Linea Directa 200 LEFT COL CAR INSURANCE

PROPERTY SEARCH

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.

This new rule applies to all Europeans, 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.

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

Linea Directa Bottom Article M-Z CAR INSURANCE

Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin and get an email with all the week’s news straight to your inbox

Special offer: Subscribe now for 25% off (36.95 euros for 48 Bulletins)