Pegojack
Alan Curtis
Something those of you who are planning visits to relatives who are residents of Spain for your free holiday need to be aware of.
There is a requirement in Spain (and probably all other EU countries) that all visitors from non EU countries, yes that's you folks, have the means if challenged at the point of entry to prove that they have return transport tickets, the means to support themselves whilst here and registered accommodation. In theory, its to stop people coming here on hols and deciding to stick around, becoming a burden on the state.
So what, you say. Well, its the bit about accommodation. If you plan to stay in the homes of friends or family, you need to produce what's known as a 'carta de invitaćion' which is an official form provided by your hosts via the police. Your hosts need to go to the local police office a month beforehand, fill out an application form for every person coming, pay 74€ PER PERSON visiting (!), go back three weeks later to pick up the document, email it to your visitors so they can produce it at the border control when challenged. No form, no entry.
As you can imagine, there is a huge kerfuffle in ex pat circles at the moment about this. It is surrounded by confusion and its not clear if this will be enforced strictly or not. Also not sure if it applies to children coming with adults or not.
You'll no doubt be saying, as many are here, oh the Spanish need our tourist business, they won't enforce this.
Don't be too sure. I can tell you the latest horror stories about how Boris's fascist regime has been treating European nationals legitimately in Britain to attend job interviews have not gone down well here. Don't expect too many favours for Brits trying to break the rules.
There is a requirement in Spain (and probably all other EU countries) that all visitors from non EU countries, yes that's you folks, have the means if challenged at the point of entry to prove that they have return transport tickets, the means to support themselves whilst here and registered accommodation. In theory, its to stop people coming here on hols and deciding to stick around, becoming a burden on the state.
So what, you say. Well, its the bit about accommodation. If you plan to stay in the homes of friends or family, you need to produce what's known as a 'carta de invitaćion' which is an official form provided by your hosts via the police. Your hosts need to go to the local police office a month beforehand, fill out an application form for every person coming, pay 74€ PER PERSON visiting (!), go back three weeks later to pick up the document, email it to your visitors so they can produce it at the border control when challenged. No form, no entry.
As you can imagine, there is a huge kerfuffle in ex pat circles at the moment about this. It is surrounded by confusion and its not clear if this will be enforced strictly or not. Also not sure if it applies to children coming with adults or not.
You'll no doubt be saying, as many are here, oh the Spanish need our tourist business, they won't enforce this.
Don't be too sure. I can tell you the latest horror stories about how Boris's fascist regime has been treating European nationals legitimately in Britain to attend job interviews have not gone down well here. Don't expect too many favours for Brits trying to break the rules.
