What is an ETA for the UK for Spanish Citizens?

A UK electronic travel authorization (ETA) for Spanish citizens is a digital permit that allows nationals of Spain to travel to the UK. The UK ETA system was first introduced in October 2023, for Qatari nationals being the first to be eligible to apply for an ETA. The Gulf countries that were previously under the electronic UK visa waiver scheme will now require an ETA instead.

The ETA for the UK is primarily for nationals of visa-free countries and will enable the UK government to pre-screen travelers before they enter the UK. The purpose of this system is to strengthen the security of the UK borders.

Spanish citizens, who could previously travel to the UK without a visa, will now require an ETA to travel to the UK from April 2, 2025, and can begin applying for one from March 5, 2025. With a UK ETA, you can:

  • Stay in the UK for up to six months as a tourist to visit cultural or historical sites, visit family and friends, engage in business activities, or pursue a short-term course. 
  • Come to the UK for up to three months on a Creative Worker visa concession to work as a creative worker, such as a dancer, actor, singer, or videographer. You’ll need to obtain a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor before arriving in the UK.
  • Travel to the UK for up to six months for a permitted paid engagement. You must do the engagement in the first month. 
  • Transit in the UK, such as having a flight layover. Even if you will not go through border control. 

Spanish Visitor Statistics to the United Kingdom

In 2023, there were 2.2 million visits from Spain to the UK. During their visits, they spent a total of £1.1 billion, with an average spend of £484 per visit. This was an increase of 2.01 million visits in 2022. 

Benefits of the ETA for the UK for Spanish Citizens

The UK ETA offers several advantages to Spanish citizens. Here are some ways Spanish citizens can benefit from the UK ETA: 

Quick and easy application process

The application process can be completed online without needing to travel to an embassy or consulate. The ETA for the UK application form doesn’t require a lot of time to fill out as it only asks for basic personal information. 

Cost-effective

Given that the ETA is valid for two years, the fees are affordable.

Multi-entry validity

You can make multiple trips to the UK with an ETA.

Smoother immigration process

Since all travelers would have been screened before their arrival to the UK, you can expect shorter queues and quicker processing at the immigration. The UK government is also moving towards digitization of its borders and plans to roll out contactless borders in the future.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Spanish Citizens

To be eligible for the UK ETA, several criteria must be met. Review this list to ensure that you’re eligible for the ETA before you start your application process: 

1

You’re a holder of a Spanish passport.

If you’re a Spanish resident, but are of a different nationality, you need to check if you’re eligible for an ETA. If you’re not eligible for a UK ETA, you’ll need to apply for a UK visa instead.

2

You’re not planning to stay in the UK for more than six months.

The UK ETA cannot be used as a means to permanently live in the UK, get married, gain employment, or pursue long-term study. If you’re planning to stay in the UK for a longer period and for purposes that are not outlined in the first section, you’ll need to apply for a UK visa instead. 

3

You don’t have a criminal record.

Your ETA will be indefinitely refused if you’ve been convicted of a criminal offense in the UK or overseas for which you’ve received a sentence of 12 months or more. Your ETA will also be refused if it hasn’t been 12 months since the date of your conviction.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK ETA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner). You can stay for a maximum of six months per visit. You can make multiple trips to the UK during this period. 

UK ETA Requirements for Spanish Citizens

Here’s a list of documents you need to submit for your UK ETA from Spain: 

Passport

  • You need to have a minimum validity period of six months from your intended date of travel.
  • If you’re a dual citizen, apply for an ETA for the UK with the passport you’re planning to travel with.
  • If your passport got stolen or lost, apply for a new passport before applying for your new ETA. Your ETA is digitally linked to your passport so don’t fill in the application form with the details of your stolen or lost passport.
Passport

Photo of yourself

  • Take the photo in even lighting against a plain, light-colored background.
  • The facial expression should be neutral and you should look directly at the camera.
  • Your eyes should be visible so remove your spectacles if there’s a glare
  • Ensure there are no shadows or objects in the background.
Photo of yourself

Payment method

You can pay for your UK ETA using a valid debit or credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.

Payment method

Email address

You’ll need a working email address as you’ll get your UK ETA application result via email.

Email address

Applying for a UK ETA for Spanish Citizens

Keep up to date on the latest ETA news to be informed about any changes in the UK entry requirements from Spain. Here are the application steps so that you can apply for an ETA to the UK when the applications open:

1

Complete the application form.

You’ll need to fill in basic personal details such as your full name, date of birth, phone number, address, passport number, and intended arrival date to the UK. You’ll also be asked for details about your job and other nationalities (if you have any) and asked to declare your criminal records.

2

Attach required documents

You’ll need to upload a photo of your passport and a recent color photo of yourself. Make sure the photos are clear and meet all the requirements to avoid getting a rejection.

3

Pay the required fees.

Pay the fees securely on the website using a valid credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

4

Receive your UK ETA.

You’ll get your ETA for the UK decision via email. Save a copy onto your phone for your own reference. If your ETA gets rejected or refused, you’ll also be informed of it via email.

UK ETA Processing Time and Fees for Spanish Citizens

It will cost £79 for you to get your UK ETA. This fee is inclusive of both the UK government fees as well as our professional service fees. You can expect to receive your UK ETA within three working days from your application date. You may also get it sooner. Occasionally, it may take more than three working days to get the result of your application. Applying well in advance can help you avoid any disruptions to your travel plans. 

Traveling to the UK with an ETA: Key Details

Here are some key points to note as you travel to the UK with an ETA:

  • Your ETA is digitally linked to the passport you used in your application. This means that you must use the same passport when you travel to the UK. If you’re a dual citizen and hold more than one passport, use the one you applied with for the ETA.  
  • You will be checked for a valid ETA when you board the flight or ferry to the UK. You may be denied boarding if you don’t have a valid ETA. 
  • As you enter the UK from Spain, the border security officers will check that you have an ETA. They may also ask you about your travel plans, the purpose of the trip, return ticket, and accommodation details. Be prepared to answer questions about having sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK. 
  • You can travel freely within England and the rest of the UK with your ETA. Note that you will need a UK ETA to cross into Northern Ireland from Ireland. 

FAQ

If you’re a Spanish passport holder, you’ll need an ETA to enter the UK from April 2, 2025. Until then, you can travel to the UK without an ETA. 

At present, Spanish citizens can travel to the UK without an ETA or visa for short stays of up to six months. From April 2, 2025 onwards, you’ll need a UK ETA to enter the UK. If your ETA is refused, you’ll need a visa to enter the UK from Spain. Be updated with the latest visa news in the event of any changes to the ETA date. 

If your UK ETA was rejected, find out the reasons for the rejection and address those issues. For example, your eyes may not have been visible in the photo or you may have entered the passport number incorrectly. Reapply after you have rectified all the issues mentioned in the rejection notice. 

If your application was refused, you’ll need to apply for a visa for the UK instead. 

If your application was rejected, it means that the application was not processed due to issues such as missing or incorrect information or technical problems. A rejection does not mean that you’re ineligible for an ETA. It only means that your application did not meet the submission criteria. 

On the other hand, a refusal means that the application was processed, but the applicant was regarded as ineligible for an ETA based on the information they provided. This may be due to potential security issues as the applicant may have a criminal record or may have been involved in terrorism. In this case, the applicant cannot appeal the decision or reapply. They should proceed to apply for a UK visa from Spain instead. 

We will assist you 
in every step

Apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorization today. Simply fill out the online form to get started.

Apply now