Spain Tourist Visa from UK
With its sandy beaches, bustling nightlife, and abundance of culture, Spain has much to offer tourists from across the globe. However, it is important to note that citizens of many non-European countries need a Tourist visa to gain entry.
If you need professional advice or further information regarding the Spain Tourist visa, our friendly team of immigration specialists here at Total Law can help. Our qualified immigration lawyers can provide you with bespoke support to guide you through the application process quickly and easily. Call us today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or contact us online.
Page Contents
- Do British Citizens Need a Tourist Visa for Spain?
- How Long Can You Stay Without a Visa?
- What Activities Are Permitted?
- What Can Border Patrol Ask You to Show?
- What Are EES and ETIAS?
- What If You Have Dual Nationality or Travel with Children?
- What If You Exceed 90 Days or Are Refused Entry?
- Do You Need Travel Insurance or a GHIC?
- What to Check Before Travelling Tourist Visa
- How can Total Law help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Do British Citizens Need a Tourist Visa for Spain?
The UK is currently classed as exempt from the Schengen visa requirements and therefore British citizens do not need a visa to enter Spain for tourism purposes.
UK residents who aren’t British
You need a visa for Spain if you are from a visa required country, even if you have a permission to stay in the UK as a legal resident. You will need a Schengen short-stay visa unless your country of origin is visa-exempt in Spain, regardless of your immigration permission in the UK. See our Spain visa guide for how to apply.
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How Long Can You Stay Without a Visa?
You can stay in Spain, and the rest of the Schengen area, for up to 90 days within any 180 day period. The 180 days are a rolling period: on any day, count back 180 days and add up the days you’ve spent anywhere in the Schengen area.
Time in Spain, France, Portugal and other Schengen countries all counts towards the same 90 days. The Schengen territory currently consists of 29 European countries including Spain.
For example, if you spend 60 days in Spain from January to March, you have 30 days left to use until those earlier days drop out of the 180-day window.
What Activities Are Permitted?
You can visit Spain for tourism, sightseeing, or other non-gainful activity, such as visiting friends or family members, attending business meetings or conferences, and short courses. It does not allow you to work, including remote work for a Spanish client or employer. To live or work in Spain, you need a national visa.
Does Your Passport Meet Spain’s Entry Rules?
There are two separate rules, and your passport must meet both:
- Issue date: it must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you enter Spain.
- Expiry date: it must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen zone.
Check the issue date, not just the expiry date: passports issued before October 2018 may have extra months added that don’t count.
What Can Border Control Ask You to Show?
Spanish border officers may ask you to show:
- Areturn or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking, a property deed or a letter of invitation (carta de invitación) from your host
- Proof you have enough money for your stay: currently £106.64 per person per day, with a minimum of £959.78, according to the Spanish Consulate in London
- the purpose of your trip
Bank statements, cash or credit cards can be used to show funds.
What Are EES and ETIAS?
EES (Entry/Exit System): since 10 April 2026, all British visitors to Spain must register their fingerprints and a facial photograph at the border on their first entry. The system then records your entries and exits automatically, replacing passport stamps.
ETIAS: in the future, visa-exempt visitors such as British citizens will need an ETIAS travel authorisation, costing €7, before travelling. It isn’t operating yet and no start date has been confirmed. Don’t pay for ETIAS on unofficial websites.
In order to be successful when making an application for a short-stay visa in Spain, you must meet all of the various requirements set out by the Spanish authorities. Requirements can vary depending on your individual circumstances, however there are general requirements for all applicants:
What If You Have Dual Nationality or Travel with Children?
Dual nationals: if you also hold an EU passport (for example, Irish), use it to enter Spain. You won’t be subject to the 90/180-day rule or EES.
Children: children need their own passport. If a child is travelling with only one parent, or with another adult, carry a signed letter of consent from the parent(s) and a copy of the birth certificate, as border officers may ask for them.
What If You Exceed 90 Days or Are Refused Entry?
Overstaying can lead to a fine, an entry ban and problems on future trips. Spain doesn’t usually extend visa-free stays, so if you want to stay longer, apply for a national visa, such as a non-lucrative or digital nomad visa, before you go. Border officers can refuse entry if you don’t meet the requirements; you’d be returned to the UK.
Do You Need Travel Insurance or a GHIC?
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) covers medically necessary state healthcare in Spain, but not private treatment or repatriation. Travel insurance is strongly recommended alongside it.
What to Check Before Travelling
Before you go, check that:
- your passport meets both the issue-date and expiry-date rules
- your trip keeps you within 90 days in any 180 days across the Schengen area
- you have your accommodation details, return ticket and proof of funds
- you have a GHIC and travel insurance
- you’ve checked the latest GOV.UK travel advice for Spain
How Can Total Law Help?
Most British visitors won’t need our help, but if you’re unsure about the 90/180-day rule, plan to stay longer, or are a UK resident who needs a visa, our friendly team of immigration experts are here to help.
As specialist immigration solicitors, we are able to guide you through the complete process from start to finish. We can answer any questions and adapt to overcome any concerns you may have when applying for your visa. We can help you gather your important documents and help you prepare for your interview, ensuring you have the best chance possible of success.
For more information about the services we provide and how we can help you, reach out to a member of our team today. Call us on +44 (0) 333 305 9375, or contact us online.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently asked Questions
You may be asked for one, so it’s best to have your return or onward travel details with you.
Visa-free visits don’t allow work. If you want to work remotely from Spain for longer periods, look at the digital nomad visa.
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