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I am a Spaniard (European citizen).

I have a flight with Ryanair, which would go Madrid-Stansted, arriving at 11:35pm, and a later flght Stansted-Stockholm, leaving the next morning.

With the whole Brexit ordeal, I am left clueless about... well, everything:

  • Do I need to do passport control? Do I need a visa? Am I allowed to leave the airport? Would I need a visa for that specifically?
  • Further, from what I've read the terminal is closed from 00:00 to 02:00.
  • What does this mean? Would I be forced to leave the airport for that time?
DavidRecallsMonica
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Erika Reyes
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2 Answers2

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There’s a lot of information about travelling to the UK here: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

As a Spanish citizen you can enter the UK with a passport, which should be valid for the whole of your stay. You do not need a visa to transit in the UK (nor do you need one for tourist trips of up to 6 months).

You will need to clear Immigration and Customs on arrival, reclaim your baggage, then check in as normal in time for your onward flight. Stansted is open 24/7, according to https://www.stanstedairport.com/at-the-airport/airport-facilities/ Late night facilities may be limited https://www.sleepinginairports.net/guides/london-stansted-airport-guide.htm

Traveller
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Do I need to do passport control?

AIUI the only airports in the UK with "airside transit" are Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. At all others you will have to pass through passport control.

Do I need a visa?

A the time the question was asked, you did not need a Visa or other advance authorization to transit through the UK or to visit the UK for tourism or business.

However, since the 2nd April 2025, EU citizens will require a ETA to travel to and enter the UK. "airside transits" are currently exempted from this scheme but "landside transits" are not.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

Am I allowed to leave the airport?

Yes.

Peter Green
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