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Spain travel requirements and rule changes all UK tourists should know about

The rules regarding passports, airport security, visas and travel permits might be different to the last time you visited Spain

• 05:23, 8 MAR 2024

Millions of British holidaymakers will flock overseas to Spain this year, but there are a number of travel rule changes to be aware of if you're planning a trip.

The entry requirements for UK tourists travelling to EU countries including Spain are different post-Brexit and there are more major system changes on the way.

We've rounded up the key rule changes affecting Brits visiting Spain, including passports, airport security changes, visas and travel permits, so you can look forward to your Spanish holiday and ensure you're fully prepared.

Read more: Exact date Spain will introduce new entry rules for UK tourists

Passport rules

Passport requirements for British citizens flying to other countries in Europe are stricter post-Brexit, so it's important to check yours is compliant well before your trip. Even if your passport is in date, you could still find yourself being turned away at the airport, with no refund offered.

It's recommended that you have at least six months on your passport before it expires, however the expiry date on your passport should be at least three months after your intended day of departure from the EU country you're visiting.

Another passport rule change that has scuppered some families' holiday plans requires travellers to have a passport that is no older than ten years. Some Britons may still have passports over a decade old, as this was allowed prior to the UK leaving the EU.

If your passport was last renewed over ten years ago, you'll need to order a new one. You can check if you need to renew your passport before travelling using this tool on the government's website and you can apply for a new one here . It's worth checking the current wait time for new passports and applying well in advance of your trip as it can take several weeks.

UK tourists do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, as long as your visit doesn't exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. If you're planning to stay longer or work abroad, you'll have to get a visa or necessary permit.

It's worth checking the travel advice page on the Foreign Office website to find out the entry requirements for the specific country you're visiting.

Airport security rules

Most airports across the UK are changing the rules when it comes to hand luggage this summer. New state-of-the-art security scanners mean that passengers will no longer have to follow such strict 100ml liquid rules and will be allowed to keep them in their hand luggage rather than taking them out at security checkpoints.

The government set a June deadline for all airports to upgrade their systems, however some major airports have said theirs won't be ready in time . Several airports in Spain are also scrapping the 100ml rule in an effort to reduce queues and speed up wait times through security during the peak summer period.

Luggage requirements differ depending on which airline you fly with so it's worth double-checking the size and weight limits for your booking. Luxury suitcase brand Antler has halved the price of its Ryanair , Jet2 and TUI-approved Prestwick Cabin Bag from £170 to £85 for a limited time.

Passport stamps

Currently, UK citizens travelling to a country in the EU need to get their passports stamped at the airport when they arrive and again when they leave. Not doing this could cause issues for your next trip, as you may be denied entry if border officials think you stayed for longer than the permitted 90 days last time.

The process of manually stamping passports is soon to change, however, when a new system is introduced later this year. Read more on this below.

New Entry/Exit System

Later this year, the EU is set to scrap the system of manually-stamping passports at the airport in favour of a new automated system. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to be rolled out on October 6, 2024. Until then, holidaymakers will still need to get their passports stamped.

Once up and running, UK travellers will instead have to scan their passports at a self-service kiosk prior to crossing an external EU border. The scanner will log the person's name, type of travel document, date and place of entry and exit, as well as biometric data including fingerprints and a facial image.

The EES system will track how long people stay in countries inside the Schengen area and record any overstayers or refusals of entry.

New travel permits

At some point next year, a secondary scheme will be implemented to work alongside the new Entry/Exit system, that will require British tourists to get travel authorisation before they go on holiday to a country in the EU.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to launch from mid-2025 and holidaymakers will need to apply for permission online or via an app. The application will cost £6 for anyone aged 18 to 70 and will be free for others.

Most people will receive confirmation within minutes, however some applicants may require further checks, which could delay authorisation by up to 30 days. Once approved, the permit will last for three years or until the person's passport expires - whichever is sooner.

The free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is being phased out post-Brexit, meaning you won't be able to apply for a new one once yours expires. However, UK travellers will be able to order a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which entitles British tourists to the equivalent health services while visiting EU countries.

Both cards give UK tourists access to free or discounted medical care and all British travellers are urged to carry one with them on holiday in case of an emergency. Over four million EHICs are due to expire in 2024, leaving travellers without cover unless they apply for a replacement GHIC online . EHICs can still be used abroad until their expiry date.

Planning a trip to Spain? Visit Booking.com , Expedia or Travel Republic to browse the latest deals on holidays and flights to Spain.

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Conditions for entry into Spain

​Please read our FAQs  here​

Nationals of third States who travel to Spain for stays of up to 90 days (during any period of 180 days) for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, study, non-work internships or volunteer activities with a duration not exceeding 3 months, or for other non-gainful activities, must meet the entry conditions established in the Schengen Borders Code.

