Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its official travel guidance for the United Kingdom, alerting citizens that they will soon need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to board a plane, train or ferry to the UK for short visits. The advisory, published on 1 December 2025, notes that from 25 February 2026 all non-resident Spaniards—whether tourists, business travellers or family visitors—must obtain an ETA online before departure. Airlines and carriers will deny boarding to passengers who cannot show the digital permit.
The UK Home Office introduced the ETA scheme earlier this year for Gulf-state nationals and is now expanding it to EU citizens as part of post-Brexit border digitalisation. The approval costs £18 (about €18) and is usually granted within minutes, although authorities recommend applying at least 72 hours in advance. The ETA does not confer work or study rights; Spaniards planning employment or long-term stays must still secure the appropriate visa.
![Foreign Ministry Warns Spaniards: UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Will Be Mandatory from February 2026]()
For mobility managers, the new requirement adds another layer of administration to cross-Channel business trips. Companies are urged to integrate ETA checks into travel-booking workflows, ensure traveller profiles include valid passport data and budget for the additional fee. Failure to secure an ETA could result in missed meetings, project delays and re-ticketing costs. Frequent travellers may welcome the fact that each ETA is valid for two years or until passport expiry and permits multiple entries.
The advisory also reminds residents in the UK to enrol on the Home Office’s eVisa system to prove their immigration status digitally—a step that will become essential once physical residence cards are phased out. Spanish consulates in London, Manchester and Edinburgh will run information sessions in early 2026.
Travel insurers and TMCs expect a temporary spike in call-centre volume as the rule rolls out. Lessons from Canada’s comparable eTA programme suggest refusal rates are low, but data-entry errors (wrong passport number, expired document) are the main cause of boarding denials. Corporations should therefore provide clear instructions and perhaps centralise applications for VIP travellers.
The UK Home Office introduced the ETA scheme earlier this year for Gulf-state nationals and is now expanding it to EU citizens as part of post-Brexit border digitalisation. The approval costs £18 (about €18) and is usually granted within minutes, although authorities recommend applying at least 72 hours in advance. The ETA does not confer work or study rights; Spaniards planning employment or long-term stays must still secure the appropriate visa.
For mobility managers, the new requirement adds another layer of administration to cross-Channel business trips. Companies are urged to integrate ETA checks into travel-booking workflows, ensure traveller profiles include valid passport data and budget for the additional fee. Failure to secure an ETA could result in missed meetings, project delays and re-ticketing costs. Frequent travellers may welcome the fact that each ETA is valid for two years or until passport expiry and permits multiple entries.
The advisory also reminds residents in the UK to enrol on the Home Office’s eVisa system to prove their immigration status digitally—a step that will become essential once physical residence cards are phased out. Spanish consulates in London, Manchester and Edinburgh will run information sessions in early 2026.
Travel insurers and TMCs expect a temporary spike in call-centre volume as the rule rolls out. Lessons from Canada’s comparable eTA programme suggest refusal rates are low, but data-entry errors (wrong passport number, expired document) are the main cause of boarding denials. Corporations should therefore provide clear instructions and perhaps centralise applications for VIP travellers.
