When traveling outside of Spain, bring both your tourist passport and official no-fee passport (if active duty or a dependent). (Kat Nickola)
Our 2026-2027 “Welcome to Spain” magazine is a guide for newcomers and is a vital resource for understanding your new home in Spain.
When traveling outside of Spain, bring both your tourist passport and official no-fee passport (if active duty or a dependent).
Travel beyond Spain and use your tourist passport as your identification for transit to and between other countries. When returning to Spain, it may be necessary for you to show your no-fee passport to re-enter.
Due to the sensitivity of the Spain-Gibraltar border, plan ahead when traveling to Gibraltar and follow all U.S. Department of State advisories and procedures, including enrolling in the SMART Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You must have a valid Spanish entrance visa stamp in your passport within 90 days of your return from Gibraltar to reenter Spain
American citizens visiting the U.K. as a tourist must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to travel. The ETA costs 10 pounds and provides multiple entries into the U.K. with stays of up to six months. It expires after two years.
American citizens visiting the U.K. as a tourist must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to travel. (zgphotography (Adobe Stock))
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The best way to apply is via the UK ETA App provided for free by the Home Office. You will need:
A mobile device to download the app (free)
A credit card to pay the 10 pound fee
Contact information
A current, valid passport to scan
Allow the app to take your photo
Visit www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta for details and to find links to download the app.
ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM (EES)
The new EES system allows for modernization of all European Union border entry and exit systems. Countries will be utilizing biometric scanners to take fingerprints and facial photos when first entering an EU country. The scans are mandatory; refusal will mean denied entry into the EU.
EUROPEAN TRAVEL INFORMATION AND AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM (ETIAS)
The ETIAS system is scheduled to begin in late 2026.
Visit travel-europe.europa.eu for details. ETIAS is a travel authorization linked to your passport for people entering any one of the participating 30 countries in Europe.
The ETIAS system is scheduled to begin in late 2026. (EdNurg (Adobe Stock))
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An ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years. It will permit entry into the participating countries for 90 days within any 180-day period. The application will be submitted via online form, costs seven euros and will typically be approved within minutes with a guaranteed response within four days.
Applies to travelers who are citizens of a country that does not require a visa to enter participating EU countries. This includes the United States.
Applies to service members, civilians, contractors and their families while on leave and liberty travel throughout Europe.
