Do you need a visa to visit Spain from the UK: Spain travel requirements

Spain is a popular travel destination for many British people, whether for a beach holiday, a city break or visiting friends and family. As Spain is part of the Schengen Area and the UK is no longer in the European Union, many travellers are unsure about the entry rules.

Planning a trip and wondering whether you need a visa to Spain from the UK? We’ve prepared a clear guide to help you understand exactly what you need before you fly.

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Do I need a visa to visit Spain from the UK?

No, UK citizens don’t need a visa to visit Spain for short stays.¹

British passport holders can enter Spain for tourism, leisure, family visits or short business trips for up to 90 days within a 180 day period without applying for a visa. Short-term studies or training don’t require a visa either.¹

Entry requirements for Spain

Although you won’t need a tourist visa, you must still follow Schengen Area entry requirements when travelling to Spain.

For stays longer than 90 days, or if you intend to work, study or live in Spain, you’ll need an appropriate visa. It’s important to keep track of your days if you travel often, since overstaying can lead to fines, entry bans or future travel complications.¹

Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave Spain. Also, it must have been issued less than ten years before the date you enter the country.¹

Border officials may also ask for some additional documents, although these checks don’t happen to everyone.

You might be asked for proof of onward or return travel, such as a flight confirmation, as well as proof of accommodation. They may also ask for evidence that you have enough money for your stay and travel insurance details.

If you’re staying with friends or family, you might need an invitation or carta de invitación from your hosts.¹

Spain EU Entry/Exit System

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) was introduced on 12 October 2025. When you enter or leave the Schengen Area, you may need to register your fingerprints and a photo. This will usually happen at a booth before immigration, but if you travel through Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras, you can register before leaving the UK. Since the roll-out will take up to six months, your passport may still be stamped in the meantime.¹

Travel to Spain: ETIAS

Starting from the last quarter of 2026, UK travellers will also need to apply online for an ETIAS travel authorisation. ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, is a specific travel document for nationals of certain visa-exempt countries or territories, including the UK.²

Types of visas available for Spain

While most British tourists don’t need a visa for short stays, there are several visa types for those who intend to stay longer or visit for specific purposes.

The short stay Schengen visa applies to people living in the UK who don't hold a British passport and who aren’t exempt from Schengen visas. If you hold a UK residence permit but you come from a country whose citizens need visas, you must apply for a Schengen visa before travelling.³

Long stay visas, also known as national visas, allow stays of more than 90 days. These visas are required for purposes such as studying, working, family reunification or retiring in Spain. You also need a national visa for self-employment, internships or working as a digital nomad.³

How to apply for a visa to Spain

If your trip requires a visa to Spain from the UK, the process will depend on the type of visa you need. Once you determine whether your trip is for work, study or residence, you’ll know which documents you must provide.

Documents vary by visa type, but you’ll usually need a valid passport, passport photos and proof of financial means, while some types require proof of medical or travel insurance and criminal record checks.

Schengen visa applications for UK residents without a British passport are submitted through BLS International visa application centres in the UK. You must book an appointment to submit your application and provide biometric data. The decision period is usually 15 working days, but it can be extended for up to 45 days.⁴

How much does a Spain visa cost?

Most UK passport holders pay no visa fee when visiting Spain for less than 90 days, since no visa is required.

For those who do require a visa, the typical Schengen visa cost is €80. Long stay visa fees vary by type, but are often higher than short stay visas.⁴

Once ETIAS becomes mandatory, UK travellers will also pay a fee of €20. However, some categories of travellers are exempt from paying it.⁵

Travel with Wise to save on currency conversion

Your British passport allows visa-free travel for short stays in Spain, as long as you meet passport rules and follow border requirements. However, if you plan to work, study or move to Spain, you’ll need to apply for the correct visa well before your departure.

Whether you need a visa or not will depend on your circumstances but one thing you will need is a way to pay for things in euros. This is where Wise could help the next time you travel to Spain.

Open a Wise account online and you can order the Wise card for a one-time fee of £7. You can use this clever card in 150+ countries. It automatically converts your pounds to local currency whenever you spend using the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a tiny, transparent conversion fee* – or it’s free if you already have the local currency in your Wise account.

You also get two free ATM withdrawals for up to 200 GBP (or currency equivalent) each month. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

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Sources used:

1. Gov.uk - Spain entry requirements
2. European Union - who should apply for ETIAS
3. BLS International - types of visas for Spain
4. Ministerio de asuntos exteriores - Schengen visas
5. European Union - what is ETIAS

Sources last checked on date: 08-Dec-2025