Spain’s New Travel Rules for 2025 & 2026: What You Need to Know

Planning a trip to Spain in the next couple of years?

Whether you’re dreaming of tapas in Barcelona, sun-soaked beaches in the Canary Islands, or hiking in the Pyrenees, there’s some important news you need to be aware of before you pack your bags.

Spain—along with the rest of the Schengen Zone—is rolling out major changes to border control and entry requirements in 2025 and 2026.

Some of the new Spain travel rules are long overdue modernisations, while others might catch even seasoned travellers off guard.

From the new ETIAS visa waiver to the high-tech EES border system , we’ll break down everything you need to know in plain English—no legal jargon, just the essential facts.

The Big Changes: ETIAS & EES Explained

1. ETIAS: Europe’s New Travel Authorisation (Starting 2025)

If you’re a visitor from a visa-exempt country (like the UK, US, Canada, or Australia), you’ll soon need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) to enter Spain. Think of it like the US ESTA or UK ETA—an online pre-screening system designed to boost security.

Key ETIAS Facts:

• Costs €7 and is valid for three years (or until your passport expires).
• Takes 10-30 minutes to complete online—most approvals come instantly.
• Required for short stays (up to 90 days)—if you’re staying longer, you’ll need a visa.
• Mandatory from mid-2025—don’t assume airlines will remind you!

🔹 Pro Tip: Apply at least a few days before travel —though most approvals are quick, some applications require manual checks.

2. EES: The End of Passport Stamps (Starting 2026)

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a high-tech upgrade to Europe’s borders. Instead of ink stamps, your biometric data (fingerprints & facial scans) will be recorded digitally each time you enter or leave the Schengen Zone.

What This Means for You:

• Faster processing (in theory) at automated e-gates.
• No more passport stamps—your travel history will be tracked electronically.
• Stricter 90-day enforcement—overstaying will be flagged immediately.

Important: UK travellers—this makes "visa runs" to Gibraltar or Morocco pointless. The system will know if you’ve exceeded your 90-day limit.

Who Do These Rules Affect?

Visitors from the UK

Post-Brexit, Brits are now treated as "third-country nationals" , meaning:

• ETIAS required from 2025.
• 90/180-day rule strictly enforced—no extensions.
• Passport must be less than 10 years old and valid for 3+ months beyond departure.

Visitors from the US, Canada, Australia & Other Visa-Free Countries

• ETIAS mandatory (same as UK).
• No visa needed for short stays (up to 90 days).
• Biometric passports required for e-gate access.

Visitors Needing a Schengen Visa

If you’re from a country that already requires a visa, nothing changes—you’ll still need to apply at a Spanish consulate.

What to Expect at Spanish Border Control in 2025/26

1. Longer Queues (At First)

While EES is designed to speed things up, the first few months will likely see delays as staff and travellers adjust.

🔹 Survival Tip: Arrive at airports 3+ hours early in 2026 until the system beds in.

2. More Document Checks

Border guards may ask for:

• Proof of accommodation (hotel/Airbnb booking).
• Return/onward ticket.
• Proof of funds (rare, but possible).

3. Stricter Customs Rules

Spain has always been strict on:

• Non-EU meat/dairy products (yes, they will confiscate your ham sandwich).
• Cash over €10,000 (must be declared).

But in 2025, they’re also cracking down on:

• Counterfeit goods (those "designer" sunglasses from the beach stall).
• Unlicensed Airbnb stays (Barcelona & Mallorca are enforcing this hard).

The Paperwork You’ll Need

To avoid last-minute stress, make sure you have:
Valid passport (issued within last 10 years, 3+ months validity).
ETIAS approval (printed or saved on phone).
Travel insurance (mandatory for visa applicants, highly recommended for all).
Proof of accommodation & return ticket (just in case).

The Bottom Line: Is Spain Still Easy to Visit?

Despite the new rules, Spain remains one of Europe’s most visitor-friendly destinations . The key is preparation:

• Apply for ETIAS early.
• Check your passport expiry.
• Keep digital copies of all documents.

Once you’re through border control? It’s all siestas, sangria, and sunshine as usual.