Entry requirements​​ 

• Enter via an authorised border-crossing point.
• Present proof of identity and a valid travel document.
• Present the corresponding visa if required, according to nationality.
• Provide evidence of meeting the conditions for the proposed stay and of possessing sufficient financial resources.
• Not be subject to a ban on entering Spain.  

Documents to present at the border​​  

1. Valid passport or travel document : The document must be valid until three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen territory, and must have been issued during the ten years immediately before the date of entry. 

2. Visa : For certain nationalities, a valid visa is required. This visa will not be necessary if the interested party has a valid residence permit or a valid long-term visa issued by a Schengen State. 

3. Documents accrediting the purpose and conditions of the planned stay : At the request of the competent authorities, the reasons and conditions of the planned stay must be accredited by documentary proof or other means. To this end, the presentation, among others, of the following documents may be required: 

• Return or tourist circuit ticket, in all cases. 
• For professional trips, the invitation from a company or authority to participate in a meeting, or documents that prove the existence of a relationship associated with professional activity, or access cards to a trade fair or congress. 
• For tourist or private visits, the confirmed reservation of an organized trip, or proof of accommodation, or letter of invitation from a private individual (such a letter only proves the availability of accommodation and does not release the traveller from the obligation to meet the other requirements for entry). The proof of accommodation may indicate whether it includes all or part of the traveller's living expenses. 
• For study trips, training programmes, non-work internships or volunteer work with a duration of less than three months, enrolment documentation or proof of admission to an educational establishment or internship contract or proof of admission to a volunteer programme.  
• For travel for other reasons, an invitation, reservation, programme or certificate of participation in related activities, entrance card/ticket, or receipt. 

Accreditation of financial means​​​  

At the request of the competent authorities, the traveller must present proof of having sufficient financial means for the proposed stay or of the ability to legally obtain such means. 

In 2020, the minimum amount required is 90 euros per person per day. In any case, and regardless of the length of stay, the traveller must have at least 810 euros or its equivalent in foreign currency. 

Economic means may be accredited by presenting cash, traveller's cheques, a credit card accompanied by a bank account statement, an up-to-date bank book, or any other resource that accredits the amount available, such as a credit statement regarding the card or bank account. Bank letters or online bank statements will not be accepted.

Entry authorization​​​  

Authorization to enter Spain may be granted to nationals of third States who have the necessary documentation, including, where appropriate, a visa, and sufficient financial means, and who are not subject to an entry ban and do not pose a danger to public order, the internal or external security of the State, or public health.

Denial of entry​ 

The competent authorities will deny entry to nationals of third States who do not meet the entry requirements or who are subject to an entry ban. Entry may also be denied if, in the previous 180 days, the traveller has exhausted the 90-day period for authorized stay in the Schengen area. 

The denial of entry will be notified by means of a reasoned decision, together with information on the procedure for appealing against this decision, in accordance with Spanish regulations. However, filing an appeal does not suspend the effects of the denial of entry.

Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, and their family members​​ 

Citizens of the Member States of the European Union, and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, may enter Spain with their national identity card or with a valid passport. Minors who travel with an identity document and are not accompanied by a parent will need the authorization of one of their parents. 

Family members who are not nationals of a Member State of the European Union or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland may enter with a valid passport. Depending on their nationality, they may need an entry visa, unless they have a valid residence card as the relative of a European Union citizen.

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The new Spain travel rules explained

By Abigail Malbon

Travel in 2022 is easier than it has been in a while as Covid restrictions ease, but what does this mean for holidays to Spain , and are British travellers allowed to enter? Here’s what you need to know about the entry rules and Covid tests required if you're planning a trip to Spain now. 

Can I go to Spain on holiday?

Yes. Travel rules have been significantly lifted in 2022, making holidays far simpler than during the previous two years.

For your return to the UK afterwards, there is no need to take a test. Since 18 March 2022, all people travelling from Spain to the UK do not need to take any tests or quarantine when returning to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland as the UK has now dropped all Covid travel rules. 

What are the Spain travel restrictions for Covid?

As of 21 October 2022, the last remaining travel restrictions were lifted on entry to Spain. All of the rules that previously applied are no longer enforced, including the requirement to present proof of vaccination, the requirement to fill out travel forms ahead of arriving in the country, proof of having recovered from Covid in the last 6 months, or proof of a negative PCR or antigen test upon arrival.

Since 20 April 2022, face masks are no longer a requirement inside in Spain, apart from on public transport and in hospitals and retirement homes. The Spanish government has stated that, if cases continue to rise during the summer months, masks may be reintroduced in more areas of daily life.

Can you travel to Spain unvaccinated?

Yes, entry requirements for Spain are the same for all travellers of any age, regardless of Covid vaccination status.

What are the entry requirements for the Canary Islands?

All entry requirements to the Canary Islands are the same as on mainland Spain, outlined above. On Thursday 24 March 2022, many Covid restrictions were lifted within the Canary Islands, which meant an end to the ‘dancing ban’ that had restricted dancing in bars, clubs and restaurants. 

