Fury As British Tourists Discover They Must Prove They Can Spend £85 A Day To Enter Spain

British has been complaining about the “elitist” requirement from Spain that requires holidaymakers to prove their spending power before entering the country since Brexit. The new guideline was ratified earlier this year and defines that UK tourists have to be able to prove they can spend £85 a day.

Tourists of the “third country” that’s the only sovereign country to quit the EU was taken by surprise over the newly enforced rule.

It is still unclear if the new guideline will remain for a long time, but the Spanish authorities have the full right to enforce this in practice for as long as they wish.

Specifically, Spain allows travelers to prove their funds through foreign currency, traveler’s cheques, cash, payment letters, or credit cards. They also need to show evidence of owing a minimum of €900 (£766.94) in savings.

This comes as Germany supported France in blaming the long queue at Dover and Folkestone on “Brexit reality.”

Germany’s Ambassador Miguel Berger spoke about the situation, “The blame should not be given to France… because of Brexit, you have border controls. The passport needs to be stamped.”

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen replied that EU leaders were rounding on Britain because of their decision to quit the EU, “When it comes to British tourists, the Europeans appear to be cutting off their nose despite their own face as a punishment for Brexit.”

“I doubt that the cafe owners in France and the bar owners in Spain would be of the same opinion as their political leaders. In terms of the Spanish, it’s up to them whether they wish to apply the spending rule, but they should bear in mind that the Brits are their biggest tourist market. It won’t make anyone feel very welcome.”

Brits have been enraged hearing the news of the new Spanish travel guideline, calling it a “kick in the teeth” for pensioners and families.

One took to Facebook to comment about the situation, “Looks like Spain is making it too difficult and too elitist for many families. Bit of a kick in the teeth to all those who have been going for years. Families and pensioners will be most affected.”

“Let’s see where they are going to get their tourism from now if people choose other countries. Good luck, Spain!” wrote another.

One wrote his observation, “Pretty obvious what the Spanish are trying to do, restrict people coming for a holiday who don’t have a lot of money. If people are on an all-inclusive holiday, they are not spending money in the local area, so not helping the local economy.”

Others were blaming Brexit and sarcastically calling this one of the “Brexit benefits.” One commented, “Brexit truly is the gift that keeps on giving.”

Hundreds of thousands wasted almost a whole day during the weekend due to strengthened border checks on the Channel.

Senior French politician Pierre-Henri Dumont denied the lack of staff and told The Times, “They ran 24/7, but you had the same queues. That is the crystal clear proof that [British ministers] are lying.”

“It is the new reality,” added the politician. “We need to co-operate more and more, but co-operation begins by not blaming someone else for your problems. France and the European Union did not ask for disruption. Those who asked were the British government.”

As the new “third country,” Brits are required to show their stamped passports when entering and leaving France, which is part of the EU’s Schengen area. They’re no longer allowed to stay more than 90 days in a six-month period without a visa since the Brexit.