Travelling to Spain

From memory, holidaymakers showing up at EU border controls could be asked to demonstrate a return ticket, somewhere to stay, health cover, and that they have sufficient funds to live until their return date.

In my experience, this set of conditions has been pretty routine for Brits entering non-EU countries since Adam was a lad. I have probably entered non-EU countries on holiday, and for work, over a hundred times; I have never been asked to evidence all of these things, although after 9/11, the USA border control agents asked a few more questions. I once flew from Aus to NZ, and I didn't have my onward flight ticket (out of NZ) with me. The airline wouldn't let me check-in, so I had to find an internet terminal and print off the ticket (technology was less advanced at that time).

In reality, why wouldn't a holidaymaker have these things ? 

Thank you for your reply. I'm 76 and have never heard of that and no experienced of it either, despite my family and I having done our fair share of international travel for both leisure and business, in my case the latter to USA post 9/11 although we did have to remove our shoes and all our luggage was meticulously searched. Visas have been necessary on occasions of course, but we've never been requested to show proof of funds - it's this I think people will object to, particularly if their holiday was all inclusive so would have been paid for upfront. 

I would be very sure that this is a misunderstanding.

Border Controls will sometimes ask the reason for wishing to entry a country - 'Holiday' is a sufficient answer; and, sometimes 'Where are you staying?'.

It is common on Customs declarations to confirm that you DO NOT bring more than X amount of currency into the country, but never to prove that you have enough to support you during your stay.

The only addition since the UK left the EU, is that holidaymakers will need to have a minimum of 6 months left on their passports.

Maybe there is some confusion as currently there are very strict rules about entering the country, due to Covid and the impact of Brexit; or with the rules for long stay visas, which require proof of income.

Thank you very much. I'm now certain it is a misunderstanding and that's partly my fault for not having learned enough Spanish for issues like this. Everything else you have said is much as I thought but it's good to have a second opinion. 

https://www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein

UK Gov advice.