Before embarking on a trip to Spain, it is essential to be aware of three important changes in travel regulations. Recent months have seen significant alterations in how UK residents travel, particularly to popular destinations like Spain. Staying informed about these changes is crucial to avoid any travel disruptions, especially considering the high number of UK tourists who visit Spain annually.
One recent change affecting British pet owners traveling abroad with their pets is the invalidation of most pet passports for entry into the EU. Instead, individuals traveling with pets such as dogs, cats, assistance dogs, or ferrets now need to obtain an animal health certificate (AHC). The government has advised that EU pet passports are no longer valid for GB residents and that an AHC is now required for travel into the EU.
The AHC must be issued by a veterinarian within 10 days before the trip, with a new certificate necessary for each journey into the EU. However, there are no alterations to the pet travel documentation required for returning to Britain, where EU pet passports can still be used.
Furthermore, as of April 10, 2026, the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully implemented in airports. This system mandates that British travelers heading to the Schengen area must register digitally and provide biometric details like fingerprints and a photograph. While this system aims to enhance security, it has led to some travel disruptions for UK travelers as they navigate the new digital border checks.
To facilitate the transition for travelers using the EES, Spanish airports are implementing adjustments to reduce waiting times. Measures may include directing families with young children and passengers with reduced mobility to dedicated passport-stamping checkpoints in case of long queues at digital border control points. Additionally, flight arrivals could be staggered to streamline the process.
For travel to Spain, Brits can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, covering various purposes such as tourism, business meetings, or short-term studies. It is crucial to ensure compliance with the 90-day visa-free limit to avoid potential entry bans into Schengen countries for up to 3 years if overstayed.
Travelers heading to Spain are advised to be prepared to show certain documents at border control. For more information on travel regulations to Spain, visit the Foreign Office website.