPaeOKz — The Royal Watcher (@saadsalman719) July 11, 2017

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh bid the Spanish Monarchs farewell from Windsor Castle, along with Queen Sofia’s siblings, King Constantine and Princess Irene of Greece.

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Pomp, ceremony and a surprise reunion as the Spanish State Visit to Denmark begins

After much anticipation, King Felipe and Queen Letizia have arrived in Copenhagen to begin their three-day State Visit to Denmark. 

Upon their arrival in the Danish capital, the King and Queen of Spain were welcomed by Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik, Crown Princess Mary and Princess Benedikte, all of whom were waiting on the tarmac when the State plane touched down. 

After listening to the two national anthems, King Felipe and Queen Margrethe reviewed the troops that were lined up next to the red carpet, and then went on to introduce their respective delegations, which include, among others, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and representatives of businesses. 

The royals then began their journey to Amalienborg Palace by car. However, the last leg of the journey of Queen Margrethe, King Felipe and Queen Letizia was made in horse-drawn carriages through the centre of Copenhagen. Once at the Palace, King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Queen Margrethe, joined by Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, held a meeting – but not before posing for the traditional official photograph. 

On this occasion, the Danish Royal House revealed through a photograph posted on their Instagram account that the Crown Prince and Princess’ youngest son, Prince Vincent, came to the Palace specifically to welcome King Felipe, who is his godfather. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DET DANSKE KONGEHUS ?? (@detdanskekongehus)

It was also revealed that, during the meeting, Queen Margrethe awarded both King Felipe and Queen Letizia the Danish Order of the Elephant; this was not a reciprocal move, as Queen Margrethe is already a member of the Order of the Golden Fleece, Spain’s highest order – which she received in her last State Visit to Spain in 1983. 

However, King Felipe and Queen Letizia did bring Grand Crosses of the Order of Isabel the Catholic for Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, as well as other orders for members of the Danish delegation. 

After a private lunch, King Felipe made the short walk to Christiansborg Palace, where the offices of the Prime Minister are located. There, he led the Spanish delegation in a meeting with the Danish delegation, spearheaded by Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen. 

The last engagement for the day will be the traditional State Banquet at Christianborg Palace, where members of the two delegations, as well as representatives of Danish and Spanish societies will be present. 

The State Visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, as well as diplomatic and economic relations, with a specific spotlight on issues like energy sustainability, Spanish culture in Denmark and healthcare. 

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Spanish government sends message to British tourists over £97 tourist rule to enter country

Finally some clarity with confusion rife over the so-called £97 rule to visit spain.

Tom Earnshaw

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Clarity has been provided over the so-called £97 rule that has left Brits heading to Spain for a holiday with a right royal headache.

It's been a bit of a migraine-inducer for weeks on end, with Brits trying to get their head around a new set of rules if you are jetting off this summer.

Sure, rules already exist when it comes to travelling to Spain, with some having hefty fines of up to €30,000 (£24,070) .

And then there's Benidorm-specific rules with £1,000 fines . Don't get caught out, basically.

The £97 rule is a bit more complicated than the rest and is to do with life after Brexit for people living in the United Kingdom.

But it's one that you've got to listen to, given more than 15 million Brits jetted off to Spain last year alone; that's almost a quarter of all UK residents .

The rule is related to something called the Schengen Area, which guarantees free movement to more than 425 million EU citizens.

There's already new rules already regarding this region that means you could get banned from Europe for three years if you don't pay close attention .

All the countries in the Schengen Area are as follows: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

As a result of Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU and therefore is now a part of the Schengen Area - meaning the country is now treated as the rest of the world is.

It's therefore see the country's Foreign Office issue advice to UK residents for anyone jetting off to anywhere in Spain; mainland or islands.

Guidance states that Brits will have to show proof that they have at least €113.40 (£97) per person per day during their holiday stay in Spain.

