<h6><strong>The Diplomat</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The British Embassy in Madrid has reminded that people wishing to travel to the United Kingdom this summer must apply in advance for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).</strong></h4> Since April 2, all Spanish citizens (including minors) who do not have a visa or legal residence in the United Kingdom will require an ETA to travel to the United Kingdom for tourism, business, or other visits of less than six months. Those traveling with family must also register all minors. Travelers with an approved visa, those already registered as residents in the United Kingdom, citizens with an Irish passport, or people traveling to the United Kingdom solely in transit and who do not need to pass through a border crossing at the airport to catch another flight will be exempt from registration. This authorization is processed electronically and must be obtained before traveling to the United Kingdom through GOV.UK, the British Government website, or by downloading the official UK ETA app (Apple Store or Android). In this regard, the Embassy has warned against fraudulent attempts and therefore recommends that registrations be completed through the official app or website. "It is advisable to register at least three days before your trip to ensure you receive a timely response," the Embassy advised. The process costs 16 pounds (about 19 euros) and allows you to travel to the United Kingdom as many times as you like for two years, unless your passport expires before then and as long as you will be staying for less than six months. The ETA is a registration for third-country nationals that was extended to citizens of European Union countries last March. Its aim is to improve border security and is similar to similar systems that have been or will be introduced in other countries such as the United States and Australia, or as the European Union will do with ETIAS in 2026. In 2024, Spain was the fifth-largest source market for visits to the United Kingdom, with 2.6 million visitors, a record year and 17 percent more than the previous year. In terms of spending, Spain was the sixth-largest recipient market in 2024—also a record year—with £1.3 billion, representing a 22 percent increase compared to 2023.