Is it safe to travel to Spain now?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office considers Spain safe to visit right now, although notes that it's important to get travel insurance before your trip. It's always best to check local government advice before travelling, as rules can change quickly and without notice. 

Where to stay : Are you looking for time to decompress post-lockdown, or for a busy city break? After perhaps more than a year at home, it can be hard to choose, but Spain has both. Start in Barcelona at the smart Nobu Hotel for the sights and history, before hopping to Mallorca and checking into the El Llorenç Parc de la Mar for rooftop views and gin-clear waters.

What to do : As well as switching to a tapas-only diet, we recommend hiring a car to drive the coastal paths of Mallorca . Make a stop at Es Pontàs, a natural arch in the south-eastern part of the island, in time for sunset.

Be prepared to visit Spain with these 16 things to know before you go

Jun 21, 2023 • 6 min read

Here's what you need to know to get ready for a trip to Spain © Flashpop / Getty Images

Spain has been home for the past 16 years, ever since I moved to its capital Madrid in my early thirties.

From day one, it was easy to be charmed by this warm and inviting country . It ticks a lot of  boxes in terms of what you’re looking for in a European destination – great cuisine and wine , spectacular landscapes , architectural gems, green spaces and a thriving art scene. 

Getting around the country is also very convenient, thanks to Spain's efficient and reliable multi-modal public transport system . And the Spanish people are some of the friendliest locals, who will happily go out of their way to point you in the right direction if you’re lost.

Of course there were still some cultural quirks I had to adjust to – for one, eating times in Spain are very late in comparison with the rest of the world's dining schedules. I still remember my early days in Madrid when my belly would be in outright rebellion while waiting for “early” dinner reservations at 9pm. And forget about making a speedy exit from social gatherings; in Spain saying farewell could take up another hour of your time.

Cultural idiosyncrasies aside, your trip to this incredible country can be your most memorable one yet if you plan well ahead, and follow these useful travel tips.

1. Pack warm clothes. Really.

There is a humorous Spanish expression that goes, “Hasta cuarenta de mayo, no te quites el sayo” , which translates to “Until the 40th of May, don’t remove your coat” – sage advice to keep a jacket handy until mid-June. While Spain may be famous for its blue skies and sun-drenched beaches, it actually has more colder seasons in the year than warm ones, during early spring (March to May), autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February). Regions in northern Spain, such as the Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia, have cooler temperatures compared to the rest of the country. 

2. Being cashless is common

Card is king in Spain. The main tourist hubs such as Madrid, Barcelona , San Sebastián and Ibiza are generally credit card-friendly destinations. In fact, you could go cashless for days and pay for your meals, drinks, taxis and bus fares without a problem using a credit or debit card.

If you do bring cash, make sure you have loose change. Several establishments, bus and taxi drivers, especially on morning shifts, usually do not have change for bigger bills. So if you prefer paying cash, it’s a good idea to be stocked up on smaller bills (€5 and €10) and coins.

3. Choose your time to visit Madrid wisely

Think twice about visiting Madrid in August . Most establishments in the Spanish capital close, and Madrileños usually head for the beaches to escape the brutal August heat . 

4. Expect to eat late

Prepare for late Spanish dining times. Many tourists who come to Spain for the first time end up hungry while waiting for restaurants to open. Most restaurants open for lunch from 1pm to 4pm, and dinner from 8pm to 1am. A lot of establishments also close on Mondays. You can stave off hunger pangs before mealtimes by snacking on tapas – small savory plates that are usually free with a drink order in many Spanish cities. In San Sebastián or Bilbao in the Basque Country , you can savor pintxos , or bite-sized portions typically served on a slice of bread and skewered with a toothpick.

5. Ordering certain drinks will immediately mark you as a tourist

A popular drink among tourists, sangría is usually served in pitchers meant for sharing, and not by the glass. Instead, try ordering a local favorite that’s similar to sangría, tinto de verano , a concoction of red wine and lemon soda. 

Ask for a caña  like a local instead of a cerveza . A caña  is a small glass of beer on tap (about 250ml).

6. Tipping is not expected

European countries in general don’t have a tipping culture. But of course, it is very much appreciated – especially if you enjoyed good service. 

7. Don't eat food while you’re on the move

Eating is an age-old pleasure that must be savored unhurriedly, so it’s uncommon to see Spaniards biting sandwiches or munching on fries while walking down the street or riding public transportation. 

8. Look for fixed-price lunches

Order the menú del día (daily menu) for lunch on weekdays. Take your cue from the locals and ask for the fixed-price menu (ranging from €8 to €17) that includes a three-course meal with dessert, drinks, bread and coffee.

9. Eat late, stay late

Make time for sobremesa  – lingering long after a meal for a post-dining conversation. This is a hallmark of sociable Spanish culture, to extend conversations well beyond mealtimes to be able to enjoy each other’s company for as long as possible, usually over drinks.

