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Visa for Spain From the UK

Visa for Spain from the UK

If you’re a UK citizen planning a trip to Spain, you’re probably wondering if you are required to obtain a visa to enter the country. This nation is a popular holiday destination for Brits who look forward to soaking up the sun or sightseeing every year. If you can’t wait to explore, it’s helpful to know if you need a visa, or if you’re exempt, before you set off on your journey.

The good news is, if you hold a full British Citizen passport, you currently do not need a Spain visa from the UK for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

However, in future you will need the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is scheduled to be implemented in late 2022 and becomes obligatory in 2023.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about visiting here from the UK!

Do I Need a Visa for Spain From the UK?

If you’re asking yourself “Do UK citizens need a visa for Spain?”, then you may be pleased to know that, if you hold a full British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter the country for short stays.

Spain is a country in the Schengen Area, and British nationals can stay visa-free here and in other countries in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. This includes for purposes such as travelling as a tourist, to visit family or friends, for business meetings, cultural or sports events or for short-term education and training.

If you are travelling here and to other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your entire visit is within the 90-day limit. To stay longer or to work, study or reside, you will need to apply for a visa for Spain from the UK in person and by appointment at the Embassy of Spain.

The address of the Embassy of Spain in Britain is: 39 Chesham Pl, London SW1X 8SB. Its opening hours are 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday.

All About the ETIAS for Spain

The ETIAS is scheduled to be implemented in late 2022. This will mean that if you are travelling to Spain from the UK, you will need to obtain an ETIAS for travel for short stays.

If you’re wondering what requirements you’ll need to meet, you may be pleased to know that you can apply for the ETIAS online through Byevisa. The requirements for getting your travel pass are simple:

  • You must be from an eligible country with a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining after the day you arrive.
  • You are travelling to the country for short stays and for purposes including tourism, business or medical.
  • You are able to pass the security process and answer a few questions, such as whether you’ve ever been convicted of a crime or terrorist act.

Once your application through Byevisa is approved, you will receive official confirmation and a document to your email inbox. It’s electronically linked to your passport, though you can print off your document at home and take it with you on your travels if you prefer.

Spain Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

Although currently British citizens travelling here don’t need a tourist visa for stays of less than 3 months in a period of 180 days, there are a few important points to bear in mind.

You are required to meet the following passport criteria:

  • Able to present a valid British passport with at least 90 days remaining beyond the return date from Spain or any other country in the Schengen Area.
  • Ensure your passport is less than 10 years old.

Do UK Visitors Need to Pay to Enter Spain?

For UK travellers with a British passport travelling for tourist purposes for no more than 90 days, there are no direct costs associated with entry into the country. You are not required to obtain travel authorisation at this stage.

From late 2022 and 2023, the ETIAS will come into effect and there will be a 7 EUR charge to obtain this travel pass, plus Byevisa’s processing fee.

Travelling to Spain From the UK

From sun-soaked beach holidays on the Costa del Sol in the south to Barcelona’s world-renowned architecture, the country has plenty to offer British travellers.

Spain is the most visited country by UK residents, with 18.1 million visits recorded in 2019, according to the Office for National Statistics. Depending on what region or city you’re planning on visiting, you could fly in via a number of the country’s airports.

Madrid Barajas Airport serves the country’s capital and as such is the busiest and main airport in the country. Other popular airports include Barcelona–El Prat, near Barcelona, and Málaga–Costa Del Sol, serving the Costa Del Sol region. This airport is used to reach many beach destinations and resorts.

About the British Embassy in Spain

The British Consulate General Madrid is located in Spain’s capital city, Madrid. It’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The embassy’s full address is as follows: Torre Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana 259D, 28046 Madrid, Spain

Outside Madrid, there is a British Consulate General in Barcelona, Alicante, Ibiza, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Málaga, Mallorca and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Spain Visa for UK Travellers FAQs

Keep reading to learn the answers to some commonly asked questions about travelling here!

Can All UK Nationals Travel Here?

Yes, for purposes including tourism, business or short-term study and training, travelling here is usually a straightforward process. If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don’t need a visa to enter the country, and can stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Is It Safe for UK Citizens to Travel Here?

Yes, it is safe for citizens of this country to visit. The country is very popular with British travellers, who flock for the sun, culture, culinary experiences and historic sights.

Of course, you should take care and keep your belongings close to you when you’re out and about, as you would at home or in any country. Consider keeping your valuables in a safe at your hotel or other accommodation.

Fortunately, visiting Spain is a straightforward and enjoyable experience for the vast majority of British visitors!

What Else Do I Need to Know Before Travelling From the UK?

As you may have guessed, Spain’s currency is the euro. There are many ATM machines and foreign exchange bureaus, so if you don’t have time to buy your euros before your trip, you will be able to arrange this while in the country.

It’s wise to always have some cash with you for small purchases like coffee and tapas bars. This is especially the case if you’re travelling through rural Spain. When you’re visiting the larger cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, you should be able to use credit and debit cards without a problem.

More Information on Travelling to Spain

We hope you’ve now learned everything you need about the visit visa for Spain from the UK. For more information, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you’ll find here, check out our Visit Spain page and brush up on your knowledge before you go. You can also learn about the upcoming ETIAS for Spain.

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