No, UK citizens do not need a visa for Fuerteventura (part of Spain) for short tourist stays, as it's within the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free entry for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but you need a valid passport (issued less than 10 years ago) and must meet other entry requirements like having return tickets and travel insurance.
Yes. As the Canary Islands are part of Spain, both the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) are valid for emergency healthcare during your holiday.
No, UK citizens don't need a visa to visit Spain for short stays. British passport holders can enter Spain for tourism, leisure, family visits or short business trips for up to 90 days within a 180 day period without applying for a visa. Short-term studies or training don't require a visa either.
The Schengen Area also includes the Spanish overseas territories of the Canaries — i.e., Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Graciosa — and the Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores).
How to move to Spain from the UK - Visas and Residencias explained!
When in 2025 will ETIAS start?
When will ETIAS go into effect? ETIAS is scheduled to be introduced in the last quarter of 2026. The exact date will be announced at least six (6) months before the system enters into operation. The Entry/Exit System (explained further) will begin on October 12, 2025.
Do British citizens need a visa for Spain in 2025?
Beginning in mid-2025, UK nationals will not need a visa for short stays in Europe, but an ETIAS visa waiver will be required. Since Britain exited the EU, there are no new visa requirements for British citizens traveling to Europe for short periods, but there are some new rules and regulations of which to be aware.
Fuerteventura enjoys pleasant weather all year round. Make sure you wear sun cream and ensure you top it up, especially if you are in and out of the sea or pool. It's also worth being aware that there is a breeze, especially during the summer, which can make it feel cooler than it is.
Yes, UK citizens can get free healthcare in Spain, but it depends on your situation: tourists use a GHIC/EHIC for emergency/necessary state care, while residents typically need to register for Spanish Social Security (if working) or use an S1 form (if retired UK pensioner), granting access to the universal public system, though prescriptions may have a small co-pay. For longer stays or if not eligible for S1/Social Security, private insurance or the Convenio Especial (special agreement) might be needed.
The Canary Islands are on some travel "no list" for 2026, not due to immediate danger, but because of overtourism's unsustainable strain on resources, causing water shortages, environmental damage, housing crises, and local frustration, leading to anti-tourism protests and highlighting the need for a tourist "breather" for the islands to cope with massive visitor numbers.
You can fill in the application form using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 20, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee.
You should apply for an ETIAS authorization well in advance of your trip, ideally before booking your ticket or accommodation. While most applications are processed within minutes, in some cases, additional documents or an interview may be required, which can extend the process by up to 30 days.
Do I need ETIAS to travel to Spain in January 2025?
EES started on 12 October 2025. It will be introduced in phases, building towards being fully operational by 10 April 2026. You won't need an ETIAS for travel this year. The EU is looking to introduce ETIAS towards the end of 2026.
For Fall 2025, F1 visa slots for Indian students will start to open around June or July, though there might be a few slots available in May. It is advisable to book your F1 visa slots for fall 2025 up to 120 days before your course starts.
Of the 27 EU member states, only two, Cyprus and Ireland, are not members of the Schengen Area. Cyprus is committed by treaty to join the system and aims to do so in 2026, although its participation has been complicated by the occupation of Northern Cyprus by Turkey since 1974.
Albania is not a Schengen country, meaning many non-EU nationals - including Brits - can spend 90 days there without it counting towards the wider 90-day rule. Albania is rising as a hot destination for tourists in Europe thanks to its beautiful beaches, mountains, affordable cost of living and welcoming locals.