10. Keep an eye on your belongings

Be vigilant of pickpockets and keep your belongings close. Pickpockets are unfortunately rampant in high tourist traffic areas. If you’re sitting at an outdoor table, watch out for vendors that get suspiciously close and distract you with their items for sale, such as flowers or lottery tickets, while they surreptitiously steal your wallet or mobile phone on the table (this is a modus operandi I’ve witnessed more than once!). 

11. You can drink tap water in Spain

Go ahead and drink the tap water. Spanish tap water or “agua de grifo” is safe to drink, though the taste varies across regions. 

12. There's one number for an emergency

Call 112 for any emergency. You can contact this number for any kind of emergency in Spain, even without a Spanish SIM card on your mobile phone. You’ll be connected to the right emergency service through multilingual operators. To contact the Spanish National Police, dial 091. 

 13. Dress appropriately when away from the beach

Opt for smart casual attire and avoid overly casual outfits like athleisure wear, beachwear, or excessively revealing clothing in the city. If you’re visiting religious sites such as churches, cathedrals or mosques, cover your shoulders and knees to show respect for these places.

14. Brush up on basic Spanish

Like any destination, it helps a lot if you know basic local phrases. While you can get by speaking English in the bigger, more touristy cities, it is a different story when visiting smaller, lesser-known towns outside the tourist radar. 

Don't say “no problemo”, which is incorrect. The correct phrase is “no hay problema” or more colloquially, say “no pasa nada” . 

15. Know what is considered polite

Greet people, even strangers. It’s commonplace to greet people in elevators, shops and along hallways. Compliment good service by saying “muy amable” . Meaning “very kind”, this is a commonly used polite phrase to express gratitude for someone’s helpfulness. It can be said in different situations – if a person has gone out of their way to assist you, like giving you directions, holding a door or giving up their seat for you. You can also say this to show your appreciation for customer service that goes above and beyond.

16. Don’t leave a social gathering without saying goodbye

It is generally frowned upon to leave an occasion without letting your host know. However, be prepared for a long, drawn out goodbye – the Spanish are highly sociable people who like extending conversations, leading to lengthy, and often multiple stages of farewells. 

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Spain face mask rules and all you need to know for your holiday

Spain has seen an increase in respiratory illnesses and hospitals in the country are under pressure - here are more details about the face mask measures in place now

• 15:02, 11 JAN 2024

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If you are planning to travel to Spain, it will be worth knowing about the following face mask rules which have been brought back after a rise in coronavirus and flu cases.

The country has been struggling with an increase in respiratory illnesses and hospitals are under pressure. Although only 10% of Covid tests have been coming back positive - compared to over half of flu tests - coronavirus is causing a rising number of hospital admissions, especially among people over 80.

As a result, Spain is bringing back mandatory face mask use in hospitals and health centres across the country, although some regions such as Valencia and the Canary Islands have already implemented the measures earlier this month. However, those visiting Spain will not have to wear a face mask as regularly as they did in the early stages of the pandemic, reports the Mirror. Here is a look at everything you need to know before you travel .

• Read More: Passport rules for travelling to Europe and how many months you need to fly

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The new face mask rules in Spain

Face masks are now mandatory in hospitals and healthcare centres across the country and its islands. However, it is only advised to wear them in medical spaces including dentists, pharmacies and physiotherapy clinics.

The UK Foreign Office has also updated its Spain travel advice to reflect the changes, explaining: "Due to an increase in respiratory infections such as flu and COVID-19 , you may be required to wear a face mask when using healthcare facilities such as doctors surgeries, hospitals or pharmacies. Specific rules on the use of face masks may vary by region. You should refer to the advice of local authorities in your destination and ensure you are aware of the specific measures in place on how best to protect yourself and others."

How long will the rules last?

It is not currently clear as the law in place requires infections to fall to a certain point before the requirement can become a recommendation made by the autonomous regions. Cases must dip to a certain level and stay there over a two week period for the change to be made.

Currently, only the Basque Country and the autonomous city of Melilla have reached this point, reports La Opinion . It is likely that cases will begin to fall when the weather gets warmer in late February and March, meaning people can spend more time outside and spreading opportunities are decreased.

Professor Sheena Cruickshank, an immunologist and member of Alternative Sage, told the Mirror that the coronavirus had a tendency of confounding these trends however. "Data suggest that we are nearly at the peak in several nations but based on previous years this is not a virus that is adopting a seasonal pattern so more waves, albeit hopefully much smaller than this wave for the spring, may follow," she said.

"As such it is wise to remain vigilant when considering travel. The virus is an airborne infection and masks and ventilation can help reduce the likelihood of catching the infection so I would recommend people be cautious when travelling and keep up to date with boosters if offered."

How you can prepare

If you are heading to Spain anytime soon, then it is well worth bringing a few face coverings with you. They are now cheap and readily available in the UK, but supplies have been dwindling in Spain.

