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Date Published: 10/03/2025

Spain-UK travel: Start applying for UK entry visa now

New Electronic Travel Authorisation comes into force on April 2

Starting from April 2, all EU citizens, including people travelling from Spain, will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting the UK for short stays of less than six months.

Generally speaking, this new rule applies to all European Union citizens, with the exception of those with Irish natioanlity, regardless of the purpose of their visit, including tourism, business, family visits or stop-overs.

The ETA is reciprocal to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a visa-waiver that will apply to Britons holidaying in Spain and other EU countries in the near future.

What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

An ETA is an electronic permit that allows you to travel to the UK. It's not a visa, but rather a prior authorisation to enter the country.

You'll need to apply for an ETA before your trip, at least three days in advance and before buying your tickets. Keep in mind that having an ETA doesn't guarantee entry into the UK, so you'll still need to go through border control when you arrive.

All EU citizens, including babies and children, who plan to visit the UK for short stays and don't need a visa will need to apply for an ETA. This includes:

Tourists
Business travellers
Family visitors
Students
Certain types of workers
Transit passengers who need to pass through border control

You can apply for an ETA from March 5, but it's only required for travel from April 2, 2025. If you're already in the UK before April 2 and plan to stay beyond that date, you won't need an ETA.

Who needs to get an ETA?

Any citizen of a country in the European Union will need to apply for an ETA to visit the UK. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, including:

Those who have a visa
Anyone with permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
Passengers transiting through a UK airport who will not pass through border control
British or Irish citizens
Dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship
Those travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
Someone living in Ireland who is are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
Children travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form
Anyone who is exempt from immigration control

How to apply

You can apply for an ETA using the UK ETA app or online through GOV.UK. The application costs £10 and you can apply for other people, including children. Be aware that you can't get a refund after you apply.

If the system doesn't find any adverse information about you, your ETA will be granted automatically. Otherwise, your application will be reviewed by an officer and you can expect a response within three working days.

How long is an ETA valid for?

A UK ETA is valid for multiple entries over a period of two years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. You can use it for temporary stays including holidays, visiting family and friends, business, study, certain types of work or transit.

Remember, having an ETA doesn't guarantee entry into the UK, so make sure you have all the necessary documents and information before you travel.

Image: Freepik

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