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.

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?

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, 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.

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.

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. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)

33. Hungary

34. Iceland

35. Israel

36. Italy

37. Japan

38. Kiribati

39. Kuwait

40. Latvia

41. Liechtenstein

42. Lithuania

43. Luxembourg

44. Macao Special Administrative Region

45. Malaysia

46. Maldives

47. Malta

48. Marshall Islands

49. Mexico

50. Monaco

51. Netherlands

52. New Zealand

53. Nicaragua

54. Norway

55. Oman

56. Palau

57. Panama

58. Papua New Guinea

59. Paraguay

60. Peru

61. Poland

62. Portugal

63. Qatar

64. Romania

65. San Marino

66. Seychelles

67. Singapore

68. Slovakia

69. Slovenia

70. Solomon Islands

71. South Korea

72. Spain

73. St Kitts and Nevis

74. St Lucia

75. St Vincent and the Grenadines

76. Sweden

77. Switzerland

78. 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)

79. Tonga

80. Trinidad and Tobago

81. Tuvalu

82. United Arab Emirates

83. United States

84. Uruguay

85. Vatican City