This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UK visa from Spain in 2026, including the new ETA requirement for Spanish citizens, updated fees in Euros, and visa requirements for non-EU residents. Spain and the UK share one of Europe's strongest bilateral travel relationships—18.4 million British tourists visited Spain in 2024, representing 20% of all international arrivals and making the UK Spain's largest tourism market. Whether you're a Spanish citizen needing an ETA for a short visit or a non-EU national requiring a visa, this guide provides the latest requirements, application process, and expert tips for travelling from Spain to the UK.
The connection between Spain and Britain spans centuries—over 419,000 British nationals now call Spain home, making it the largest British expatriate community in the world. The Costa del Sol alone hosts 92,180 British residents, while Alicante province has nearly 99,000. This extraordinary migration began with 1960s package holidays and accelerated after Spain joined the EU in 1986. Cities like Benidorm, Torrevieja, and Marbella have become as British as they are Spanish, with English widely spoken and British pubs, shops, and services flourishing alongside traditional Spanish culture.
UK Visa from Spain: Overview & Requirements 2026
The UK visa requirements from Spain have changed significantly since Brexit. Spanish citizens no longer enjoy freedom of movement but remain visa-free for short visits of up to 6 months. However, from April 2, 2025, Spanish citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Non-EU nationals residing in Spain, such as Moroccan, Latin American, or other passport holders, must apply for a Standard Visitor visa for any UK trip.
UK Entry Requirements for Spanish Citizens
Spanish citizens need: (1) a valid passport, (2) an approved ETA (€19), and (3) the ability to demonstrate they are genuine visitors who will leave the UK within 6 months. No visa is required for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. For work, study, or longer stays, Spaniards must apply for the appropriate visa using the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics.
The UK entry requirements for Spanish citizens are straightforward for short visits but have changed since Brexit. Spanish nationals can no longer use EU/EEA lanes at UK airports and must go through passport control like other non-EU visitors.
What Do Spanish Citizens Need to Enter the UK?
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for duration of stay (no minimum validity requirement)
- Approved ETA: €19, valid for 2 years, apply via UK ETA app
- Return/Onward Travel: Evidence of return flights or onward journey
- Accommodation: Hotel booking or host's address in UK
- Sufficient Funds: Ability to support yourself without working
- Genuine Visitor: Intent to leave within 6 months, not live in UK
At the UK border, officers may ask about your travel plans, accommodation, and funds. While detailed questioning is rare for Spanish visitors, having your hotel booking and return flight details accessible on your phone can speed up the process. For comprehensive information about what's allowed during your visit, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors.
Do Spanish Citizens Need a Visa to Enter the UK?
Spanish citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK (up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, or business meetings). However, from April 2, 2025, all Spanish citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA costs €19, is valid for 2 years, and can be obtained via the UK ETA app or gov.uk website. For work, study, or stays longer than 6 months, Spaniards must apply for the appropriate visa.
The UK introduced the ETA system to improve border security and streamline entry processes. Spanish citizens were among the European nationals included in the April 2025 rollout. According to the official UK government ETA guidance, applications opened on 5 March 2025, and the requirement became mandatory from 2 April 2025.
UK ETA Requirements for Spanish Citizens
- ETA Fee: €19 (£16) per person
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires (whichever is sooner)
- Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit
- Multiple Entries: Yes, unlimited visits within validity period
- Processing Time: Usually within 3 working days (often minutes)
- Application: Via UK ETA app (recommended) or gov.uk website
- Requirement: Each traveller needs own ETA (including babies and children)
ETA vs Visa: What's the Difference?
For more information about the ETA system and exemptions, see our comprehensive guide on the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
UK Visa Fees from Spain 2026 (in Euros)
UK visa fees from Spain in 2026 start at €152 for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa. Spanish citizens only pay €19 for an ETA (not a visa). The UK visa from Spain price varies by visa type: visitor visas range from €152 to €1,269, work visas from €364 to €1,821, and spouse visas cost €2,323. All fees are paid in Euros and are non-refundable.
The UK visa fees are set by the Home Office and converted to Euros for applicants in Spain and other Eurozone countries. The fees below are current as of January 2026:
Visit Visa Fees from Spain
Work, Study & Family Visa Fees from Spain
UK Tourist Visa from Spain
Spanish citizens do not need a tourist visa—they only need an ETA (€19) for tourism visits up to 6 months. Non-EU residents in Spain (Moroccans, Latin Americans, Filipinos) need a Standard Visitor visa (€152) for any UK tourist visit. Both categories allow tourism, sightseeing, and visiting friends/family. Apply via the UK ETA app (Spaniards) or VFS Global (non-EU).
The term "UK tourist visa from Spain" can mean different things depending on your nationality. Spanish passport holders visiting as tourists only need an ETA, while non-EU nationals residing in Spain must apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
UK Visit Visa from Spain: Who Needs What?