For a family of four staying in Spain for two weeks, that's a requirement to show you've £5,432 to hand. Eek.

The Foreign Office says: “If you enter the Schengen area as a tourist, you may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, when travelling to Spain you could be asked to show you have enough money for your stay."

LADbible approached the Spanish government over the issue for clarity as we head into the summer months where millions of Brits will jet off to Espana.

Previously, the Spanish government has said that 'foreigners must prove, if required to do so'.

A spokesperson for the government's Ministry of the Interior spoke to us, where they laid out the basics of what the law's background and its history.

And more importantly, what it means in reality for the normal Brit heading to the Iberian Peninsula.

The message is clear too, with the spokesperson going as far as labelling the entire process as a 'hoax'.

They told LADbible : "The requirements are common for all citizens from outside the Schengen territory and are not specific to Spanish legislation, but are included in the Schengen Borders Code and are applicable in all EU countries.

"Also clarify that these are not systematic controls for tourists and that there has been no denial of entry for this reason.

"It is a hoax spread from time to time by English media, devoid of rigor and without any basis."

So there we have it, the Spanish government saying on the record that no tourist has been turned away due to not providing proof of funds to stay.

Looks like Brits can enjoy their Spanish holiday with a bit less anxiety now.

Topics:  UK News , Travel , Holiday , World News , Viral , Brexit , Money

Tom joined LADbible in 2024, specialising in SEO and trending content. He moved to the company from Reach plc where he enjoyed spells as a content editor and senior reporter for one of the country's most-read local news brands, LancsLive. When he's not in work, Tom spends his adult life as a suffering Manchester United supporter after a childhood filled with trebles and Premier League titles. You can't have it all forever, I suppose.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Spain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK .

If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the latest FCDO travel advice for France before you start your journey.

If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the latest FCDO travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Spain.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.

If travelling to Spain and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Check with Spain’s embassy or consulates in the UK before you travel about what type of visa or work permit you may need.

If travelling to Spain for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you cannot return to the UK before the expiry of your visa, permit or visa-free limit, contact the Spanish government’s national information service (In Spanish, English speaking operators are available). You can dial 060 from a Spanish phoneline.

If you are visiting Spain and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must apply to the immigration authorities (‘Extranjería’) (in Spanish).

If you stay in Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Passport stamping

Check your passport is stamped as you enter or exit the Schengen area through Spain as a visitor.

Border guards check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If you do not have relevant entry or exit stamps in your passport, they will assume you have overstayed.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence includes boarding passes and tickets.

Use the desks staffed by border officers. If you are aged 18 or over, and airport staff instruct you to, you may be able to use e-gates where they are in operation.

If you use an e-gate, make sure you get your passport stamped by a border officer.

Additional documents required by tourists

If you enter the Schengen area as a tourist, you may need to provide additional documents at the border. As well as a valid return or onward ticket, when travelling to Spain you could be asked to show:

• you have enough money for your stay
• a hotel booking confirmation
• proof of address if visiting your own property (such as second home)
• an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts.

You can visit the Spanish Ministry of Interior website for more information (only available in Spanish).

Residents of Spain

If you are resident in Spain your passport should not be stamped when entering or leaving Spain.

Actively show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner’s identity card (‘la tarjeta de identidad de extranjero’ or ‘TIE’), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control. For further information, read about living in Spain .

Travel between Spain and Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. If you are travelling to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for entry requirements for Gibraltar .

There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. You should not hand over money to anybody claiming there is a charge.

Unaccompanied minors

Spanish law considers anyone under 18 to be a minor. If an unaccompanied minor comes to the attention of the Spanish authorities (particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital) they will be considered vulnerable and may be taken to a minors centre until a parent or guardian is found.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about what goods can be taken into and out of Spain. You can find details on the National Tax Agency leaflet (in Spanish and English). Declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Spain

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money and goods into Spain

Check the National Airport Association website for guidance on taking money and goods into and out of Spain.

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