What changes on January 1 between Spain and the United Kingdom? Guide for tourists to travel to the United Kingdom (London) with Brexit

Is a visa required to travel to Spain from the UK?

No. As of January 1, 2021, UK nationals will continue to be exempt from the requirement to be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders of the European Union for short-term stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). ). This visa exemption does not provide for the right to work in the Union and is subject to the reciprocity mechanism applicable to third countries.

Will there be border controls?

From 1 January 2021, UK nationals traveling to the European Union and the Schengen area will be treated as third-country nationals and will therefore be subject to Schengen border checks. This means that intended stays in the territory of EU Member States cannot be longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, and UK nationals will have to meet the entry conditions for third-party nationals. countries.

And what happens if I travel with pets?

If you travel with pets you can continue to do so, but you will need the health authorities of Great Britain to issue you the corresponding animal health certificate and make your entry through one of the airports or ports authorized for this purpose. For more information, consult the page of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Will Spain recognize my British driving licence?

As of January 1, 2021, UK-issued driving licenses will no longer benefit from mutual recognition under Union law. In Spain, valid and current driving licenses issued by the British authorities will enable their holders to drive in our country for a period of six months, from January 1, 2021. After this period of six months, The system established for permits issued in third countries will apply, in the terms regulated in current traffic regulations, unless the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom reach a bilateral agreement that recognizes the exchange of their driving licences.

Will I have access to healthcare in Spain?

Yes, as long as the United Kingdom acts reciprocally with Spanish citizens. Until June 30, 2021, people entitled to health care in the United Kingdom or in Gibraltar by the corresponding entities, will receive health care from the Spanish National Health System, under the same terms and subject to the same conditions established prior to January 1, 2021.

The individual health cards issued in favor of citizens with the right to health care in the United Kingdom or Gibraltar who reside in Spain will remain in force and will be fully effective until June 30, 2021 to receive health care in the services of the National Health System. If they do not have this card, they must present to the National Social Security Institute the document accrediting the right to health care by the corresponding British entities, issued by them for this purpose.

In cases of temporary stay and scheduled treatments, a document accrediting health coverage by the corresponding entities must be provided, which will be accepted by all the health centers that make up the National Health System.

The dispensing of medication prescriptions issued in the United Kingdom will remain in force under the terms provided in Royal Decree 1718/2010, of December 17, on medical prescriptions and dispensing orders, provided that the United Kingdom acts in reciprocity.