Brexit has affected the UK in every aspect, including the country’s economy and the relationship between the UK and the EU countries. Additionally, Brexit has also affected visa-free travel for UK citizens to other countries. As such, it’s important to understand visa requirements for Spain for UK passport holders before you plan your trip to Spain.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Spain from the UK?
Citizens of the UK can travel to Spain without a visa; this applies to any occasion, including visits, business meetings, cultural or sports events, or short-term studies or training. However, UK citizens can only stay in Spain for up to 90 days within 180 days.
UK applicants who want to stay longer than 90 days in Spain must contact the embassy or consulate of Spain in the UK and ask them about the requirements or the type of visa they need to apply for to stay longer than 90 days in Spain.
Note: Applicants who need to extend their stay in Spain for any exceptional reason must contact the Immigration Authorities in Spain to extend their stay.
What Are the Requirements for UK Citizens Entering Spain?
UK citizens must submit the following documents to enter the Republic of Spain:
- An authorized border-crossing point.
- An ID document.
- A valid passport.
- A document showing the applicant can not be banned from entering Spain.
- A bank statement document.
- An accommodation proof.
- A valid health insurance.
- A return or ongoing flight ticket.
Note: Due to the current situation post-Brexit rule, Spain has decided that UK citizens must have at least €100 per day when traveling to Spain, or not less than €900, for their entire stay. Anyone that does not meet the mentioned conditions will not be allowed to enter the Republic of Spain.
There are different types of purposes UK citizens can have to visit the Republic of Spain, including tourism, business, study/training, and other reason; depending on the purpose of their visit to Spain, UK citizens must submit these additional documents:
- A letter of invitation from a company in Spain. This letter must explain the purpose of your visit and prove your relationship with the company (for business purposes).
- A letter of invitation from a friend or relative in Spain, proof of accommodation, and a bank statement (for tourism purposes).
- A study, training, document, or agreement proof (for study/training purposes).
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit to Spain (applicable for other purposes of your visit to Spain).
Is there any Travel restriction in Spain due to Covid?
Since June 02, 2022, Spain has decided that there are no conditions that any applicant worldwide must complete when entering the Republic of Spain due to Covid-19, including UK citizens, meaning that there is no Covid restriction in Spain.
Do UK Citizens Have to Register for ETIAS to Enter Spain?
Until ETIAS becomes operational, British citizens can continue to enter Spain without a visa. However, once it is launched, they will need to register with ETIAS. Once the app and the website are launched, applicants can apply through the application app or the website; they are also obliged to finish an application fee of €7. This rule is applicable from May 2025.
How to Travel to Spain From the UK?
There are different options on how to travel to Spain from the UK; these options are:
- By plane.
- By train.
- By bus.
- By rail.
However, the fastest way to travel from the UK to Spain is by plane. The trip will cost between £70 – £290, and the flight will be no longer than five hours. But citizens who want to visit other places while traveling to Spain can take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International Railway Station and then change in Paris to catch a high-speed train to Figueres, Girona, and Barcelona. This way, they can spend the day sightseeing at new places on their way to Spain.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Spain if I Am a UK Resident?
UK residents must apply for a visa to enter Spain if they hold citizenship of one of the countries that have a visa facilitation agreement with the EU. The main document UK residents must have when applying for a Spain visa is their residency. However, their residency must be valid for at least three months after their return from Spain to apply for a Spain visa. Here you can read about applying for a Schengen visa in the UK.
UK residents from the following countries must apply for a visa to enter the Republic of Spain:
- Gabon
- Oman
- Algeria
- Gambia
- Pakistan
- Angola
- Ghana
- Papua New Guinea
- Armenia
- Guinea
- Palestine
- Azerbaijan
- Guinea-Bissau
- Philippines
- Bahrain
- Guyana
- Qatar
- Bangladesh
- Haiti
- Russia
- Belarus
- India
- Rwanda
- Belize
- Indonesia
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Benin
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia
- Bhutan
- Iraq
- Senegal
- Bolivia
- Jamaica
- Sierra Leone
- Botswana
- Jordan
- Somalia
- Burkina Faso
- Kazakhstan
- South Africa
- Myanmar
- Kenya
- South Sudan
- Burundi
- Kosovo
- Sri Lanka
- Cambodia
- Kuwait
- Sudan
- Cameroon
- Kyrgyzstan
- Suriname
- Cabo Verde
- Laos
- Switzerland
- Central African Republic
- Lebanon
- Syria
- Chad
- Lesotho
- Tajikistan
- China
- Liberia
- Tanzania
- Comoros
- Libya
- Thailand
- Republic of the Congo
- Madagascar
- Timor-Leste
- Ivory Coast
- Malawi
- Togo
- Cuba
- Maldives
- Tonga
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Mali
- Tunisia
- Djibouti
- Mauritania
- Turkey
- Dominican Republic
- Mongolia
- Turkmenistan
- Ecuador
- Morocco
- Uganda
- Egypt
- Mozambique
- Uzbekistan
- Equatorial Guinea
- Namibia
- Vietnam
- Eritrea
- Nepal
- Yemen
- Ethiopia
- Niger
- Zambia
- Fiji
- Nigeria
- Zimbabwe
- North Korea
- Northen Mariana
- Vanuatu*
*Vanuatuan nationals holding ordinary passports issued after May 25, 2015, must apply for a Schengen visa.
When Is the Best Time to Travel to Spain From the UK?
The best time to travel to Spain is spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). Then is when the country has the least number of visitors since Spain is considered one of the most attractive European countries. The weather during that specific season and time is the best since it is not very hot, but also it is not very cold, and you can enjoy perfect weather on your vacation in Spain.
Best Places to Visit in Spain
Spain is one of the best and most attractive European countries. The country has more than everything to offer. However, if you are looking for something to start, here are some of the best places to visit in Spain:
- Barcelona
- Madrid
- Seville
- Ibiza
- Marbella
Barcelona
Barcelona is considered one of the best places to visit in Spain. The city is unique, beautiful, and one of a king. Any tourist can do different things throughout the day and night in Barcelona and different places they can visit. Some of the most interesting things to do in Barcelona are:
- Visit the Sagrada Familia.
- Visit different places or art streets.
- Go to live music places.
- Enjoy the amazing food and drinks.
- Shop on Passeig de Gracia.
Madrid
Madrid is a huge city with many unique neighborhoods to explore, and you can do that by walking and enjoying the city’s view. Madrid is known for its marvelous architecture and its royal building. The city has interesting culture and traditions; it is very shiny, the people are very friendly and kind, and the food is very delicious.
Seville
Seville is one of the cities where the gypsy art of Flamenco was born. The city has many visitors each year due to its amazing architecture. The city also has the Royal Alcazar Palace, which brings many tourists worldwide to visit. The best time to visit Seville is between March to May.
Ibiza
Ibiza is a very known island in Spain. The island is known for its wild nightlife, but there are different types of things that tourists can do throughout the day. The island is considered an expensive tourist destination. However, if you try not to go to nightclubs every night, you can enjoy a nice, unforgettable, and not very expensive holiday.
Marbella
Marbella is a city in Spain with 23 beaches that visitors can visit, which are breathtaking. There are different types of playgrounds for kids meaning that it is a perfect place to visit with your family. The city is also known for its delicious seafood, dolphin show, history, and traditions.