Travelling to Spain from UK

Planning a trip to sunny Spain from the UK? You’re in for a treat! Spain offers a perfect blend of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Let’s dive into everything you need to know for a smooth journey.

Travel Documents and Entry Requirements

Passport Power

Your passport is your golden ticket to Spain. Ensure it meets these criteria:

Issued less than 10 years before your entry date
Valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure

Don’t forget to check both the issue date and expiry date on your passport.

Visa-Free Bliss

Good news! UK citizens don’t need a visa for short stays in Spain. You can enjoy up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area.

Proof of Plans

Border officials may ask for:

A return or onward travel ticket
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay

Financial Matters

Show Me the Money

Spain requires visitors to prove they have enough funds for their stay. To travel to Spain from UK, you need to show €113.40 per person per day, with a minimum of €900. You can demonstrate this through:

Cash
Traveller’s cheques
Debit/credit cards
Bank statements

Don’t worry too much about this rule; it’s rarely enforced for UK tourists. You must visit the official website for accurate details.

Getting There

Fly Away

Travelling to Spain from UK is comfortable if you fly by air. Flying is the quickest and often cheapest option. Airlines serving Spain from the UK include:

Iberia
British Airways
Vueling
easyJet
Jet2
Ryanair

Train Adventure

For eco-conscious travellers, consider taking the train. You can reach Barcelona the same day:

Take the Eurostar to Paris
Change to the TGV high-speed train to Barcelona

Ferry Fun

Fancy a sea voyage? Brittany Ferries operates routes from:

Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao
Plymouth to Santander

This option is great if you want to bring your car along.

Getting Around Spain

Train Travel

Travelling to Spain from UK can be fun if you travel via train. Spain’s high-speed AVE train network connects major cities like:

Barcelona
Madrid
Alicante
Valencia
Cordoba
Seville
Malaga

Look out for low-cost carriers Avlo and Ouigo for budget-friendly options.

Domestic Flights

For quicker hops between cities, consider domestic flights with:

Iberia
Air Europa
Vueling
Volotea
easyJet
Ryanair

Road Trip Ready

Renting a car gives you freedom to explore, but it can be pricey[1]. Good news: your UK driving license is valid in Spain for up to 6 months.

Best Time to Visit

Summer Sizzle

July and August are peak tourist season. You can expect warm and sunny weather. The prices are higher on the coast and islands. The beaches are crowded. The con is cities are really hot.

Spring and Autumn Charm

For a more pleasant experience, consider visiting in spring or autumn. You’ll enjoy milder weather. The prices are low except during local festivals. Even the attractions are less crowded during spring and autumn charm.

Holy Week Hustle

Semana Santa (Holy Week) sees most towns and cities bustling with activity. If you prefer quieter times, head to the coast or countryside during this period.

Must-Visit Destinations

Barcelona Brilliance

Don’t miss:

Montjuic and the National Art Museum of Catalonia
Gaudí’s architectural wonders (Casa Batlló, Sagrada Familia)
Costa Brava beach towns like Cadaqués or Sitges

Madrid Magic

Explore:

Hip neighborhoods like Malasaña and Chueca
Gran Via and the iconic Edificio Metropolis
World-class museums: Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza

Seville Splendor

Spend a perfect autumn weekend in this southern gem, known for:

Fabulous food
Extraordinary architecture
Exotic flamenco

Future Travel Requirements

ETIAS on the Horizon

From mid-2025, UK travellers will need:

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme)
A visa waiver costing €7, valid for three years (check official website for accurate details).

Fingerprinting Fun

Starting in 2025, you can expect fingerprinting at entry points.

Get your passport stamped to track your Schengen stay
Keep evidence of entry/exit dates (boarding passes, tickets) if your passport isn’t stamped
Check for any COVID-19 restrictions before travel, though currently there are none

Travelling to Spain from UK is an exciting adventure. With this guide, you’re well-prepared for a fantastic Spanish getaway. ¡Buen viaje!

Source:

Source Link 1 Source Link 2 Source Link 3