UK ETA Spain explained: Discover the UK ETA for Spanish citizens, including who needs it, when to apply, and what it allows during your visit.

UK ETA Spain: Do Spanish citizens need a visa for UK?

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UK ETA Spain: Do Spanish citizens need a visa for UK?

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.

You're just one click away from getting your UK ETA!

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).

Explore your options!

What is my Nationality?
Where am I going?

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.

UK ETA Spain explained: Discover the UK ETA for Spanish citizens, including who needs it, when to apply, and what it allows during your visit.

Apply for a UK ETA from Spain

For Spanish citizens applying for a UK ETA, Global Law 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.

Want a stress-free application process?

Global Law is an award-winning UK immigration consultancy with offices in London and Dubai, bringing over 17 years of experience in immigration law.

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

UK ETA Spain explained: Discover the UK ETA for Spanish citizens, including who needs it, when to apply, and what it allows during your visit.

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.

  1. Andorra

  2. Antigua and Barbuda

  3. Argentina

  4. Australia

  5. Austria

  6. Bahamas (The)

  7. Bahrain

  8. Barbados

  9. Belarus

  10. Belgium

  11. Belize

  12. Botswana

  13. Brazil

  14. Brunei

  15. Bulgaria

  16. Canada

  17. Chile

  18. Costa Rica

  19. Croatia

  20. Cyprus

  21. Czechia

  22. Denmark

  23. Estonia

  24. Finland

  25. France

  26. Federated States of Micronesia

  27. Germany

  28. Greece

  29. Grenada

  30. Guatemala

  31. Guyana

  32. Hungary

  33. Iceland

  34. Israel

  35. Italy

  36. Japan

  37. Kiribati

  38. Kuwait

  39. Latvia

  40. Liechtenstein

  41. Lithuania

  42. Luxembourg

  43. Macao Special Administrative Region

  44. Malaysia

  45. Maldives

  46. Malta

  47. Marshall Islands

  48. Mexico

  49. Monaco

  50. Netherlands

  51. New Zealand

  52. Nicaragua

  53. Norway

  54. Oman

  55. Palau

  56. Panama

  57. Papua New Guinea

  58. Paraguay

  59. Peru

  60. Poland

  61. Portugal

  62. Qatar

  63. Romania

  64. San Marino

  65. Seychelles

  66. Singapore

  67. Slovakia

  68. Slovenia

  69. Solomon Islands

  70. South Korea

  71. Spain

  72. St Kitts and Nevis

  73. St Lucia

  74. St Vincent and the Grenadines

  75. Sweden

  76. Switzerland

  77. 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)

  78. Tonga

  79. Tuvalu

  80. United Arab Emirates

  81. United States

  82. Uruguay

  83. Vatican City

Are you confused?

  • Posted on: 11.03.2025
  • By: Eray Eliacik
  • uk
  • uk eta

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About the author

.

Eray Eliacik

Eray is a seasoned writer and passionate traveler who has explored over 20 countries. With firsthand experience navigating visas and international travel, and a proven track record with reputable platforms like Dataconomy and Softonic, Eray now makes it easier for travelers to achieve their travel goals.

Eray Eliacik

Eray Eliacik

Mar 11, 2025

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