Do you need ETIAS for Spain?
Spain is one of the most-visited ETIAS destinations for UK, US, Canadian and Australian travellers. When the system goes live, eligible visa-exempt visitors will need an approved ETIAS before they can enter.
In brief
ETIAS at a glance
- Status
- Not live yet
- Expected launch
- Last quarter of 2026
- Applications open
- Not yet
- Official fee
- Expected €20
- Validity
- 3 years or until passport expiry
- Stay limit
- 90 days in any 180-day period
- Official application route
- Official EU ETIAS website / app when live
- Private help
- ETIAS Pro may offer optional support when applications open
Spain at a glance for ETIAS
- mainland Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia)
- the Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera
- the Canary Islands: Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura
- package holidays, cruises and winter-sun breaks
- second homes and longer stays within the 90-day limit
Is Spain part of ETIAS?
Yes. Spain is a Schengen country and is fully inside the ETIAS scheme, including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. The same ETIAS rules apply to Madrid, Barcelona, Mallorca and Tenerife.
Package holidays, cruises and second homes in Spain
However you travel, the ETIAS rule is the same. Package holidaymakers flying to the Costa del Sol or the islands will need an approved ETIAS before they go, and many operators are likely to remind customers nearer launch. Cruise passengers need it too: if your ship calls at a Spanish port such as Barcelona or Palma and you step ashore, that counts as entering. Second-home owners are not exempt either. ETIAS does not extend the 90 days in any 180-day limit, so longer winter stays still have to fit the allowance, or use a Spanish residence route for anything longer.
Do UK citizens need ETIAS for Spain?
Yes, UK passport holders are expected to need ETIAS for Spain once the system becomes mandatory. This applies to package holidays, city breaks, ski trips and stays in second homes, provided each stay stays within 90 days in any 180-day period.
Do US citizens need ETIAS for Spain?
Yes. Americans are visa-exempt for short stays in Spain and will need ETIAS once it becomes mandatory. ETIAS does not replace a Spanish residence permit or work visa for longer stays.
Do Canadian and Australian citizens need ETIAS for Spain?
Yes, Canadian and Australian passport holders are also expected to need ETIAS for Spain once the system goes live, on the same basis as UK and US travellers.
How long can you stay in Spain on ETIAS?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area, with ETIAS itself valid for up to 3 years (or until your passport expires). Stays in Spain count toward the same Schengen total as stays in France, Italy and other Schengen countries.
Can you visit other European countries on the same trip?
Yes. ETIAS covers all 30 participating countries, so a single ETIAS lets you combine, say, a few days in Spain with onward travel to Portugal, France or Italy, as long as your total Schengen stay stays within the 90/180 rule.
When should you apply for ETIAS for Spain?
Applications are not open, so there is nothing to do yet. Once ETIAS launches, apply a few days before you fly to allow for any checks. The expected official fee is €20.
Travelling to Spain? Read by nationality
Get the rules specific to your passport.
Get the ETIAS launch alert for Spain trips
Get one email when ETIAS applications open. No passport details. No payment before launch.
Common questions
What is the 90/180-day Schengen rule?
ETIAS-eligible travellers can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day window. ETIAS does not extend that limit; it only authorises short stays within the existing rules.
How long will ETIAS last?
An approved ETIAS is expected to be valid for up to 3 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It allows short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period within ETIAS countries.
How much will ETIAS cost?
The official ETIAS fee is expected to be €20. Travellers under 18 and over 70 are expected to be exempt from the fee, though they will still need an ETIAS. Private services may charge a separate, optional service fee for help with the application.
Is ETIAS a visa?
Technically no. ETIAS is a travel authorisation, not a visa. Many travellers search for “ETIAS visa” or “Europe visa waiver”. The closest comparison is the US ESTA system. You still need a valid passport, and ETIAS does not guarantee entry: border officers always make the final decision.
Can I apply directly through the EU?
Yes. When the official ETIAS system opens, every traveller will be able to apply directly through the official EU website or app at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. Using a private service is always optional.
Related pages
Be ready for ETIAS before your next trip to Spain
ETIAS is not live yet. Check whether you’re likely to need it and get one email when applications open.