NEW UK TRAVEL RULE: Spanish visitors must have ETA approved before flying
Spanish citizens travelling to the United Kingdom from today, Wednesday 25th February 2026, must now have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding their flight.
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that although the ETA has been required since 2nd April 2025 for Spaniards, and any other travellers without a UK or Irish passport, visiting the UK without a visa or legal residency, British authorities will now enforce stricter controls.
Travellers will no longer be allowed to board their plane if they have only submitted an application and have not yet received formal approval.
Who needs an ETA?
The ETA is compulsory for Spanish nationals who are not residents in the UK and who plan short stays for:
- Holidays
- Business trips
- Visiting family or friends
It is also required for passengers transiting through the UK if they need to pass through border control during their stopover.
What the ETA does – and does not – allow
The electronic authorisation does not grant permission to work or study in the UK. Anyone travelling for employment or academic purposes must apply for the appropriate visa in advance.
How to apply
Applications must be made online via the official UK Government channels, either through the dedicated app or the GOV.UK website.
Travellers are strongly advised to avoid unofficial intermediaries, as these often charge inflated fees and there have been reports of scams.
Although most applications are processed within minutes, the authorities recommend applying at least three working days before travel, as some cases may require additional checks.
Valid for two years
Once granted, the ETA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and allows multiple visits to the UK for up to two years, or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever comes first.
The British Government also reminds dual nationals to travel on a valid British passport to avoid issues at check-in under the new enforcement measures.
British tourists and residents in the Canary Islands planning trips to or via the UK with Spanish family members should ensure the correct documentation is in place before heading to the airport, as airlines are expected to strictly apply the new boarding rules from today.
Share:
