To unpack what UK citizensmust know before coming to Spain for travel, work or to live, this article examines what is different now that Britain is no longer in the EU. Read on to find out what the post Brexit rules are regarding:
- How tourists can visit Spain
- Whether UK citizens can live in Spain
- If UK nationals may work in Spain
- How business travel to Spain works for British travellers
- What British passengers need to know before arriving in Spain
The importance of tourism from the UK in Spain
One thing that has not changed since Brexit is the popularity of Spain for UK tourists. The country is a favourite destination for British holidaymakers andover 18 millionof them visit each year.
Tourism is one of Spain’s most important industries and despite Britain no longer being a European Union member, itenthusiastically welcomes touristsfrom the country. Whilst there are somechanges to travel to Spain for British tourists due Brexitsince January 2021 a lot remains the same.
Most post-Brexit rules regarding traveldo not affect tourismand short stays in Spain. Therefore, it is expected that it will remain a popular destination for tourists from the island nation.
Can UK citizens live in Spain after Brexit?
Now that Brexit has left the European Union, British citizens no longer hold the automaticright to residence in Spain. UK citizens in Spain will be able to remain for a period of 3 months at a time, staying longer than this will require a visa.
To spend more than 90 days in Spain in a period of 6 months Brits will need to acquire a Spanish Schengen visa. This can be obtained from aSpanish embassy or consulate in UK.
Can UK citizens work in Spain after Brexit?
One of thebiggest areas of changesince Brexit is how British citizens may work in Spain. Whilst the UK was still a member of the European Union, nationals had the right to work in the country visa-free. However, that is now no longer the case.
Since the end of the Brexit transition period in January 2021 British citizens must hold a validSpanish work visain order to gain employment in the country. These must beobtained before arriving in Spainfrom a national embassy or consulate.
Business travel to Spain after Brexit
Some business travel to Spain is broadly similar after Brexit to how it was before. However, there are somenew important requirementsthat must be followed.
Those travelling toattend meetings in Spainand to stay in the country under 90 days in any 180 day period can continue to do so without any extra paperwork. However, visitors will need a visa or work permit to enter for the following reasons:
- To transfer from a company’s UK branch to its Spanish branch.
- To provide a freelance service in the country.
- To provide contractual services for an employer with no Spanish or EU entity.
New rules for travel to Spain after Brexit
Whilst the majority of travellers will not notice many differences when travelling to Spain,there have been some changes. These are important to understand before visiting the country either as a tourist or for other reasons.
What do I need to travel to Spain after Brexit?
Whilst Brexit has brought many changes to how Brits may travel around Europe, many things have not changed. It is still possible tovisit Spain without a visafor short touristic trips.
What is different is that British tourists must now only be in possession of a passport that wasissued no more than 10 years agoAND that has over 6 months left before its expiry. Also they may need to provide evidence of:
- Return or outbound flights
- Travel insurance
- Sufficient funds to support their visit
Additionally, Brits may no longer enter Spain using theEU passports queueor passport eGates, and will have to join the line for travellers from the rest of the world.
Will I need a visa to travel to Spain after Brexit?
The majority of UK citizens will not need a visa to travel to Spain. The country still permits visa-free access to British visitors forup to 3 monthsfor tourism and business purposes.
However, British nationals will soon need a visa waiver to enter Spain. The new ETIAS travel authorizationlaunches in 2022and will be mandatory for all third country nationals such as Brits, Canadians and Americans.
UK travellers will still be able to visit Spain and the Schengen Area for up to 3 months as before but will need to hold a validETIAS visa waiverbefore arriving. This is to ensure that the borders of Schengen remain secure and that all non EU-citizen passengers arriving in the multi-national zone are screened before arrival.
Furthermore, visas will now benecessary for some British citizensin some cases. This affects anyone wishing to stay in Spain beyond the 90 day visa-free period or who wish to work in the country.
Pet travel to Spain after Brexit
One of the biggest differences for UK citizens post-Brexit is how pet travel works. Now that the transition period is over, it is no longer possible to apply for a newEuropean pet passportin Britain (although documents that are still valid can continue to be used).
Instead travellers to Spain and the EU must ensure theirdog, cat or other pethas the following:
- A microchip
- Up-to-date rabies vaccinations
- An animal health certificate (AHC)
There are many changes to be mindful of now that the Brexit transition period is over. However, despite the new regulations in place, Spain still remains atop destination for British travellersand will continue to for many years to come.