"We have had a bit of stock shortage of masks for a couple of days, because their use was gradually put aside and, suddenly, everyone has started asking us for them, as a result of the Christmas holidays, because we are starting the peak of the flu epidemic or to access busy places, such as shopping centres or health centres," Paula Briones, member of the Governing Board of the Official College of Pharmacists of A Coruña, told La Opinion.

Although mask wearing is not commonplace in most public places in Spain now - as it isn't in the UK - it may be considered polite to wear one in crowded areas such as on trains and buses. Especially if you suspect you may have a potentially infectious respiratory illness.

Dr. Ramón Veras, spokesperson for SOS Sanidade Pública and family doctor at the San José health center in A Coruña, said: “Any person who has a respiratory infection should wear a mask, but in health centers, where it is easier for there to be people who are more vulnerable or with chronic problems, all the more so."

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Foreign Office issues Spain travel warning as the country brings back face mask rules

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued advice for Brits who are soon to head to Spain after a surge in flu and coronavirus cases led the Spanish government to reintroduce face mask rules

• 14:19, 11 Jan 2024

Brits are being issued with a travel warning by the UK government if they're heading on Spain holidays .

This week the holiday hotspot became the first country in Europe to reintroduce face mask requirements when entering certain buildings like hospitals and health centres as coronavirus and influenza cases rose.

As a result, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued advice for Brits who are soon to head to Spain.

The updated Health advice reads: "Due to an increase in respiratory infections such as flu and Covid, you may be required to wear a face mask when using healthcare facilities such as doctors surgeries, hospitals or pharmacies. Specific rules on the use of face masks may vary by region.

"You should refer to the advice of local authorities in your destination and ensure you are aware of the specific measures in place on how best to protect yourself and others."

Spain's new face mask rules only apply in certain settings and currently you generally won't need a face covering when out and about in public.

It was reported this week that the new JN.1 variant has become the most dominant strain of coronavirus on the planet, as more than 10,000 deaths from the virus were logged last month.

The strain is a mutation from Omicron which ran riot in Christmas 2021. Experts believe the current wave of the virus has been fuelled by the new variant along with festive socialising. It is feared JN.1 could hit an all-time high in the UK in as little as a week if numbers continue to soar.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization director-general, told a press conference in Geneva the JN.1 variant was now the most prominent in the world. He added he is "certain" cases are on the rise in other places which have not been reported.

Calling on world governments to boost surveillance, he added: “Although 10,000 deaths a month is far less than the peak of the pandemic, this level of preventable deaths is not acceptable.”

Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead at WHO for COVID-19, added there has been an increase in respiratory diseases across the globe due to the coronavirus but also flu, rhinovirus and pneumonia. She said: “We expect those trends to continue into January through the winter months in the northern hemisphere.”

Last week, scientists said Covid cases may reach new record highs in the UK by mid-January after JN.1 became dominant over Christmas. The data was drawn from the latest ONS and UK Health Security Agency winter infection survey.

The research, published on December 21, estimated on December 13, 2.54million people had Covid. That was more than double the amount seen at the start of December. Another warning said more than 100,000 Brits could develop Long Covid in coming weeks.

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Spain entry requirements: The travel rules explained and what you need to enter the country

Uk holidaymakers travelling to spain fall under the same rules as other non-eu or non-schengen visitors and could be asked to show proof of accommodation and a return ticket.

British holidaymakers travelling to Spain may be required to prove they have sufficient funds of at least £85 a day per person to enter the country.

Border control could ask arrivals to prove they can cover the cost of their break under new rules introduced by the Spanish ministry.

UK tourists should also have proof of a return or onward travel ticket and evidence of accommodation for the duration of their stay, such as a booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting their own property (such as a second home) or proof of address if staying with friends, family or another third party. These rules apply to all tourists from outside the EU or the Schengen area and came into force on 1 January 2022.

These post-Brexit requirements add to the conditions UK tourists must already meet for travel to Spain , including proof of full vaccination, a negative test or previous infection for all visitors aged 12 or over.

How much must I have available to spend per day and what proof is required?

You may be asked to prove that you have sufficient funds to spend at least £85 (€100) per person, per day, with a minimum of €900 or £762.62, or other equivalent foreign currency.

Tourists may use one of the following as proof of sufficient funds:

• Certified checks
• Traveller’s checks
• Payment letters
• Credit cards, which must be accompanied by bank account statements or an updated bank book (letters from banks or internet bank statements will not be accepted)

Is any other documentation required?

Yes, non-EU tourists may also be asked to show proof of a ticket for return travel or travel to another country after Spain .

Proof of accommodation may also be requested for tourists or for private trips. This could be a booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting your own property (such as a second home), an invitation from your host or proof of their address if staying with family, friends or a third party.

The Spanish Government has confirmed that the “carta de invitation”, which is an official document that must be requested by someone living in Spain who is hosting a non-EU national.

A host can then send this “invitation letter” to their guest who can present the document to border officials as proof of a place to stay while in Spain.

