TRAVEL TO SPAIN FROM UK
IMPORTANT: New rules will apply to enter Spain from the UK.
Who can and can’t travel to Spain from the UK starting 30th March?
Since Brexit, the UK is considered a non-EU country, therefore, according to the Orden INT/657/2020.
- British citizens (as 3rd country nationals) can't travel to Spain at the moment, in general terms.
- EU citizens and their relatives -including British ones-, can.
This is a temporary regulation which restricts 3rd country nationals entering Spain for public health reasons due to the COVID-19 health crisis.
Can a UK citizen married to a Spanish national travel to Spain from 30th March?
Yes, as long as they can show the relevant documents.
What about a baby born in the UK who only has a British passport and whose mother is Spanish?
Yes, as long as the relevant documents can be shown.
Are there any exceptions for non-EU citizens?
Yes, the Orden specifies exemptions allowing entrance in Spain for non-EU citizens (including British citizens) in the following cases:
a) residents of the EU, Schengen states, Andorra, the Vatican and San
Marino who are travelling to their place of residence
B) long term Spanish visa holders
C) health care professionals and carers who travel for work
D) transport workers
E) diplomats, military and members of international organisations
F) students with permission or Spanish visas and medical insurance
G) highly qualified professionals in some justified cases
H) people who are travelling for essential and justified family matters
I) force majeure cases, necessary situations or humanitarian reasons
J) residents of countries not affected by the restrictions, in some cases (see anex of the Orden)
Bear in mind that British regulations also apply to citizens currently in the UK and, at the moment international travel is banned except in certain cases.
For further information, please visit: Travel advice coronavirus (COVID-19).
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note, that as the transition period ended 31st December, British residents will no longer be exempted of travel restrictions. New regulation came into force 1st January. Visa applicants must consider the possibility of a travel ban from that date.
BREXIT UPDATE
The United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January 2020. The transition period that started on 1st February 2020 to negotiate future arrangements between EU and the UK is currently scheduled to end on 31st December 2020.
As of the end of the transition period British citizens and their non-EU family members will be subject to all Spanish immigration rules for third-country nationals, meaning any privileges under EU freedom of movement will come to an end.
However, UK nationals and their family members who established the residence in other EU Member State before the end of the transition period in accordance with EU free movement law, will maintain their free movements rights after 31st December 2020.
In compliance with EU Regulation 2018/1806 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 British passport holders travelling to Schengen countries for holidays, business or to visit family do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day-period, provided the visit is not for gainful activity. Please note that the 90 days will start counting from the date they enter any of the Schengen countries, including Spain.
British citizens and their family member need visa for journey undertaken after 31st December 2020 for the purposes of residence, studies for period larger than 90 days, work, professional, artistic or religious activities.
I AM NOT A EUROPEAN CITIZEN.
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO SPAIN?
Please check here if your nationality is required to be in possession of a visa or if it is exempt of this requirement.
I AM A THIRD NATIONAL RESIDING IN THE UK AND MARRIED/DEPENDENT OF A UK CITIZEN.
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO SPAIN?
Until at least 31st December 2020, UK family members can still travel to the Schengen Area (including Spain) with “EU FAMILY MEMBER VISA” if their nationality is not exempt.
If you are intending to travel after 31st December 2020, you have to apply for a Schengen Tourism visa.
However, family members of UK nationals who established the residence in other EU Member State in accordance with EU free movement law before 31st December 2020 and can prove so, may apply for a free EU/EEA FAMILY MEMBER VISA when travelling with the EU citizen or when meeting the EU citizen in the country of destination. EU/EEA family member visa is a free visa. Please carefully read the
checklist stating the documents required to apply for an EU/EEA family member visa. Failure to fulfil all requirements may lead to the refusal of you visa.
In order to apply for an EU/EEA family member visa, please get an appointment at BLS International London: https://uk.blsspainvisa.com/visa4spain/
Please note that spouses/dependents of UK citizens can also travel to the Schengen area, accompanied or on their own, with a
Schengen tourism visa.
I AM A THIRD NATIONAL RESIDING IN THE UK AND MARRIED/DEPENDENT TO/OF A EUROPEAN CITIZEN.
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO SPAIN?
Yes, you do, if your nationality is not exempt.
You may apply for a free EU/EEA FAMILY MEMBER VISA when travelling with the EU citizen or when meeting the EU citizen in the country of destination. EU/EEA family member visa is a free visa. Please carefully read the
checklist stating the documents required to apply for an EU/EEA family member visa. Failure to fulfil all requirements may lead to the refusal of you visa.
In order to apply for an EU/EEA family member visa, please get an appointment at BLS International London: https://uk.blsspainvisa.com/visa4spain/
Please note that spouses/dependents of EU citizens can also travel to the Schengen area, accompanied or on their own, with a
Schengen tourism visa.
I AM A BRITISH NATIONAL RESIDING IN THE UK.
DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT THE EU AFTER BREXIT?
In compliance with EU Regulation 2018/1806 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 British passport holders travelling to Schengen countries for holidays, business or to visit family do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day-period, provided the visit is not for gainful activity. Please note that the 90 days will start counting from the date they enter any of the Schengen countries, including Spain.
British citizens and their family member need visa for journey undertaken after 31st December 2020 for the purposes of residence, studies for period larger than 90 days, work, professional, artistic or religious activities.
I HOLD A “RESIDENCE CARD OF A FAMILY MEMBER OF A UNION CITIZEN”.