Spain has its own unique flavor, rich history and traditions. Numerous sandy beaches and beautiful nature will give every visitor to the country a lot of pleasant and unforgettable impressions. Here are the rules for entering Spain and how foreigners can apply for a travel visa

Order a checklist - step-by-step instructions for moving to Spain, obtaining a visa and other important details

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Spain is the second largest country in the European Union, which is located on the Iberian Peninsula. Travelers from many countries of the world dream of traveling to this country. The tourism industry in Spain is highly developed and is the second largest tourism industry in the world. Every year, Spain receives about 40 billion dollars in profit from this industry.

The most famous Spanish cities are Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Valencia. Landmarks of Spain: Alhambra and Generalife gardens, Sagrada Familia, Gaudi monuments and the Great Mosque of Córdoba.

Also, travelers in different parts of the world know Spain as a place where bullfighting is held. Many tourists like to visit the tomato festival and parties in Ibiza.

Already planning a trip to Spain? The rules of entry and visa processing are in our material.

List of documents for entry into Spain

Spain is a member of the Schengen area, so entry into the country is subject to Schengen rules. The list of documents that a tourist must provide when passing border control in Spain depends on his nationality.

EU citizens

Citizens of one of the EU countries need only a valid passport or identity card to travel to Spain.

Visa-free regime

Citizens of many countries of the world have the right to visa-free entry to Spain: USA, Australia, UAE, Japan, Israel, Georgia, Argentina, etc.

List of documents for visa-free entry to Spain:

- A passport or travel document that is valid for at least another three months after the planned date of departure from Schengen and issued within the last ten years.

- Proof of accommodation, for example, a hotel reservation.

- A ticket to and from Spain.

- Documents confirming your purpose of entry, such as a travel voucher.

- Medical Insurance.

During border control, the Spanish officer may ask you several questions related to the purpose of your trip and the duration of your stay in Spain. It is the border guard who decides whether or not to allow a tourist to enter Spain.

The duration of a visa-free stay in Spain must not exceed the 90-day authorized stay within a 180-day period.

Schengen visa to Spain

Citizens of countries with which Spain does not have a visa-free regime for travel to the country must obtain a Schengen visa. It is issued for short-term trips to Spain (up to 90 days).

Depending on the purpose of the visit, there are several types of Schengen visas:

- tourist visa (for vacation or sightseeing);

- visitor visa (for visiting friends or family members living in Spain);

- business visa (for attending business events in Spain);

- visa for an official visit (for delegations);

- medical visa (for treatment);

- visa for learning Spanish;

- transit visa;

- for attending cultural and sports events.

Where you can get a visa to Spain

A tourist must obtain a Schengen visa for travel to Spain in one of the diplomatic institutions in the country of residence:

Embassy of Spain.

Spanish Consulate.

Visa center to which Spain has transferred the ability to issue visas.

The embassy/consulate of another Schengen country to which Spain has transferred the right to issue a visa.

Approximate list of documents for processing a Schengen visa

Visa application form.

Two passport-size photos.

A valid passport that has at least 2 blank pages for pasting the visa + a photocopy.

Medical insurance for travel to Spain. Your insurance must cover emergency medical care for a minimum of €30,000, including repatriation in the event of death.

Flight booking confirmation.

Confirmation of accommodation (hotel reservation).

Confirmation of sufficient funds to enter Spain (minimum 100 euros per day or 900 euros per person, regardless of the intended length of stay).

Cover Letter. A personal letter explaining why you are applying to visit Spain, how long you plan to stay, when you will leave and other details.

Marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of husband, etc.

A document that will confirm the purpose of the trip to Spain.

How long does it take to get a Spanish visa?

The time for issuing a short-term visa to Spain is up to 15 working days. However, in some cases it can be extended to 30 or even 60 days. Therefore, we advise you to apply for a visa as early as possible.

In some cases, the Spanish Schengen visa can be extended or cancelled.

Transit visa to Spain

If a tourist needs to make a transfer at one of the airports in Spain, a transit visa must be issued for the trip.

List of documents for issuing a transit visa:

- A valid visa (if required) for the final country you are traveling to.

- Air ticket to the final country you are traveling to.

Quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 epidemic

All quarantine measures related to the epidemic of COVID-19 in Spain have been canceled.

Face masks are only required in healthcare and aged care facilities, as well as in pharmacies.

We will remind you that we have previously told you how to move to Spain for permanent residence, as well as about a visa for digital nomads in Spain.

Visit World products for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Spain;

Legal advice on immigration to Spain;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Spain;

Medical insurance around the world.

For more information on health insurance in Spain for foreigners and a guide to the healthcare system, click here.

Is it safe to travel to Tenerife? Read here what the forest fires mean for your trip and whether you should cancel your trip.

Find the best jobs in Spain for foreign nationals in 2023 here.

You can find out more about the types of visas in Spain, the rules for applying for them, and what documents are required here.