If you’re visiting Spain from the UK in 2025, you may have seen some confusing headlines and mixed messages online. From social media posts to mainstream media, it’s hard to know what to believe when it comes to travel rules.
The good news? Most of it is a lot simpler than it seems.
Here’s your easy, up-to-date guide to travelling to Spain in 2025, with what you need to know about passports, paperwork, border checks, and what’s changed (or not) this year.
ETIAS Visa Waiver – What’s Happening?
Let’s start with the biggest source of confusion regarding visiting Spain from the UK: ETIAS.
Despite many incorrect reports, ETIAS is not a visa. It is a travel authorisation system designed for travellers from countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, allowing visa-free travel across the EU.
The good news is that ETIAS has now been delayed until at least October 2026. And even then, it could be delayed again as it has now been delayed multiple times.
So, if you’re travelling to Spain in 2025, you do not need to apply for ETIAS, and there’s no action required from you at this time.
You can read the official guidance here:
Do the 90/180 Day Rules Still Apply?
Yes. Even though ETIAS is delayed, the 90-day rule for non-EU travellers still applies.
This means UK passport holders can spend a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen Area, which includes Spain. It doesn’t matter how many countries you visit in that time – the total stay across the EU must not exceed 90 days.
At present, border authorities keep track using passport stamps, but this is expected to change when the new Entry/Exit System comes into effect.
Entry/Exit System (EES) – Also Delayed
The EES is another new system that has been in the works for years. It’s designed to log traveller data, including fingerprints and facial recognition scans at EU borders.
Like ETIAS, it has faced multiple delays. The current expected start date is October 2025, but many expect this will be pushed back again.
You can read the official update here:
So for now, just expect manual passport checks as usual when entering and leaving Spain.
Do You Need a Letter of Invitation?
If you’re staying with friends or family in Spain, you might have heard you need a “Carta de Invitación” – an official letter of invitation.
While this is technically part of the entry requirements listed by the Spanish Ministry of the Exterior, in reality, it’s rarely requested, especially for short stays. Most visitors will simply need the address and contact details of where they are staying.
Don’t stress if you don’t have one..
You can read more about the letter of invitation here.
Do You Need to Show Proof of Funds?
Another commonly misreported issue is whether you need to prove you have enough money to enter Spain.
According to the Spanish government, the minimum required is €113.40 per person per day, with a total minimum of €1,020.60 per trip.
However, no one is being asked for bank statements. Having a credit card and confirmation of your accommodation is usually more than enough. So don’t panic or go taking out loans just for peace of mind!
As we mention often on Mallorca Under the Sun, Spain is getting more expensive. So while you likely won’t need to prove your funds, you’ll want a reasonable daily budget, especially if you enjoy cocktails, excursions, or fine dining.
Check UK Passport Validity Rules
This is one rule that does get enforced. Make sure your UK passport:
- Was issued less than 10 years ago
- Has at least 3 months left on it from the day you plan to leave Spain
Be especially careful with children’s passports – these have a 5-year life span, so check the expiry date.
Have Healthcare and Insurance
Make sure you have your EHIC or GHIC card, which gives you access to public healthcare while you’re in Spain.
In addition, you should always have separate travel insurance to cover delays, cancellations, or medical emergencies. Print your policy details before you travel.
Hotel Check-In and Tourist Tax – Visiting Spain from the UK
When checking into hotels in Spain, you will need to show your passport. You may also be asked for:
- Your home address
- Email or mobile number
- Relationship and age of any children under 14 travelling with you
Some hotels may send an email ahead of time asking for this information and providing this, can mean a quicker check-in time.
Read more about hotel check in rules here.
Also, don’t forget about the tourist tax, or “eco tax.” This applies to most travellers and is charged per night, even at all-inclusive resorts. It’s expected to rise in 2025, but as a guide, budget around €3.30 per night in a 4-star hotel. Children under 16 are usually exempt.
More about eco tax (or tourist tax) can be found here.
Car Hire in Spain: Visiting Spain from the UK
If you’re hiring a car, you’ll need a credit card for a deposit. Some companies may also contact you ahead of your trip.
In the same way you may be asked for check-in information for your hire car, you maybe asked the same for your car.
So speed up the process of providing it.
Final Thoughts – Visiting Spain from the UK 2025
So what do you really need to travel to Spain in 2025?
- A valid UK passport
- Your return flight details
- Proof of where you’re staying
- EHIC/GHIC card + travel insurance
- A credit card
- Enough money for your trip and the tourist tax
You don’t need ETIAS. You don’t need to worry about being asked for your bank balance. Just pack your bags, prepare properly, and enjoy your time in the sun.
For more travel tips and local insights, check out video here: