Passport warning for Britons heading to Spain – what rules must Brits follow?

British football fans are expected to descend on Spain’s capital of Madrid in the coming weeks as Liverpool FC plays against Atlético de Madrid CF. But new post-Brexit passport rules mean that some Britons could be barred from entering the country if they don’t check their travel documents.

According to the Embassy, queuing at border control may be slightly different now that the UK is no longer part of the EU.

It states: “At Spanish border control, it is likely you will need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing.

“Your passport is usually stamped on entry and exit unless you can demonstrate that you are a resident of Spain.

“You may also need to show: a return or onward ticket, enough money for your stay, proof of accommodation for your stay, for example, a hotel booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting your own property (for example, a second home), or an invitation from your host or proof of their address if staying with a third party, friends or family.”

Along with important passport rules, Britons must also follow the Covid guidelines which remain in place for visitors in Spain.

Vaccinated travellers should carry evidence of having received both doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine 14 days or more before travel. Spain is accepting the NHS app or vaccine letters as proof.

Unvaccinated travellers must show proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid amplification test (for example a PCR, TMA, LAMP or NEAR test) taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain.

All arrivals must also fill in a Spanish Health Control Form.