The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Spanish citizens is a digital visa waiver that will be introduced in the near future.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is currently in the process of leaving the European Union (EU), and once the transition period is complete, there will be a series of new immigration and visa policies in Great Britain.
Pre-Brexit agreements with the EU mean that Spanish citizens currently enjoy visa-free travel to the UK, and this is unlikely to change. The eTA is an additional entry requirement planned for visa-exempt visitors.
Do Spanish Citizens Need a UK eTA?
Citizens of EU member states, like Spain, will need to register their details with the UK eTA system once it is launched.
Spanish citizens do not need a visa to visit the UK, as visitors from all EU countries are exempt. The UK eTA will simply be an additional entry requirement, allowing travelers with this right to continue visiting the country without having to obtain a visa.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization will allow visitors from Spain to enter the country for short stays for tourism and business purposes.
For longer stays or to move to the UK, a different type of permit or authorization may be required.
UK eTA Requirements for Spanish Citizens
Travelers from Spain must ensure they meet the UK eTA requirements before applying.
When completing the online form, Spanish applicants must have the following items at hand:
It is mandatory for visitors from Spain to provide the following information in the UK eTA application questionnaire:
When a Spanish citizen has obtained their UK eTA, they must travel to the country with the same passport whose details were recorded in the online application. If a different passport is used, entry may be denied, as the traveler’s details will not match those of the eTA.
Once in the UK, visitors from Spain are required to comply with the terms of the eTA. This means they can only stay in the country for the permitted time unless they obtain a new travel permit. They cannot undertake activities that are not allowed by the eTA, which is designated for tourist and business purposes.
How to Apply for a UK eTA from Spain
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization is obtained online. The streamlined digital system has been designed to have an easy-to-use interface and saves the applicant the need to make an appointment at a British embassy or consulate to submit the application. Spanish applicants simply need an internet-connected device.
Travelers from Spain must complete an online application form to obtain the UK eTA by submitting the required information. It typically takes just a few minutes to complete and submit the form.
The eTA application typically takes a few business days to process, although in some cases it could be much faster, approved in just a few hours. Spanish applicants will receive the approved UK eTA via email (to the account registered in the online form).
The eTA can then be presented at UK border control along with the passport used to complete the electronic travel authorization application.
Other Documentation for Spanish Citizens Traveling to the UK
The 2 entry documents required for Spanish citizens visiting the UK for tourism, leisure, or business are:
To obtain the UK eTA, Spanish travelers must provide a completed online application form, an active email address, and a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. Information about their travel itinerary and where they will stay once in the UK is also required.
Additional documentation may be required if the person from Spain plans to remain in the UK for a long period or intends to move and/or work in the country.
Currently, Spanish citizens have the right to live and work in the UK, but after the transition period ends and the UK is no longer part of the EU, it is very likely that some type of visa or permit will be required.
Benefits for Spanish Citizens of the UK eTA
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization offers a number of benefits for Spanish citizens visiting the country.
The online application system allows Spanish citizens to apply conveniently from home or office, without having to visit a British embassy or consulate. The fast processing times also allow for last-minute trip bookings to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. All that’s needed is a few days in advance to get travel permission.
The automated approval systems use advanced biometric technology, which will help speed up document checks at border control, reducing waiting times and helping visitors from Spain reach their destination faster.
At the same time, the improved and faster screening process enhances safety and security for all travelers entering Great Britain and Northern Ireland.