Border force officials are permitted to request the letter if you are staying with family and friends and can deny you entry if you cannot provide it.

All visitors are advised to carry proof of accommodation when visiting.

If you have dual nationality with another EU country or have Spanish citizenship or residency then you will not need to provide a “carta de invitation”

Those travelling to Spain for work may be required to show proof of an invitation from a company or authority or similar.

Are Covid-related entry rules still in place?

Yes, Spain still requires visitors aged 12 or over to present one of the following:

Proof of fully vaccination: travellers aged 18 or over must have received the final dose of a two jab or single jab vaccine at least 14 days and no more than 270 days before travel to Spain; if more than 270 days have past, you will need to have received a booster to be considered fully vaccinated. Travellers aged 12–17 who have received a full course of a vaccine must have had the final dose at least 14 days before travel, but if more than 270 days have passed since the final dose, they do not need to have had a booster to qualify as fully vaccinated.

A negative Covid-19 test result from a PCR taken within 72 hours of departure or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure.

Proof of having recovered from Covid in the previous six months, such as a medical certificate

Children under 12

Travellers aged 11 or under do not need to show proof of vaccination, a negative test or prior infection for entry.

Do I need to complete any forms?

If you are fully vaccinated and have the NHS Covid pass, then you do not need to complete Spain’s health control form. However, the Spain Travel Health website advises that you check that your certificate is valid at least 72 hours before travel. You can do so by uploading a copy of your form (which you can download from the NHS app) to the website.

If you are not fully vaccinated and therefore do not have an NHS Covid Pass, then you will need to complete Spain’s Health control form .

Under-12s do not need to complete the form.

More from Travel

Do any other rules apply?

Passport stamps

You must have your passport stamps on your entry to and exit from Spain. Border guards use these to check you are complying with the 90-days in any 180-day period visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area, which has applied to UK passport holders since the end of the Brexit transition period.

Passport validity

UK passport holders must meet these two requirements, which are independent of one another:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’) 
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’) 

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Simon Calder warns that without these documents you could be turned away from Spain

Exclusive: the ‘letter of invitation’ takes weeks to obtain, and is one of many brexit hurdles the uk insisted on applying to its citizens, article bookmarked.

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After the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016, negotiators in Brussels acquiesced to our insistence that we should be “third-country nationals”. Brexit means British travellers face much higher hurdles for any trip to the EU and wider Schengen Area.

On arrival at a Schengen frontier, each British passport must be examined and stamped. Officials need to ensure the traveller has not spent too much time in the EU recently (a maximum of 90 days in any 180 days).

They must also be satisfied that the traveller has sufficient financial resources and will return to the UK (or continue to a non-EU country) after a short visit.

Each European Union nation can choose its own subsistence criteria for admitting British travellers – and also impose requirements on accommodation. Spain requires anyone staying with friends or family to obtain a Carta de Invitación (Letter of Invitation). The process can take weeks, and the official document costs over £70. But without it you may be turned away at the border.

What are the Spanish rules?

Spain is the most popular holiday destination for UK travellers. The authorities demand evidence of a booking for hotel or other commercial accommodation. The Foreign Office says: “At Spanish border control, you may need to show:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of your travel insurance
• you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation
• a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if you’re staying at your own property
• an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitación’ completed by your hosts.”

How does my host get a Carta de Invitación?

They should first download the form (in Spanish only) and complete it.. They can then apply at the local police station in Spain for a carta de invitación.

Besides full details of the invitee and the exact relación o vínculo (“relationship or bond”) the property owner has with the guest, they must produce the title deeds to the property and specify the dates when the guest will be staying. In addition, “the applicant may be summoned to hold a personal interview in order to verify his or her identity”.

Once the letter is ready, several weeks later, the host can collect it on payment of a fee of around £70.

Crikey – is there any way around this?

Some people recommend the traveller swerves the requirement by making a cancellable booking for a hotel; printing out the confirmation; and cancelling the room once through Spanish passport control. The Independent does not condone this course of action.

Besides the Letter of Invitation, how much money must I have at the border?

Each British visitor must have at least €1,020.60 (£862), which will cover a stay of up to nine days. For trips of 10 days or longer, you must have a minimum of 10 per cent of the monthly minimum wage – currently €113.40 (£96) per person per day.

For a fortnight’s holiday a family of four will need proof of £5,364 in total.

You can provide cash, travellers’ cheques or credit cards; the latter must be supported by “a bank account statement or an up-to-date bank book … or any other means that reliably certifies the amount available as credit on the aforementioned card or bank account”.

Internet bank statements are not acceptable, the Spanish government warns.

What if I don’t have the money – or the letter?

“Entry into Spanish territory will be denied,” say the authorities in Madrid . In practice, few travellers are likely to be asked. But when temperatures are running high over Gibraltar, officials at the land crossing from the British Overseas Territory into Spain may ask for full documentation.

How did we get to this position?

