Visas & Entry
Overview
This page covers entry requirements for the countries in this wiki, written primarily from the perspective of a UK passport holder (post-Brexit). EU/EEA nationals have free movement rights in all EU countries covered; US citizen notes are added where requirements differ significantly from UK.
Schengen Area
Both Italy and Spain are members of the Schengen Area — a zone of 27 European countries with no internal border controls and a shared external visa policy.
UK passport holders (post-Brexit): may visit any Schengen country (or combination of Schengen countries) for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period without a visa. This is a combined allowance across all Schengen countries — 30 days in Italy and 30 days in Spain counts as 60 days, not 30+30. Keep a record of entry and exit dates.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System): the EU is introducing a pre-travel online registration requirement (similar to the US ESTA or Australian ETA) for visa-exempt nationals, including UK citizens. It is not a visa — it is an online authorisation expected to cost ~€7 and be valid for 3 years. Check the current launch status before travel — it has been delayed multiple times and may or may not be in effect at the time of your trip.
No stamp guarantee: not all Schengen border crossings stamp passports. If you need to prove dates of travel (e.g. for insurance or visa applications), keep boarding passes, hotel receipts, and bank statements.
Country-Specific Entry Notes
| Country | UK Visa Required | Schengen | ETIAS Applies | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | No (90/180 days) | Yes | Yes (when live) | See italy |
| Spain | No (90/180 days) | Yes | Yes (when live) | See spain |
Passport Validity
Most Schengen countries require your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay (not the old “6 months validity” rule, which applied to some non-Schengen destinations). However, UK passports issued before 1 October 2018 may have had their expiry date adjusted when renewed — check actual issue date and expiry carefully, as some older passports have reduced validity. Renew before travel if in doubt.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all trips to both Italy and Spain. Ensure it covers:
- Emergency medical treatment and repatriation
- Cancellation and curtailment
- Baggage and personal belongings The GHIC card (Global Health Insurance Card — UK replacement for EHIC) provides access to state healthcare in EU countries on the same terms as local residents. It does not replace travel insurance — it covers state medical costs only, not repatriation, private treatment, or other losses.