Planning a holiday in Ibiza? From 2025, there’s one new rule British travellers can’t afford to overlook: ETIAS. This upcoming travel authorisation will soon be required to enter Spain and other countries in the Schengen Zone — and without it, you could be denied boarding or turned away at the border.
If you’re wondering what ETIAS is, when it starts, and what happens if you forget to apply, here’s everything you need to know before booking your next escape to the Balearics.
What exactly is ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It’s not a visa, but it will function as a mandatory online travel permit for citizens from visa-exempt countries, including the UK. Its main goal? To strengthen security across the Schengen Area by pre-screening travellers before they arrive.
Once operational, this document will be required for anyone entering Spain for tourism, business, medical, or transit reasons — including Ibiza.
Is it already in place?
Not yet. As of now (March 2025), British tourists can still travel to Ibiza without it. But the system is expected to launch in mid 2025. The European Union has confirmed there will be an official announcement well in advance, giving travellers time to prepare.
Until then, current entry requirements remain the same:
- A valid UK passport, issued less than 10 years ago and valid for at least three months beyond your planned return date.
- A maximum stay of 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen Zone.
What will change once ETIAS is live?
Once the system is active, UK travellers will need to apply online for its approval before their trip. Here’s how it works:
- Application: fill in an online form with your personal and travel details.
- Cost: €7 for travellers aged 18 to 70. Under 18s and over 70s will be exempt from the fee.
- Approval time: most applications will be approved within minutes. However, some may take longer — up to 30 days if further checks are needed.
- Validity: once approved, it will be valid for three years (or until your passport expires), and you can use it for multiple short stays of up to 90 days.
What happens if I try to travel without ETIAS?
This is where it gets serious. Once this document is mandatory:
- You may be denied boarding: airlines and transport companies will be required to check you have a valid ETIAS before letting you travel. No ETIAS = no boarding pass.
- You could be turned away at the border: even if you somehow board your flight, Spanish border officials will verify your ETIAS. If you don’t have one, they can refuse you entry and send you home.
- Your holiday could be ruined: without it, you risk losing your flight, hotel bookings, and any other prepaid plans. Not to mention the stress and cost of having to rebook everything.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving it too late: don’t wait until the week of your trip. While most applications are fast, delays are possible — especially if you have a criminal record or your information triggers further checks.
- Using incorrect passport info: this new document is tied to your passport number. If your passport details don’t match exactly, your approval won’t be valid.
- Assuming children don’t need one: everyone needs one — even minors. They’re exempt from the fee, but an application must still be submitted.
How to prepare now
Although ETIAS isn’t live yet, it’s a good idea to start preparing:
- Check your passport validity: make sure it meets Schengen requirements.
- Stay updated: follow official EU and UK government travel pages for updates.
- Bookmark the official ETIAS site: once the system is operational, applications must be submitted through the official ETIAS portal.
Don’t get caught out
Ibiza should be a stress-free escape — not a travel nightmare. When ETIAS comes into effect in 2025, it will be a non-negotiable requirement for UK citizens heading to Spain. The application process is quick and inexpensive, but forgetting to apply could cost you your entire holiday.
Plan ahead, stay informed, and don’t take chances. Ibiza’s beaches, markets, and sunsets will still be waiting — just make sure you’ve got your ETIAS sorted before you fly.
