If you are planning a holiday or a viewing trip to Spain soon, you’ll need more than just your passport to pass through. Plus, find out why now is a great time for a viewing trip.
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Necessary documents to travel to Spain
It’s not just your passport that will need to be up to date, see what the other requirements are.
The UK foreign office has released new information on what documents you will need to travel to Spain.
If you enter the Schengen visa as a tourist, which will be the case if you are travelling for a viewing trip, then you may need to show the following:
1. A valid return or onward ticket.
2. Proof of accommodation for your stay. This could be in the form of hotel booking confirmation. If you are visiting your own property, such as a second home, then you will need to show proof of address. Alternatively, if you are going to stay at a family or friend’s home, then you will a written invitation from them.
3. Proof that you have enough money for your stay. Currently, for one person, you will need to show that you have at least €113 (around £97) per day.
While not everyone has been or will be stopped and asked to show these documents, its best to be prepared.
You can also find more information on the Spanish Ministry of Tourism website (it’s in Spanish, though you can use the translate tool available in the search bar for it in English).
Make sure your passport is up-to-date
When travelling to Spain or any country in the Schengen Area (except Ireland), including Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, your passport must be issued less than ten years before you enter the country. Plus, it must be valid for at least three months before you plan to leave.
It used to be the case that you could carry nine months of your passport onto a new, but this is no longer the way. So, check the date of issue and the expiry date before booking your next trip to Spain.
Why spring is a fantastic time for a viewing trip
Keen on booking a trip soon?
While making sure all your documents are in order can be a little extra hassle, spring is still a splendid time to book a viewing trip to Spain. Here’s why.
- Less busy, so easier to see properties. Although April’s showers sees many Brits heading out to Spain for some less rainy rays, the number of tourists is still not quite as high as in the summer. This should make exploring the area and viewing properties more straightforward.
- Money saving opportunities on flights and accommodation. While the most low-cost time to travel to Spain is from November to March, you will still be able to find flights and accommodation that feels like a steal compared to prices in July and August. Avoid the school holidays, fly mid-week and at times most of us will be sleeping for the best deals.
- See a different side to Spain. You may have only really visited Spain for your summer holidays before, but especially in the areas popular with holidaymakers, Spain has a different atmosphere in the off-season. This is a chance to see if you’re still fond of where you are buying when it’s a little quieter.
- Pleasant weather, but not so warm that you’re tempted away from properties. As wonderful as it will be to be in Spain, a viewing trip is not a holiday. You don’t want the weather to be so lovely and warm that you forget why you are there and head to the beach for a tan and some sangrias. Of course, it depends where you are going in Spain, but at the time of writing it is 21°C and partly cloudy in Alicante and 23°C in Malaga. Perfect viewing trip weather…
Find out how to plan a successful viewing trip by downloading our free guide.
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