Spain has confirmed new travel regulations for British holidaymakers, introducing a €20 (£17.45) entry fee under the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The fee, set to roll out from late 2026, will apply to non-EU travellers including UK passport holders visiting Spain and 29 other European nations.
However, the Spanish government has clarified that over-70s and children under 18 will be exempt from the charge. The €20 fee represents a significant increase from the originally proposed €7, which Brussels says is necessary to cover Covid recovery costs and additional technical features.
The ETIAS scheme has faced multiple delays, with the EU now projecting a launch in the last quarter of 2026 and mandatory implementation in 2027 after a grace period. Most applications are expected to be approved quickly, but refusals may occur due to invalid passports, security risks, or incomplete submissions.
The UK government has noted that the ETIAS authorisation will last for three years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner. It is free for under-18s and over-70s, while those aged 18 to 70 must pay the fee. The system mirrors the US ESTA and the UK's own Electronic Travel Authorisation for non-UK travellers.
