A clear guide for UK nationals, Withdrawal Agreement beneficiaries, and families travelling from Spain
Travelling in and out of Spain as a resident comes with specific requirements — especially for UK nationals protected under the Withdrawal Agreement. This updated 2026 guide explains what documents you need, what to expect at the border, and the rules for children travelling alone.
🛂 Travelling With Your Residency Documents
If you are legally resident in Spain, you should always travel with:
- Your valid passport, and
- Your residence document (green EU certificate or TIE)
If you have applied for residency but have not yet received your document, carry proof of your application (resguardo, appointment confirmation, or submission receipt).
If you have not yet applied for residency but live in Spain, carry evidence of residence, such as:
- A tenancy agreement
- Utility bills
- Empadronamiento
- Employment contract
These documents help demonstrate that you are a resident and in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement.
If you cannot show residency evidence, border officers may ask additional questions and may stamp your passport. This does not affect your rights in Spain, but it may cause delays.
🛃 Passport Validity Requirements
✔️ For UK Nationals Protected by the Withdrawal Agreement
If you hold a green certificate or TIE under the Withdrawal Agreement, the standard “6‑month passport validity” rule does not apply when entering Spain.
You may enter Spain with a valid passport even if it has less than 6 months remaining, as long as it is not expired.
✔️ For Travel to Other EU/Schengen Countries
If you are a UK national not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement:
- Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day of entry
- You must have at least 6 months’ validity remaining
If your passport was renewed early, any extra months do not count toward the 10‑year limit.
You can renew your British passport from Spain if needed.
🚶♂️ Border Checks for UK Nationals
As a non‑EEA national, you may need to:
- Use separate lanes from EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
- Show proof of onward or return travel
- Demonstrate sufficient funds (for non‑residents)
- Present accommodation details
Withdrawal Agreement residents should present their TIE or green certificate to avoid being treated as a short‑stay visitor.
🗺️ Entry Requirements for Travel Within the Schengen Area
You can travel to other Schengen countries for:
- Up to 90 days in any 180‑day period
- For tourism, family visits, or business meetings
To stay longer, work, or study, you must meet the entry requirements of the country you are visiting — this may require a visa or work permit.
Time spent in a country on a visa does not count toward the 90‑day limit.
For EU countries outside Schengen (e.g., Ireland, Cyprus), check their specific entry rules.
Travel between Spain, the UK, and Ireland remains unchanged.
👧 Children Travelling From Spain Without a Parent
Children under 18 who are resident in Spain and travel without a parent or legal guardian may require a certified authorisation (permiso de viaje).
This is in addition to their passport or ID.
✔️ This requirement applies to:
- Spanish children
- Foreign children who are resident in Spain and subject to Spanish law
✔️ This requirement does not apply to:
- Foreign children who are not resident in Spain
- British children travelling under UK law (unless a court order requires permission)
✔️ Where to obtain the authorisation:
- A public notary
- A National Police station (Comisaría)
- A Guardia Civil station
British consulates do not issue travel authorisation letters.
If a British child is subject to a court order requiring written permission, you must obtain the authorisation from a Spanish notary to avoid delays at departure.
🧭 Key Takeaways (2026)
- Always travel with your passport + residency document
- WA beneficiaries are exempt from the 6‑month passport rule when entering Spain
- Non‑WA UK nationals must follow standard Schengen passport rules
- Children travelling alone may require notarised authorisation
- Passport stamping does not affect your rights if you are a resident
- Keep proof of residency handy when travelling