Spain Tightens Travel Rules for UK Passport Holders

New passport validity, visa waiver, and data collection requirements take effect.

As the summer travel season heats up, **Spain** is implementing new entry rules for citizens of the **United Kingdom**, following similar steps taken by **France**, **Italy**, **Portugal**, **Germany**, and the **Netherlands**. The new measures aim to bolster security, but travelers should be prepared.

Passport Musts

To enter **Spain**, passports from the **UK** must meet two requirements. First, they must have been issued within the past 10 years. Second, they need to remain valid for at least three months beyond the traveler’s intended departure date. Renewal times can stretch to three weeks, although faster options exist at a premium.

ETIAS Visa Waiver Incoming

Starting in mid-2025, **UK** citizens will need an ETIAS visa waiver to enter **Spain** and other Schengen countries. Applying online costs €7 for adults between 18 and 70. The ETIAS lasts three years or until the passport expires.

Entry/Exit System (EES) Launching

In October 2025, **Spain** will introduce the EES, an automated system recording travelers’ biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, at entry and exit points. The system will replace traditional passport stamping to increase efficiency and security at the border.

Data Collection Expansion

**Spain** now requires travelers to furnish extra personal data when booking lodging or renting vehicles. This includes payment information, which will be accessible to Spanish authorities. Non-compliance can lead to fines as high as €30,000.

Proof of Funds Required

Travelers to **Spain** could be asked to prove they possess sufficient funds for their stay. Currently, the requirement is €118 per person per day. For trips lasting nine days or more, travelers must show they have at least €1,065.

Border Control Changes

**UK** passport holders will continue to have their passports stamped manually at Spanish borders until at least October 2025. E-gates might not be fully implemented for several months, potentially stretching into 2026.

Temporary Border Checks

Through July 5, 2025, **Spain** has reintroduced temporary border checks at land, air, and sea borders in **Seville** for the Fourth **United Nations** International Conference on Financing for Development. During this period, travelers may face delays.

Travel Insurance Advised

While not mandatory, travelers from the **UK** should purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering health, accidents, and possible trip cancellations. According to the Association of British Insurers, approximately 15% of **UK** residents travel abroad without insurance, risking significant financial burdens should emergencies arise (ABI.org.uk).

GHIC and Sustainable Tourism

While the **UK** Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) works in **Spain**, travelers should still acquire comprehensive travel insurance to cover emergencies, since the GHIC only provides basic healthcare and excludes repatriation. Furthermore, environmental taxes are in effect in cities such as **Barcelona** and **Madrid**, payable upon arrival at certain accommodations to help preserve landmarks and combat overtourism.

Staying informed on these changing travel requirements is essential for **UK** passport holders traveling to **Spain** in 2025. Confirming passport validity, securing ETIAS approval, and complying with expanded data collection rules can help prevent travel disruptions.