Spain Mentions Countries Whose Citizens Can Enter Its Territory With Just a National ID Card

• Spain's government published the official list of countries whose citizens may enter Spain using only a national ID card
• The announcement covers citizens of the European Union and four additional European nations recognised under the arrangement
• Family members of qualifying citizens are also included in Spain's entry rules for national ID card holders

Spain has confirmed which nationalities are permitted to enter the country without a passport, relying solely on a valid national identity card instead.

The details are published directly on the Spanish government's official website, spelling out exactly which groups of travellers qualify under this arrangement.

Enter Spain with an ID card

According to the Spanish government, citizens of all European Union member states are permitted to cross into Spain using their national identity card alone. The same applies to nationals of four non-EU European countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

The government's statement reads:

"Citizens of the Member States of the European Union, and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, may enter Spain with their national identity card."

Importantly, the provision extends beyond just the nationals themselves. Family members of qualifying citizens are also covered under the arrangement, meaning eligible travellers do not need to present a full passport at the border when accompanied by or related to someone from one of the listed countries.

What this means for African travellers

Spain's policy mirrors a broader trend seen across several European and other destinations, where regional agreements determine which travellers enjoy simplified entry requirements. Türkiye, for instance, maintains a similar framework listing countries whose citizens may enter on an ID card rather than a passport.

For travellers from African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, the Spanish ID card arrangement does not apply. Citizens of African nations are not listed among those eligible for passport-free entry into Spain and are required to present a valid international passport, along with the appropriate visa where applicable, when seeking entry into Spanish territory.

ID card entry: UK mentions eligible countries

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that the UK government published guidance on travellers who may be able to enter the country using a valid national identity card instead of a passport.

The provision applies to national ID cards issued by EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, subject to eligibility.