{"id":32977,"date":"2025-08-14T13:30:01","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T12:30:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/?p=32977"},"modified":"2026-03-02T11:55:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T11:55:13","slug":"uk-electronictravelauthorisation-for-spanish-citizens-everything-you-need-to-know-for-2025-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spanishchamber.co.uk\/es\/2025\/08\/14\/uk-electronictravelauthorisation-for-spanish-citizens-everything-you-need-to-know-for-2025-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"UK Electronic Travel Authorisation for Spanish Citizens: Everything You Need to Know for 2025 Travel"},"content":{"rendered":"

From 2<\/strong><\/span>nd<\/strong> April 2025<\/strong>, all Spanish nationals must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation<\/strong>\u00a0to enter the country for tourism, business, transit, or short-term stays.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this FAQ guide, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK<\/strong> explains who needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation<\/strong>, how to apply, costs, validity, and where to find resources in Spanish.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation<\/strong>?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital permission required to travel to the UK. It applies to people who do not need a visa for short visits of up to six months.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Electronic Travel Authorisation forms part of the UK\u2019s transition towards a fully digital border, mirroring systems already in place in countries like the US (ESTA), Canada (eTA), and Australia (ETA).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who needs to apply for the UK<\/span><\/b> Electronic Travel Authorisation<\/span><\/strong>?
\nYou must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation if you:<\/span>
\n \u2022 Are a Spanish citizen (or a national of any other visa-exempt country)<\/span>
\n \u2022 Are travelling to the UK for a short visit (up to six months) for tourism, business, short-term study or to visit family and friends<\/span>
\n \u2022 Are transiting through the UK and will cross the UK border<\/span>
\n \u2022 Do not already have a UK visa or immigration status (such as settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme)<\/span><\/p>\n

Since when is this requirement in place?<\/span><\/b>
\nThe Electronic Travel Authorisation requirement for Spanish citizens has been in effect since 2<\/span>nd<\/span> April 2025. All eligible travellers must now hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation before boarding transport to the UK.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do I apply?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The application process is quick, simple and online. You will need:<\/span>
\n \u2022 A valid biometric passport<\/span>
\n \u2022 A recent digital photo<\/span>
\n \u2022 A credit or debit card to pay the fee<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Apply here<\/span><\/a> via the official UK Government website or mobile app.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How much does the Electronic Travel Authorisation cost?<\/span><\/b>
\n\u00a316 per person.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long is the Electronic Travel Authorisation valid for?<\/span><\/b>
\nAn approved Electronic Travel Authorisation is valid for two years, or until your passport expires \u2014 whichever comes first. It can be used for multiple trips to the UK while it remains valid.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does it take to receive my UK Electronic Travel Authorisation?<\/span><\/b>
\nMost applications are processed within three working days, although some may be quicker. Travellers should apply in good time before their trip.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What if I already have a UK visa or EU Settlement Scheme status?<\/span><\/b>
\nYou do <\/span>not <\/span><\/i>need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation if you already hold:<\/span>
\n\u2022 A valid UK visa<\/span>
\n\u2022 Settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Are there any video guides?<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

The UK Government has produced short, informative videos in English that explain the Electronic Travel Authorisation process, including who needs it and how to apply. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch now:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n