United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Spain passport holders
Since Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU or Schengen Area. Spanish citizens can visit the UK without a visa for up to 6 months (180 days). However, Spanish ID cards (DNI) are no longer accepted - a valid passport is required.
Great news! Spain passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
No visa required for tourism up to 6 months. Valid passport required (DNI no longer accepted). If you intend to work or study in the UK, you need the appropriate UK visa applied for in advance.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Spain to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK left the EU in 2020. Spanish citizens no longer have the right to live and work in the UK freely. However, tourists can visit for up to 6 months without a visa. EU nationals now pass through the same passport control queues as non-EU visitors at UK airports.
How to Get There
The Eurostar train connects Paris (via the Channel Tunnel) with London in 2h15m. From Spain, reach London by air from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, and other cities. Budget airlines (Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet) offer competitive fares.
Money & Banking
The UK uses the British pound (GBP). Cards are universally accepted. Tipping is customary (10-15% at restaurants). Oyster card or contactless for London Underground. Post-Brexit, pets need an Animal Health Certificate to enter the UK.
Practical Tips
London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and other UK cities are popular with Spanish tourists. Direct flights from all major Spanish airports serve London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Edinburgh, and Manchester. The UK uses British pounds (GBP).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Spanish citizens need a visa to visit the United Kingdom?
No, Spanish citizens do not need a visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months (180 days). However, since Brexit, you cannot use your Spanish ID card (DNI) - a valid passport is required.
Can I use my Spanish ID card (DNI) to enter the UK after Brexit?
No. Since October 2021, Spain confirmed that the DNI is no longer accepted for entry to the UK by Spanish citizens. You must travel with a valid Spanish passport.
How long can Spanish citizens stay in the UK?
Up to 6 months (180 days) per visit for tourism. You cannot work or study in the UK on a tourist entry. For work or study, you need the appropriate UK visa applied for from Spain before travel.
Does the UK use the euro?
No. The United Kingdom uses the British pound sterling (GBP). Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and exchange offices. Cards are accepted almost universally. Post offices and Marks and Spencer offer competitive rates.
Can I bring my pet to the UK from Spain?
Yes, but requirements have changed since Brexit. Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Microchip, rabies vaccination, and (for some routes) tapeworm treatment are required. The EU Pet Passport is no longer accepted.
Can Spanish citizens work in the UK after Brexit?
Not without the appropriate visa. EU freedom of movement ended when Brexit took full effect. Spanish citizens need a UK work visa (Skilled Worker Visa, etc.) to work in the UK. Those who lived in the UK before December 31, 2020, and registered under the EU Settlement Scheme have protected rights.
How do I travel from Spain to the UK?
The fastest and most common route is by air (2-2.5 hours from Madrid or Barcelona to London Heathrow, Gatwick, or Stansted). There is no direct train or road route - the Channel Tunnel connects France with the UK. From Spain, take a TGV from Barcelona to Paris and then Eurostar to London (total 8-10 hours).