UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Becomes Compulsory for Spaniards from 25 February 2026
Spanish Consulates Overwhelmed as 2.3 Million Descendants Seek Citizenship Under Grandchildren’s Law
Work-to-Rule Slowdown at Madrid-Barajas Triggers Hour-Long Security Queues
Latest News
Iberia Keeps Madrid–Caracas Route Grounded Until Year-End on Safety Grounds
Citing new safety warnings, Iberia has prolonged its Caracas flight suspension through 31 December 2025. The move disrupts business and VFR travel between Spain and Venezuela and forces companies to re-route staff and cargo via third-country hubs.
Spain’s Consular Network Buckles as 2.3 Million Descendants Rush to Claim Spanish Citizenship
Over one million descendants of Spanish exiles have applied for citizenship under the Democratic Memory Law, while another 1.3 million are still waiting for consular appointments. The backlog is straining Spain’s 178 consulates, especially in Latin America, and threatens to delay passports and other services for years. Corporate mobility programmes that depend on Spanish passports for EU access should anticipate prolonged timelines and monitor government measures to relieve the bottleneck.
Iberia Extends Venezuela Flight Suspension Through 31 December Amid Safety Concerns
Iberia will keep its Madrid–Caracas route suspended until 31 December 2025 after Spain’s aviation watchdog warned of continuing safety risks in Venezuelan airspace. The move disrupts business travel and cargo flows, forces rerouting via third-country hubs and raises duty-of-care costs for firms with staff in Venezuela.
Foreign Ministry Warns Spaniards: UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Will Be Mandatory from February 2026
Madrid has issued fresh travel advice confirming that Spaniards who are not UK residents will need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation before visiting the United Kingdom from 25 February 2026. The £18 permit must be obtained online in advance and adds a new compliance step for business and leisure trips, prompting companies to update booking procedures.
Early-Morning ‘Work-to-Rule’ Causes Hour-Long Queues at Madrid-Barajas Security Checkpoints
A work-to-rule by a small group of security officers caused up to 50-minute waits at Madrid-Barajas on 1 December 2025, though Aena says operations returned to normal by midday. The dispute highlights labour-relations risks during the holiday travel peak and prompts advice for travellers to build extra buffer time into schedules.