For details on what you can and cannot do during a UK tourist visit, including business meetings and short courses, see our guide on permitted activities for UK visitors. If you plan multiple visits, consider a long-term visitor visa (2, 5, or 10 years).
UK Visa from Spain for Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU citizens residing in Spain pay €152 for a 6-month UK Standard Visitor visa in 2026. This applies regardless of nationality—whether you're a Moroccan, Colombian, Venezuelan, Filipino, or other non-EU passport holder living in Spain. The application must be made through VFS Global in Madrid, and typically takes 3 weeks to process.
Spain has significant Latin American and Moroccan communities who frequently travel to the UK. Unlike Spanish citizens, they must obtain a visa for any UK trip, regardless of the duration or purpose of their visit. Your Spanish residence permit (tarjeta de residencia) does not grant visa-free access to the UK.
UK Visa for Spanish Residents (Non-EU Passport Holders)
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your UK stay
- Spanish Residence Permit: Proof of legal residence in Spain (tarjeta de residencia)
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the trip
- Employment Proof: Letter from Spanish employer confirming employment and leave
- Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings, hotel reservations, or sponsor's invitation letter
- Ties to Spain: Evidence you will return (employment, property, family)
For information about potential refusal reasons and how to avoid them, see our guide on UK visa refusal reasons. If your visa is refused, our guide on chances of getting a visa after refusal explains your options.
Can Spanish Citizens Work in UK After Brexit?
Spanish citizens need a work visa to work in the UK since Brexit ended freedom of movement on 31 December 2020. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), requiring sponsorship from a UK employer and a minimum salary of £41,700 (from July 2025). Spaniards can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics—no VAC visit needed. Spanish citizens aged 18-35 may also qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme (€382).
Since Brexit, Spanish citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. The freedom of movement that previously allowed Spaniards to live and work in the UK ended on 31 December 2020. However, Spanish nationals benefit from being able to submit biometrics via smartphone app rather than visiting a Visa Application Centre.
Skilled Worker Visa from Spain
The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for Spanish nationals seeking employment in the UK. You need a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
- Visa Fee: €922 (up to 3 years) or €1,821 (over 3 years)
- Minimum Salary: £41,700 per year (general threshold from July 2025)
- IHS: £1,035/year (exempt for Health and Care Worker visa)
- Sponsor Required: Yes, employer must have valid sponsor licence
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years
Youth Mobility Scheme from Spain
Spanish citizens aged 18-35 may be eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years without needing a job offer or sponsor. Places are limited and allocated by ballot. The visa costs €382 plus IHS (discounted rate of £776/year).
Student Visa from Spain
Spanish nationals who wish to study in the UK for longer than 6 months need a Student visa. Short courses of up to 6 months can be undertaken on an ETA without needing a visa.
- Visa Fee: €628
- CAS Required: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from licensed institution
- IHS: £776/year (discounted student rate)
- Work Rights: Up to 20 hours per week during term time
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Post-Study: Graduate visa allows 2 years work after completing degree (reducing to 18 months from January 2027)
Spouse Visa from Spain
Spanish nationals can apply for a Spouse visa to join their British or settled partner in the UK. The financial requirement is £29,000 minimum annual income (with planned increases to £38,700).
- Visa Fee: €2,323
- Initial Grant: 33 months
- Financial Requirement: £29,000 minimum (planned increases to £38,700)
- IHS: £1,035/year
- Biometrics: Via UK Immigration: ID Check app (no VAC visit needed)
- Settlement: Eligible for ILR after 5 years on spouse route
How to Apply for UK Visa from Spain
The UK visa application from Spain process differs depending on whether you're a Spanish citizen or a non-EU national residing in Spain.
For Spanish Citizens (ETA or Visa Applications)
For ETA: Simply download the UK ETA app and complete the application in minutes. No appointment needed.
For Work/Study/Family Visas: Spanish citizens can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit biometrics from home—no Visa Application Centre visit required. Complete your online application at gov.uk, pay the fee, then use the app to scan your passport and take a selfie.
For Non-EU Nationals in Spain
UK visa applications from non-EU nationals in Spain are processed through VFS Global. You must complete the online application form, pay the fee, and then book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometrics.
- Step 1: Complete online application at gov.uk
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee online (in Euros)
- Step 3 (Spaniards): Use UK Immigration: ID Check app for biometrics
- Step 3 (Non-EU): Book biometrics at VFS Global Madrid
- Step 4: Submit supporting documents online or at VAC
- Step 5: Wait for decision (3 weeks standard, 5 days priority)
- Step 6: Receive eVisa or collect passport with vignette
UK Visa Application Centres in Spain (VFS Global)
VFS Global operates UK Visa Application Centres in Spain for non-EU nationals. The main centre opened in Madrid in December 2024, with Barcelona offering Premium Application Centre services. Book your appointment through the VFS Global Spain website:
UK Visa Processing Time from Spain
Standard UK visa processing time from Spain is approximately 3 weeks for visitor visas and other non-settlement applications. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority (€1,199) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability.
