Spain ETA guidance
Spanish citizens and the UK ETA
Spanish passport holders can use this page to check the ETA basics for city breaks, family visits, work meetings and other eligible short trips to the UK.
Spain is currently on the ETA-eligible nationality list, but your ETA is still linked to the passport you use in the application.
- A government application fee applies
- Apply at least 3 working days before travel
- Each traveller needs their own ETA
Eligibility
What this means for Spanish citizens
This nationality is currently on the UK ETA eligible list for short visits, but the ETA still depends on the passport you use and the purpose of travel.
Traveller guidance
What to check before you apply
Spanish travellers often plan a mix of tourism, family time and business days in the UK, so it helps to check the ETA well before the trip.
Passport-specific guidance
Checks that matter when travelling on a Spanish passport
- The verified ETA national list includes Spanish passport holders. The application is individual: a family booking does not create one authorisation for the whole group.
- Business meetings can fall within visitor activities, but an ETA does not permit ordinary UK employment. Use the official visa checker if the trip includes work, a long course or residence.
- For a connection through a UK airport, confirm whether border control is required rather than assuming that every transit has the same ETA rule.
Passport
Use the passport you will travel with
Use the original passport you will travel with. The ETA is linked to that passport, so a renewed or replaced passport usually means a new application.
Photo requirements
Prepare a facial photograph that follows GOV.UK rules
Use a clear colour facial photo that is in focus, well lit, taken against a plain light background and not altered with filters or editing.
Fee and timing
Government fee and decision timing
A government application fee applies.
GOV.UK says a decision is usually sent within a day, but travellers should allow up to 3 working days and some cases can take longer. No service can promise a faster government decision.
Validity
How long an ETA normally lasts
A UK ETA normally lasts for 2 years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first.
Children and family
Families should plan for separate ETAs
Each traveller needs their own ETA, including children and babies.
Independent information
Official sources, clearly identified
ETAApply is an independent travel-information website and is not affiliated with any government.
Source verification
Checked against official UK sources
Last verified: 27 October 2026
- Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK — GOV.UK
- Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) — GOV.UK
- Immigration Rules Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation — GOV.UK
- Electronic Travel Authorisation factsheet — April 2026 — UK Home Office
- Immigration Rules Appendix ETA National List — GOV.UK
Practical preparation
Use a short checklist before you start
If you have a second passport, choose the one you will actually carry and use that same document throughout the process.
Frequently asked questions
Questions from Spanish citizens
Does a Spanish family booking create one ETA?
Can a Spanish traveller use an ETA for UK employment?
How should a Spanish passenger check an airport connection?
Does my child need a separate ETA?
How long should I allow before travelling?
Is ETAApply the UK Government?
Other UK ETA guides