Britons heading to Spain this year face three key travel rule changes, affecting pet travel, border entry, and documentation. Spain remains a top destination, with over 19 million UK visitors recorded last year alone.
From April 2026, EU pet passports issued to UK residents are no longer valid for entry into the EU. Instead, pet owners must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a vet within 10 days of travel. The AHC is valid for up to six months for onward EU travel and re-entry to Britain, provided rabies vaccination is current. Additional written authorisation is required if someone other than the owner accompanies the pet.
The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully rolled out on 10 April 2026, requiring British travellers to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) on first arrival in the Schengen area. The digital record is valid for three years. Spanish airports, managed by AENA, have instructed staff to ease the process and reduce waiting times, particularly for families and passengers with reduced mobility.
The Foreign Office advises travellers to carry valid travel documents and arrive at airports early to avoid disruption. The changes aim to streamline border controls but have caused some initial delays.
