Spain is one of the main tourist destinations for tourists. If you are planning a trip to Spain, then you have to have a valid passport. A travel document is not the same as a Spanish passport; therefore, this document will not be able to enter the country. In order to enter Spain with a UK travel document you should apply for an entry visa before arriving in Spain. A UK travel document allows you to stay out of Spain for six months in a year and there is no time limit on how long you can remain within Spanish territory while holding this document.

This guide is now in its sixth edition and has been comprehensively revised to include details on all the latest developments affecting Brits heading to Spain, including Borderless Spain, the UK-Spain Common Travel Area. It also now features up-to-date information on the latest requirements for entering Spain for a UK passport holder without a Schengen visa, and includes sections covering driving in Spain and owning property in Spain, both of which have recently undergone significant changes.

Do I Need Visa For Spain With Uk Travel Document

Visa is required for all citizens of United Kingdom who do not have a citizenship of European Union. Citizens of European Union, however, may travel to Spain without any visa. A Schengen Visa enables its holder to travel to the entire territories of countries signatories to Schengen Agreement for a maximum period of 90 days within a 6 months’ time span.

UK citizens in Spain after Brexit

Now that Britain has left the EU UK citizens in Spain must adjust to new rules governing travel and living in the country. Brexit has brought a number of changes in how international travel and immigration functions in Europe and it’s important to know what is different.

To unpack what UK citizens must know before coming to Spain for travel, work or to live, this article examines what is different now that Britain is no longer in the EU. Read on to find out what the post Brexit rules are regarding:

• How tourists can visit Spain
• Whether UK citizens can live in Spain
• If UK nationals may work in Spain
• How business travel to Spain works for British travellers
• What British passengers need to know before arriving in Spain

The importance of tourism from the UK in Spain

One thing that has not changed since Brexit is the popularity of Spain for UK tourists. The country is a favourite destination for British holidaymakers and over 18 million of them visit each year.

Tourism is one of Spain’s most important industries and despite Britain no longer being a European Union member, it enthusiastically welcomes tourists from the country. Whilst there are some changes to travel to Spain for British tourists due Brexit since January 2021 a lot remains the same.

Most post-Brexit rules regarding travel do not affect tourism and short stays in Spain. Therefore, it is expected that it will remain a popular destination for tourists from the island nation.

Can UK citizens live in Spain after Brexit?

Now that Britain has left the European Union, British citizens no longer hold the automatic right to residence in Spain. UK citizens in Spain will be able to remain for a period of 3 months at a time, staying longer than this will require a visa.

To spend more than 90 days in Spain in a period of 6 months Brits will need to acquire a Spanish Schengen visa. This can be obtained from a Spanish embassy or consulate in UK.

Can UK citizens work in Spain after Brexit?

One of the biggest areas of change since Brexit is how British citizens may work in Spain. Whilst the UK was still a member of the European Union, nationals had the right to work in the country visa-free. However, that is now no longer the case.

Since the end of the Brexit transition period in January 2021 British citizens must hold a valid Spanish work visa in order to gain employment in the country. These must be obtained before arriving in Spain from a national embassy or consulate.

Business travel to Spain after Brexit

Some business travel to Spain is broadly similar after Brexit to how it was before. However, there are some new important requirements that must be followed.

Those travelling to attend meetings in Spain and to stay in the country under 90 days in any 180 day period can continue to do so without any extra paperwork. However, visitors will need a visa or work permit to enter for the following reasons:

• To transfer from a company’s UK branch to its Spanish branch.
• To provide a freelance service in the country.
• To provide contractual services for an employer with no Spanish or EU entity.

New rules for travel to Spain after Brexit

Whilst the majority of travellers will not notice many differences when travelling to Spain, there have been some changes. These are important to understand before visiting the country either as a tourist or for other reasons.

What do I need to travel to Spain after Brexit?

Whilst Brexit has brought many changes to how Brits may travel around Europe, many things have not changed. It is still possible to visit Spain without a visa for short touristic trips.

What is different is that British tourists must now only be in possession of a passport that was issued no more than 10 years ago AND that has over 6 months left before its expiry. Also they may need to provide evidence of:

• Return or outbound flights
• Travel insurance
• Sufficient funds to support their visit

Additionally, Brits may no longer enter Spain using the EU passports queue or passport eGates, and will have to join the line for travellers from the rest of the world.

Will I need a visa to travel to Spain after Brexit?

The majority of UK citizens will not need a visa to travel to Spain. The country still permits visa-free access to British visitors for up to 3 months for tourism and business purposes.

However, British nationals will soon need a visa waiver to enter Spain. The new ETIAS travel authorization launches in May 2023 and will be mandatory for all third country nationals such as Brits, Canadians and Americans.

UK travellers will still be able to visit Spain and the Schengen Area for up to 3 months as before but will need to hold a valid ETIAS Authorisation before arriving. This is to ensure that the borders of Schengen remain secure and that all non EU-citizen passengers arriving in the multi-national zone are screened before arrival.

Furthermore, visas will now be necessary for some British citizens in some cases. This affects anyone wishing to stay in Spain beyond the 90 day visa-free period or who wish to work in the country.

Pet travel to Spain after Brexit

One of the biggest differences for UK citizens post-Brexit is how pet travel works. Now that the transition period is over, it is no longer possible to apply for a new European pet passport in Britain (although documents that are still valid can continue to be used).

Instead travellers to Spain and the EU must ensure their dog, cat or other pet has the following:

• A microchip
• Up-to-date rabies vaccinations
• An animal health certificate (AHC)