Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation remember that from today, April 2, 2025, Spanish citizens will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (AEV) for short stays in the UK.

We highlight:

What is Electronic Travel Authorisation (AEV)?

The AEV is a travel authorization required by the UK Government for travellers who do not need a visa and wish to stay for up to six months in the UK for tourism, business, family visits or other permitted reasons. It does not replace border control and must be requested before travelling. It is recommended to do so at least three days in advance and before buying tickets.

Who should ask for it?

All Spaniards and EU citizens who are not residents of the United Kingdom, including infants and children, must apply for the AEV. It is also mandatory for those who call in the UK and have to collect luggage or go through border control.

It is not necessary in the following cases:

• Persons with a visa to the United Kingdom.
• UK residents with a valid residence permit.
• British or Irish citizens.
• Passport holders from the British Overseas Territories.
• Residents of Ireland travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. More information here.
• Travellers in transit who do not pass through border control.

Since when is it needed?

The AEV will be mandatory from 2 April 2025, but may be requested in advance from 5 March 2025.

Validity of the AEV

The AEV is valid for two years or until the expiration of the associated passport. It allows multiple trips of up to six months each. If you change your passport, you need to apply for a new AEV.

How to apply?

It is requested exclusively online, through the official application o the UK Government Website. The response can take anywhere from a few minutes to three working days.

The AEV is digitally linked to the passport and it is not necessary to show any additional documents when embarking or at border control. It is recommended to save the confirmation in case it is necessary.

Cost of the AEV

The current cost is £10. It is not refunded in case of refusal. The British government has announced an increase to £16 from 9 April.

What makes it possible to do an AEV?

• Visit the UK for up to six months for tourism, family visits, business or short-term studies.
• Stay up to three months with the visa Creative Worker.
• Perform allowable remunerated activities (artists, musicians, athletes, lecturers, lawyers, among others).
• Stopover in the UK if you go through border control.

Important messages

• The AEV must be requested with the same passport with which you are going to travel.
• EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) holders do not need AEVs, but must keep their UKVI profile up to date.
• If you have a Certificate of Application (CoA) for a pending EUSS application and need to travel urgently, contact the embassy at emb.londres.brexit@maec.es.
• There is no appeal in case of refusal of the AEV, but you can reapply without limit.
• Some airlines redirect to payment platforms with premium services to obtain the AEV, but this can be easily obtained through the official site for the established fee.

Factsheet

Information updated on 14/02/2025, subject to change by the UK authorities. For the latest information, visit: Gov.uk

* Information obtained through the web portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.