Passengers travelling to Spain from Southampton Airport could be turned away at the border under a new rule change.
More than 19 million Brits visit Spain each year, with multiple direct flights per week operating between Southampton Airport and the holiday hotspot.
Spanish destinations accessible via direct flight from Southampton Airport include: Alicante, Barcelona and Majorca.
These flights are carried out by major airlines, including easyJet and TUI.
Southampton Airport passengers warned about changes to financial requirements for Spain
British nationals visiting Spain face updated entry requirements in 2026.
Financial requirements for British travellers were introduced on January 1, 2021, at the end of the Brexit transition period.
The UK became a "third state" outside the EU, meaning British nationals became subject to the standard Schengen Area border rules, which require visitors to prove they have sufficient financial means to support themselves.
These financial requirements have increased in 2026, due to a change in Spain’s minimum wage.
Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the financial requirements now stand at €122.10 per person per day, with a minimum total of €1,089.90.
Nationals of third states may be denied entry to Spain if they do not meet the requirements.
Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "At the request of the competent authorities, the traveller must present proof of having sufficient financial means for the proposed stay or of the ability to legally obtain such means.
"Economic means may be accredited by presenting cash, traveller’s cheques, a credit card accompanied by a bank account statement, an up-to-date bank book, or any other resource that accredits the amount available, such as a credit statement regarding the card or bank account.
"Bank letters or online bank statements will not be accepted."
Other requirements travellers need to be allowed entry into Spain are:
- Valid ID and passport
- Visa (if required)
- Have no pre-existing ban from Spain
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More travel changes coming in 2026
Brits have also been warned to prepare for the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected to launch later in 2026.
Under the scheme, visa-exempt travellers, including UK passport holders, will need permission to enter 30 European countries for short stays.
Applications will cost €20, although under-18s and over-70s will be exempt from the fee.
Have you been caught out by the financial expectations required to enter Spain? Let us know in the comments below.
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