Rules can change: confirm on the official site before you travel. imptbalearic.es is a hotel and travel site; it does not issue visas.
British citizens are visa-exempt for short stays in Spain, including the Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera. You may enter and travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, family visits or business meetings. The rules changed after the United Kingdom left the European Union, so check the official sources before you travel.
What the status means
Visa exemption means you do not need to apply for a Schengen visa before travelling to Spain. You can enter for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The 180-day window is a rolling count, so you must track your previous entries and exits from the Schengen area. The exemption applies to all Schengen member states, not only Spain.
The status is based on Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, which lists British citizens in Annex II. No additional conditions apply. You still need to meet standard entry requirements at the border, such as having a valid passport and showing the purpose of your visit. Always check the official EU legislation for any updates.
Before you travel and at the border
Check your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area and was issued within the previous ten years. The EU is introducing two new border systems: the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). These are not yet in force. Visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ for the latest information.
At the border, you may be asked to show a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation for your stay, and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your visit. Border officers have discretion to refuse entry if they are not satisfied with the documentation. Keep printed copies of your bookings and bank statements handy.
Arriving on the islands
Ibiza Airport (IBZ) and Menorca Airport (MAH) are the main entry points by air. Formentera has no airport: you fly to Ibiza and take a ferry from the port of Ibiza to La Savina. Mallorca is a transit point only; ferries and flights connect it to the other islands. All entry procedures follow standard Schengen rules.
Ferries from mainland Spain also arrive at the ports of Ibiza, Maó and Ciutadella. When travelling between the islands, you remain within the Schengen area, so no additional border checks apply. Keep your passport with you as identification may be requested by local authorities.
Staying longer, working or studying
If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, work or study in Spain, you need a national visa or residence permit. The visa exemption does not cover these activities. Apply at the Spanish consulate in the United Kingdom well before your planned move. The process and requirements differ from the short-stay rules.
For specific information on long-stay visas, residence permits or work authorisations, visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain or the consulate. Rules can change, and each application is assessed individually. Do not rely on the visa exemption for stays beyond 90 days or for paid work.
Step by step
- Check your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your departure from Schengen and issued within ten years.
- Check the official EU travel site for updates on EES and ETIAS before travelling.
- Book your flights and accommodation for the Balearic Islands and arrange a return or onward ticket.
- Carry proof of funds, such as bank statements or a credit card, and accommodation bookings.
- At the border, present your passport and any requested documents to the border officer.
- Count your days in the Schengen area to stay within the 90-day limit in any 180-day period.
Documents
- Valid passport (at least three months beyond departure, issued within ten years)
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or private address)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, credit card)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
ETIAS and EES: new EU entry systems are being introduced. Check travel-europe.europa.eu before you travel.
Questions
Do British citizens need a visa for Ibiza, Menorca or Formentera?
No, British citizens do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period in Spain, including the Balearic Islands.
What are the passport requirements for British citizens travelling to Spain?
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area and must have been issued within the previous ten years.
Can British citizens work or study in the Balearic Islands without a visa?
No, the visa exemption only covers short stays for tourism, family visits or business meetings. Work or study requires a national visa or residence permit.
What is ETIAS and do British citizens need it for Spain?
ETIAS is a new EU travel authorisation system not yet in force. British citizens should check https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ for updates before travelling.
How do British citizens count the 90-day limit in the Schengen area?
The limit is 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Count all days spent in Schengen countries, including Spain, and ensure you do not exceed the total.
What documents should British citizens carry when entering Spain?
Carry a valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation and evidence of sufficient funds. Border officers may request these documents.
Where will you stay?
Live prices for your dates open in the IMPT app. Every booking funds one tonne of verified CO₂ offset.
Island guides: Ibiza · Menorca · Formentera