For detailed information on UK visa processing times after biometrics, including what happens if there are delays, see our comprehensive guide. If your application is taking longer than expected, our guide on UK visa delays explains your options including priority visa services.
Spain-UK Travel: Key Statistics 2024
Spain and the UK share one of Europe's strongest bilateral tourism relationships. According to official data for 2024:
- British Tourists to Spain: 18.4 million visits in 2024 (20% of all international arrivals)
- British Residents in Spain: 419,084 registered (September 2025)
- Costa del Sol: 92,180 British expats (largest single concentration)
- Alicante Province: 98,714 British residents
- Málaga Province: 73,677 British residents
- Brexit TIE Cards: 207,234 UK nationals hold Withdrawal Agreement residence cards
- Spanish Tourism Revenue: €126.1 billion total tourism revenue (2024)
- Flight Connections: Multiple daily flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and regional airports to UK
- Spanish citizens need an ETA (€19) — apply via UK ETA app, strictly enforced from 25 February 2026
- Spaniards can use UK Immigration: ID Check app for visa biometrics — no VAC visit needed
- Non-EU residents in Spain pay €152 for 6-month Standard Visitor visa
- Work visas require sponsorship; minimum salary £41,700 (from July 2025)
- IHS of £1,035/year required for visas over 6 months (students pay £776)
- VFS Global centres: Madrid (full VAC), Barcelona (Premium)
For the latest official information on UK entry requirements, visit the gov.uk visa checker or the Standard Visitor visa guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Spanish citizens need a visa to enter the UK in 2026?
Spanish citizens do not need a visa for short visits up to 6 months. However, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, which costs €19 and is valid for 2 years. Apply using the UK ETA app on your smartphone. The ETA requirement has been in effect since 2 April 2025, and is strictly enforced from 25 February 2026—without an approved ETA, Spanish citizens cannot board transport to the UK.
What is the UK visa from Spain price in 2026?
The UK visa from Spain price depends on visa type. Spanish citizens pay only €19 for an ETA. Non-EU residents in Spain pay €152 for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa, €569 for 2-year, €1,017 for 5-year, or €1,269 for 10-year long-term visitor visas. Work visas range from €364 (Health and Care) to €1,821 (Skilled Worker over 3 years). Spouse visas cost €2,323.
How long can a Spanish citizen stay in the UK?
Spanish citizens with an ETA can stay up to 6 months (180 days) per visit for tourism, family visits, or business meetings. There is no annual limit on the number of visits, but frequent or lengthy stays may raise questions about genuine visitor status. For work, study, or settlement, Spaniards must apply for the appropriate visa with its own validity periods.
Can Spanish citizens work in the UK after Brexit?
No, since Brexit, Spanish citizens cannot work in the UK without a work visa. The main route is the Skilled Worker visa (€922-€1,821), which requires sponsorship from a UK employer with a valid licence and meeting the £41,700 minimum salary threshold (from July 2025). Spanish citizens aged 18-35 may also qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme. Spaniards can attend business meetings on an ETA but cannot undertake paid employment.
Can Spanish citizens use the UK Immigration: ID Check app?
Yes, Spanish citizens (and other EU/EEA/Swiss nationals) applying for UK work, study, or family visas can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to submit their biometrics from home. This means no visit to a Visa Application Centre is required. Simply scan your passport chip using your smartphone's NFC capability and take a selfie to complete the identity verification process.
How long does UK visa processing take from Spain?
Standard UK visa processing from Spain takes approximately 3 weeks for visitor and other non-settlement visas. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take up to 12 weeks. Priority service (€599 extra) reduces visitor visa processing to 5 working days. Super Priority service (€1,199 extra) aims for next working day decisions, subject to availability. ETAs are typically processed within 3 working days, often within minutes.
What is the difference between the UK ETA app and UK Immigration: ID Check app?
The UK ETA app is for applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation—used by Spanish citizens for short visits (tourism, family, business) up to 6 months. The UK Immigration: ID Check app is for submitting biometrics when applying for visas (work, study, family visas). Spaniards use the ETA app for visits and the ID Check app when they need an actual visa for longer stays or work purposes.
Where are the UK Visa Application Centres in Spain?
VFS Global operates UK Visa Application Centres in Spain. The main centre is in Madrid, which opened in December 2024 and offers full VAC services. Barcelona has a Premium Application Centre for those seeking enhanced services. Spanish citizens applying for visas generally don't need to visit these centres as they can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app—the VACs are primarily for non-EU nationals residing in Spain.