Before traveling to Spain, it’s important to be aware of three key travel rule changes. Recent updates have impacted how British travelers journey to popular destinations like Spain. Staying informed is crucial to avoid disruptions, especially considering the high number of UK tourists that visit Spain annually.
One recent change affects British pet owners traveling with their pets. Additionally, there have been adjustments to how Brits enter the EU, including Spain. The Foreign Office advises on the necessity of valid travel documents to avoid any issues.
Under the new regulations, most pet passports are no longer valid for EU travel, requiring travelers to obtain an animal health certificate (AHC) for their pets. The government emphasizes the need for GB residents to secure an AHC for their pets when traveling from Great Britain to an EU country.
The AHC must be issued by a vet within 10 days of the trip, with a fresh certificate required for each EU journey. However, returning to Britain does not require changes to pet travel documents. Additional documentation is needed if someone other than the owner accompanies the pet on the trip.
The European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully implemented on April 10, 2026, at airports. This system mandates British travelers to create a digital record and provide biometric details when entering Schengen area countries, including Spain. Reports indicate travel disruptions due to the new digital border checks, advising travelers to anticipate delays.
To streamline the process, Spanish airports are implementing adjustments to reduce waiting times for British arrivals. Measures include redirecting families with young children and passengers with reduced mobility to the old passport-stamping border control point during peak times. Valid passport holders can travel to Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Travelers must ensure their entire Schengen visit stays within the 90-day visa-free limit. Overstaying may result in a ban from Schengen countries for up to three years. At border control, travelers heading to Spain may need to present specific documents. For more details on traveling to Spain, visit the Foreign Office website.
