The UK ETA Spain requirement is an important step for Spanish citizens planning to visit the UK. In this UK ETA guide, we'll explain who needs it, when to apply, and what it lets you do once you're in the UK.
Do Spanish citizens need a visa for the UK?
Spanish citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK, but they must apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling.
UK ETA for Spanish citizens explained
The UK ETA is a mandatory digital travel permit for Spanish citizens traveling to the UK for tourism, business, or short-term study (up to 6 months). It is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
While Spanish citizens do not need a traditional visa for short stays, the UK ETA is a requirement for all visitors from visa-exempt countries, including Spain.
The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorization, similar to the Canada ETA or US ESTA.
When do Spanish citizens need to apply for a UK ETA?
Who needs a UK ETA? | Who does NOT need a UK ETA? |
Spanish citizens visiting family, sightseeing, or vacationing for up to 6 months. | Already have a UK visa. |
Attending meetings, conferences, or engaging in short-term permitted paid engagements. | Spanish citizens with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. |
Courses lasting up to 6 months. | Spanish citizens holding a British or Irish passport. |
Transit through a UK airport: If passing through UK border control. | Living in Ireland and traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man. |
Entering the UK several times within the 2-year ETA validity. | Check with the airline if you don’t pass through UK border control. |
The UK ETA allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, or short-term study, and you can also transit through UK airports, passing through border control. The ETA is valid for 2 years, meaning you can visit multiple times within that period. However, the ETA has restrictions: you cannot stay longer than 6 months, work (unless it's part of a permitted paid engagement), claim public funds such as benefits, or get married or register a civil partnership (which requires a Marriage Visitor visa).
For those seeking extended stays or specific permissions, other visa options include the UK Visit Visa for longer tourist or business visits, the UK E-Visa for digital processing, the UK Settlement Visa for residency, the UK Sponsorship License for employers hiring foreign workers, and the UK Student Visa for education. Additionally, individuals may apply for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa to work independently or a Spouse Visa to join a UK-based partner.
Apply for a UK ETA from Spain
For Spanish citizens applying for a UK ETA, Any Visa offers:
Accurate application support to avoid mistakes that could cause delays or rejections.
Expert legal guidance for travelers with previous visa refusals or criminal records.
Fast-tracked solutions for urgent travel needs, ensuring you meet your travel deadlines.
Personalized assistance for business travelers, professionals, and families, ensuring smooth entry into the UK.
What happens after you apply for UK ETA Spain?
Once approved, the ETA will be electronically linked to your passport—there is no need to print it.
At the UK border, Spanish citizens can:
Use an ePassport gate (if eligible)
See a Border Force officer for entry clearance
Who needs ETA for UK?
Do I need ETA for the UK? Check with out tool or use the list of nationalities eligible to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) when traveling to the UK. The UK ETA countries list includes countries and territories whose citizens can apply now, as well as those who will require an ETA for travel on or after April 2, 2025.
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Austria
Bahamas (The)
Bahrain
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Federated States of Micronesia
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao Special Administrative Region
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mexico
Monaco
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
San Marino
Seychelles
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Spain
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uruguay
Vatican City
