Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2021 9:17am
Hi Scots Lass,
It's not scare tactics - purchasing a return ticket is one method that Gov.UK recommends travellers use to avoid being asked for the "Carta de invitación" (letter of invitation), since we became Third Country Nationals on 1 January this year:
"At Spanish border control, it is likely you will need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit unless you can demonstrate that you are resident of Spain and are returning to your place of residence (see Requirements for UK nationals resident in Spain section below for further details). You may also need to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- show you have enough money for your stay
- show proof of accommodation for your stay, for example, a hotel booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting your own property (e.g. second home), or an invitation from your host or proof of their address if staying with a third party, friends or family. The Spanish Government has clarified that the “carta de invitation” is one of the options available to prove that you have accommodation if staying with friends or family. More information is available from the Spanish Ministry of Interior."
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
However, I've yet to hear of a UK citizen being asked for one at Spanish border control. Whilst Easyjet are technically correct, I think it may be better described as another example of their "creative marketing"! 😉😄
Have a lovely holiday.
Kind regards,
Kim