Proof of Funds for Trip to Enter Barcelona

Where does this stuff come from? Did you see something published or just heard it?

It's not "will be required", it's "at the request of the relevant authorities", and you almost certainly won't be asked. Many countries reserve the right to ask, but only ask when it looks like you won't have the funds to support yourself. Don't stress about it.

https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/canberra/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Condiciones-de-entrada-en-Espana.aspx

"At the request of the relevant authorities, the traveller must present proof of sufficient financial means for the proposed stay or the ability to legally obtain such means."

Where does this stuff come from? Did you see something published or
just heard it?

Straight from the American Airlines website:
Some countries require proof of return or onward travel, a visiting address and sufficient funds for your stay.

I used to watch the National Geographic show "Border Security" which was a reality show featuring border services agents at airports and border crossings in Canada and the US. Of course they were showing the most extreme and entertaining situations, but it was routine if someone was entering the country on a one-way ticket or had no designated address of where they were staying, or maybe if you just looked raggedy and suspicious, that you were going to be asked a lot more questions including how were you going to support yourself during your stay including proof of finances. Often on the show it was proven by allowing the border agent access to your phone to check your bank account. I doubt the average person has much to worry about.

We were not asked to show anything when we arrived in Barcelona in April. It seems to just be a legal cover if boarder security has suspicions and needs a reason to question someone. I’ve watched similar tv shows to the one Allan mentioned.

It would be extremely helpful if American Airlines could list the countries that MAY require proof of adequate funds. Just a bit of research by the folks who submit information to their website team would help decrease the amount of confusion caused to their customers.

ALL of them may ask. Have a credit card with you. Problem solved.

It would be extremely helpful if American Airlines could list the
countries that MAY require proof of adequate funds.

I would think that every country probably has some kind of wording. Here is the potential requirement for entering Canada from the website:
The border services officer may also ask for proof of funds. You must present a statement of your bank account issued no more than 1 week before your departure for Canada. It must clearly show that you have enough money to support yourself for the first 3 months of your stay in Canada (the equivalent of CAN$2,500).

The notification that I will have to prove funds for the trip is right on my American Airlines "Manage Your Trip" page. It was not that easy to find.

I only looked for it because another American Airlines passenger who is going to Barcelona brought it up on a Facebook group. Then I went and found the same notification on my page.

Phil

Pretend you never heard about or saw such a notice. You are wasting mental energy on something that doesn't happen. Put it out of your mind and have a wonderful trip.

Thank you Chris.

I plan on doing a trip report so I will let everyone know.

On a similar note, I have traveled into Germany a few times and found customs coming in never a problem. This year in April, I had to dig out my return flight itinerary to prove how long I was staying.

Good Morning aj

Perhaps that has something to do with all the problems of over tourism and visitors acting badly along with problems having to do with migrants and immigration.

Phil, I really can't imagine that any bureaucracy would be efficient enough to enact such regulations so quickly - or that a government would react that way to sporadic demonstrations by disgruntled citizens.

I did some quick googling and got to this site which does have lots of similar restrictions. It looks to me that the regs are Schengen regs (and EU regs too), not Spanish ones. The only bit that seems to be Spain-specific is for "the current pandemic" so not very recent.

If you're landing at the airport rather than in the back of a truck, I think you'll be fine.

Perhaps that has something to do with all the problems of over tourism and visitors acting badly along with problems having to do with migrants and immigration.

No, not at all. This has been a requirement, along with being able to provide proof of onward travel and insurance coverage, as well as questions about your intent of travel (business or personal), and several other things...for virtually all countries for decades. The fact that border security typically does not ask does not mean it does not exist, or that it is not enforced. The immigration officer has discretion to ask based on their impression of you (whether that is good, or fair, or not). As you can imagine, profiling based on race, ethnicity, age, country of origin, etc.; play a role.

It always make sense to have a simple itinerary, an app or paper that shows your flights/trains/boats etc for leaving, as someone said credit card or cash, or be able to pull up a financial account in an extreme case, an insurance card or app, and whatever else makes sense available. 90+% chance you will never need.

bistonphil7

Pretend you never heard about or saw such a notice. You are wasting
mental energy on something that doesn't happen. Put it out of your
mind and have a wonderful trip.

Is terrible advice. Do what Paul says, then relax and enjoy.

It always make sense to have a simple itinerary, an app or paper that
shows your flights/trains/boats etc for leaving, as someone said
credit card or cash, or be able to pull up a financial account in an
extreme case, an insurance card or app, and whatever else makes sense
available. 90+% chance you will never need.

For a non US national to be granted admission on a tourist visa to the USA the same rules apply. Although I can't immediately find it, I'm pretty sure that anyone entering on an ESTA also has to be able to produce such evidence if requested otherwise the rules of a B2 visa would not make much sense.

No specific sum is specified in the rules, but some sources on line say $10,000 for a one week stay, and as much as $60,000 for a one month stay can be requested.

Likewise for any foreign visitor to the UK- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents/guide-to-supporting-documents-visiting-the-uk

But that is done largely by origin, or if a passenger has a one way ticket to the UK, even by their luggage or lack there-of. I would be surprised if anyone on the forum has ever been asked for such proof at the border.

In Continental Europe these rules have applied to many individual countries since long before Schengen.

I was questioned at some length on board a train crossing from Bologna, via Ventimiglia, on the way to Nice. I needed to show passport, funds, return ticket and some other stuff I don't remember. That was in the summer of 1972.

I t hank everyone for all your very good advice.

I think I m experiencing the "getting close to my trip" jitters.

Some of you may know that I only travel once a year, a cruise, so it is. huge deal to me.

If possible, I will be posting on the forum even while traveling.

It’s normal to be nervous with a new adventure. Barcelona is a fantastic city. You’re gonna have a great time.

Good Middle of the Night Chris

And you don't know what you don't know.

Travelers have difficulties just because they don't know ....... They had no reason to ask. And information was not easily available

That is among the reasons this forum is invaluable.

Thank you Chris.