Because we asked for it. The European Union acquiesced to UK demands and agreed to grant us the status of third-country nationals.

“A great moment in history” – eight years ago this month, that was how leading Brexiteer Andrea Leadsom portrayed the vote to leave the European Union. “My ambition will be to guide our country to the sunlit uplands.”

Her colleague Michael Gove chimed in: “We hold all the cards and we can choose the path we want.”

The path we wanted was to become third-country nationals, facing a tangle of rules and restrictions – including the Carta de Invitación . So whether or not you voted to leave the EU, you can rejoice in the fact that Brussels gave us exactly what we wanted.

As the first Brexit Secretary, David Davis pointed out: “There will be no downside to Brexit, only a considerable upside.”

Our guide to the complete ‘Benefits of Brexit’ for travellers, as claimed by the government; it is not a long article

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Election latest: Elton John backs Labour and Starmer in general election; Farage told to 'get a grip' on party

Labour is holding a major rally in London as the general election campaign enters the final days. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage has been told to "get a grip" on his party amid a vast racism row.

Saturday 29 June 2024 18:11, UK

• General Election 2024

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• Farage urged to 'get a grip' of Reform UK
• Reform canvasser in PM racism row says he was 'a total fool'
• Faultlines:   Eight-hour school runs and kids too hungry to sleep - the families caught up in housing 'social cleansing'
• Politics at Jack and Sam's : The last weekend
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch and (earlier)  Faith Ridler

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Conservatives | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid | Reform | SNP
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage:  Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts:  Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo
• How to watch election on Sky News

Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party has secured the endorsement of global superstar Sir Elton John, and his husband, David Furnish.

In a video message played to activists and supporters at the party's campaign rally in London, Sir Elton said it is "heartbreaking to see Britain's next generation of creative talent downtrodden and destroyed by democracy and red tape".

He says the cultural education that paved the way for his career and success is "drying up and in danger of dying out completely".

Mr Furnish says it is "madness to treat a hugely successful sector with such disdain, particularly one that has been the envy of the world for decades".

He goes on to say that Labour's manifesto "sets out sensible and practical proposals that promise to give every young person a creative education and help young and emerging musicians achieve the routes to success that have been cruelly and pointlessly snatched away from them".

That is why, Sir Elton explains, they are backing Labour and Sir Keir Starmer.

Sir Elton has previously backed the Labour Party, saying back in 2006 that he was a fan of Tony Blair.

The Labour campaign rally has just concluded - but not before party supporters were treated to a musical performance.

British singer Låpsley performed her song "Better Times".

The chorus is the line "moving on to better times" repeated on loop.

The bridge section includes the lyrics, "Wave the year goodbye, Moving on to better times".

Not exactly a hidden message there from Låpsley and Labour...

The Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has just addressed party supporters and activists at a campaign rally in London.

Here is what he said, as he said it (this post was updated live):

• Sir Keir Starmer opens his speech by thanking the previous speakers - particularly the first time voter who addressed the crowd just before him;
• He says everyone has "one job" - which is "to make sure it's a summer of change, to restore hope, to restore spirit, belief in a better future";
• He says people can use their vote "to stop the chaos, to turn the page, and start to rebuild our country";
• Sir Keir argues that the last four years have been about changing the party to put it "back in the service of working people", adding: "Country first, party second";
• He thanks activists for their work not just during the campaign, but over the last four years, saying: "Thank you for everything";
• But he goes on to say that these final days of the campaign is "the hardest mile" of the campaign;
• "The hope has been kicked out" of the British people, he argues, and says people "need to be convinced that change is possible" and to "vote for it";
• Sir Keir pledges that if Labour wins the election on Thursday, the work "begins immediately";
• He says Labour needs a "clear mandate" from the electorate, pointing to "chaos under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, two politicians who never had a clear mandate";
• Britain will be "stuck" in a "doom loop" if there is not a "democratic reckoning" on Thursday - as he lists what Labour would view as the misdeeds and failures of the Tories;
• He concludes by saying: "Change only happens if you vote for it, and it's time for change."

Actor, musician, and comedian Bill Bailey is next to speak at Labour's campaign rally.

He is a lifelong Labour supporter, and has previously appeared in election broadcasts on behalf of the party.

He opens with jokes about his new haircut, but moves quickly on to more serious matters - the rapidly approaching election day.

"The Tories are now bracing themselves for a Liz Truss comeback - what is it with this 'don't surrender' business? It's a kind of mad wartime nonsense."

He is referring to the Conservative Party's latest message of not "surrendering" to the Labour Party.

"To say they've got a grip of things is an insult to grips and things," he quips, to laughter and applause.

He tells activists that this election is "the most important" of his lifetime, and "feels like a pivotal moment in Britain's fortunes".

He thanks party supporters and activists, but warns that it's "not over yet", saying that "every vote is crucial".

Appealing to the wider public to cast a ballot, he says: "Every vote counts."

