If you’re planning a holiday to the likes of Spain, France, Portugal, Greece and Italy this summer, then it’s worth taking note of a little-known rule that could cause you issues at border control.
Since Brexit, Brits have faced new restrictions when heading to Europe including a change to passport validity rules (you now need to ensure your passport is valid for at least three months after your stay, and issued within 10 years), and this year’s new EES border system which requires UK holidaymakers to give biometric data when entering an EU country.
However, it’s not just about your passport when you’re heading abroad; Brits could also be asked to show a number of extra documents at holiday hotspots, and if you’re unable to provide these you could face being denied entry at the border.
Holiday hotspots require more than a passport to enter the country -Credit:Getty Images
The Foreign Office has previously issued travel advice on this for hotspots such as Spain and France. As well as your passport, you could be asked to show a few different documents; return or onward ticket, proof of travel insurance, proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking confirmation, or even proof that you have enough funds for the duration of your holiday.
• Jet2 launches ‘business class’ cabin with much more legroom and upgraded food
• I visited whimsical European theme park so good it helped inspire Disneyland
The requirements can slightly vary – for example Portugal doesn’t require you to show proof of travel insurance – but overall the general requests are the same. Meanwhile, Spain and France also require a specific letter if you’re staying with friends and family – and as these can take time to get approved, you may want to get them sorted a few weeks ahead of time, to avoid any last-minute stress.
Spain asks for a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts, while France can ask you to provide a welcome invitation (‘attestation d’accueil’) from your host which they need to get from their local mayor’s office and sent to you before you enter the country.
To give you a helping hand, we’ve listed out the top requirements for some of the biggest holiday hotspots below, but always check the Foreign Office advice before travelling as these rules can be subject to change.
Spain travel rules
Officials at border control in Spain – including the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands – may ask you to show:
a return or onward ticket
proof of your travel insurance
you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation
a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if you’re staying at your own property
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
• TUI, Jet2, easyJet and Ryanair rules on sitting with kids if you don’t reserve seats
• TUI hand luggage rule change will affect May half-term holidays
France travel rules
France requires an extra document if you’re staying with friends and family -Credit:Getty Images
Officials at border control in France may ask you to show:
show proof of your travel insurance to demonstrate you can cover any emergency costs
prove that you have enough money for your stay
show proof of your accommodation
show a return or onward ticket
You may be asked to provide a welcome invitation (‘attestation d’accueil’) from your host. The French resident hosting you must get the attestation d’accueil from their local mayor’s office and send the original attestation before you enter France.
Portugal travel rules
Officials at border control in Portugal may ask you to show:
an onward or return ticket
proof you have enough money for your visit
Greece travel rules
Officials at border control in Greece – including Greek islands – may ask you to show:
show a return or onward ticket
prove that you have enough money for your stay
Italy travel rules
Officials at border control in Italy may ask you to show:
show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for your own property
show proof of your travel insurance
show a return or onward ticket
prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation
Have you had issues at border control because of new rules? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com