"The fact that we now have a real possibility of a Labour government is in no small part [thanks] to the great efforts of Keir Starmer," he tells the audience, that breaks out in loud applause.

He praises Sir Keir's plan, as well as the team he has built around him.

Mr Bailey appeals to voters to back Labour, saying change only comes if you vote for it.

He says the feeling of the last 14 years is "neglect" and missed opportunities".

"These 14 years have diminished a sense of what is possible, of what Britain is capable of, of what we are all capable of.

"We say enough of that. 14 years of waste - it has to end."

Labour's deputy leader has just addressed party supporters at a campaign rally in London.

Here is what she said, as she said it (this post was updated live):

• Ms Rayner opens by thanking activists for their work on this campaign so far, on behalf of the entire shadow cabinet team;
• But she says there is still "a long way to go" and "millions" have not cast their vote or decided which way they will go, so slowing down would be "disrespectful to them";
• "Right now we've won nothing," she emphasises;
• "The past six weeks alone have shown we can't take another minute of this chaos";
• She argues that Labour has delivered change in government in past, and is now "ready to deliver a radical and responsibly plan for Britain's future";
• She reiterates that Labour does "not promise the earth", but that "stability is change and the bedrock upon which everything is built";
• Ms Rayner warns that "next Friday, we could all wake up to five more years of Tory chaos" - and appeals to the public to vote for "change" with Labour.

With days to go until polls open in the general election, the Labour Party is holding a major campaign rally in London.

Sir Keir Starmer is due to address gathered activists as they prepare to make their closing arguments to voters across the country.

The party is also expected to unveil celebrity endorsements during the event.

Watch live in the stream at the top of this page, at the link below - and follow live updates here in the Politics Hub.

TV presenter Rylan Clark has said he would "love" to become a politician - and replace the party system with a "Power Rangers of government" model.

The TV personality, 35, joined political editor Beth Rigby and former Scottish Conservative leader Baroness Ruth Davidson for this week's Sky News Electoral Dysfunction podcast.

Asked if he would ever consider the career change, he said: "If I wasn't in the job that I was in, I would love nothing more."

Rylan, who won Celebrity Big Brother and also appeared on the X Factor, appeared on the podcast in place of Labour candidate Jess Phillips after tweeting his praise for Rigby on the day Rishi Sunak announced the general election.

Sharing a clip of her and Sky presenter Sophy Ridge outside a rainy Downing Street waiting for Mr Sunak to appear at the lectern, he said: "Obsessed with the Rigby."

Speaking to her and Davidson, he said his "obsession" with politics began with Brexit - "as we've seen so many promises which weren't fulfilled" since then.

He added: "I lie there at night sometimes, and I think about [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy. He hosted one of the same shows I've hosted in Ukraine."

The TV presenter also shared his idea of abandoning political parties altogether.

Read the full story here: 

By Matthew Thompson, political correspondent

837 miles. That is, officially at least, the distance the Lib Dem bus will travel on its final campaign push from John O'Groats in the North East of Scotland, to Land's End on the tip of Cornwall.

Add in several daily campaign stops (and, insists our producer Katy, the fact that she and a hardcore crew rode the bus all the way up from London), and the total distance will be considerably more.

Nor is it simply another Lib Dem gimmick. Both John O'Groats and Land's End are in constituencies the party are very much targeting at this election.

What's instructive, though, are the stops they have planned in-between.

It's been a busy start to the trip, with four stops in Scotland alone. A mixture of seats the party is defending, and those it hopes to take from the SNP.

But once we leave Edinburgh tonight, we drive for several hours without stopping, until we reach the South West of England.

And not by accident. Even the most generous polls only have the Lib Dems gaining 6 seats across the whole of the North of England and the Midlands.

This is a highly targeted campaign. The strategy is to focus on areas where the party has historical strength, and where it has recently come second, primarily to the Conservatives.

And of approximately 85 such seats, 69 are in the South West, South East and London.

It is there that the Lib Dem campaign will succeed or fail. And it is there that we will spend the last precious few days left to campaign.

No doubt with the occasional stunt thrown in for good measure. 

Pledges and promises are coming thick and fast from every party as the general election approaches. 

Struggling to keep up with who is saying what?

Here is a summary of where the main parties stand on major issues.

For a more in-depth look at what each party has pledged, scour our  manifesto checker ...

By Jason Farrell , home editor

The Welsh electorate has travelled in one direction for the last 100 years.

Labour always win more votes and seats than their rivals in Wales but, floating our parliamentary bench on a barge across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, we discover not everything is as tranquil as it seems in this stunning beauty spot.

The 20mph speed limit, wind farms and waiting times on the NHS are all matters raised by people who are not happy with Labour's record in the Senedd.

The first person we meet is Reuben Jones, who works at the local barge hire company adjacent to the aqueduct.

"I'm a transgender person," says Reuben. "I'm very unhappy with the state of the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts at the moment. There are a lot of issues with the education system, a lot of problems with the health care system."

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