Home > A 2025 Guide to Schengen Visas for Spain

A 2025 Guide to Schengen Visas for Spain

Spain is a bucket-list destination for travelers from all over the globe, featuring famous cities like Barcelona and Madrid, as well as lesser-known gems like Trujillo and Granada.

One of the most important planning steps is understanding which travel requirements apply to you and which don’t – which includes visas.

We’re here to help with a friendly guide to empower you to navigate the process with confidence and prepare you for everything you need to know about applying for a visa for Spain.

Do I need a visa to go to Spain?

Whether or not you need a visa to visit Spain depends on several factors, such as your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and how long you plan to stay.

Spain is part of the Schengen zone, which allows for short-term travel without a visa for some nationalities, including citizens of the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and others. For stays longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa.

If you’re not from a visa-exempt country (examples include India, China, and South Africa), you will need a visa to visit Spain.

Chart showing if US citizens need a visa for Spain

Do US citizens need a visa for Spain?

For short trips of up to 90 days, US citizens do not need a visa to visit Spain. You can travel freely for tourism, business, or family visits. However, if you're planning to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.

How to apply for a visa for Spain

Applying for a Spanish visa involves a few steps, but it's relatively straightforward.

You’ll need to apply through a Spanish consulate or visa center in your country of residence, and the steps are as follows:

Determine which Spain visa you need.
Collect all of the necessary documents and ensure you meet the minimum requirements. The visa center or consulate you’re applying through will provide you with a detailed list of what will be required of you.
Book an in-person appointment.
Submit your visa application and biometrics (fingerprints).
Receive an answer

Can I apply for a Spanish visa online?

While you can begin the process online, you’ll need to submit your application in person at a consulate or visa application center, such as BLS. This appointment is mandatory and typically must be booked ahead of time.

In the near future, you will be able to apply for a Spanish visa online! The EU is releasing a new platform called EU VAP. This secure portal will allow travelers to apply for a Spain visa online. This system is still in development but is expected to be fully operational by 2030.

Is a visa for Spain difficult to get?

The application process is relatively straightforward. When it comes to whether or not your visa application for Spain will be approved or denied, the decision is entirely up to the Spanish Embassy.

Spanish visa rejection rates

In 2024, 15.7% of Spain visa applications were rejected globally.

It is helpful to understand that rejection rates are constantly changing and can be different depending on your nationality, the visa you’re applying for, and even seasonality. The number above, 15.7%, is global and may not accurately reflect your specific situation.

What is the processing time for a Spanish visa?

The processing time varies depending on the type of visa, but a Spain Schengen visa typically takes around 15 working days. Longer-term visas, like a Spanish student visa or work visa, may take several weeks or longer to process.

Additionally, appointment slots can fill up quickly and may book out weeks or even months in advance. This is one reason why it’s crucial to start your application early.

A light purple suitcase sits in a warm and sunny hotel room in Spain.

Spain visa application requirements

It’s important to make sure you meet all of the Spanish visa requirements when applying. These requirements vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, but there is a set of standard documents you’ll need to provide regardless of which visa you’re applying for.

Which documents are required when applying for a visa for Spain?

You’ll need these standard documents:

A valid passport
Schengen visa application form
Recent passport-sized photos
Proof of travel insurance that meets Schengen visa travel insurance requirements.
Proof of accommodation
Flight itinerary (including a return flight home or out of the Schengen area)
Financial proof showing that you can sustain yourself for the duration of your visa

Does Spain have a digital nomad visa?

Yes! Spain has a digital nomad visa for both freelancers and remote workers. The applicant must meet specific requirements depending on their country of nationality.

The Spanish Schengen visa interview

While an in-person appointment is mandatory, it isn’t necessarily a formal interview. At the appointment, an attendant will go through your documents to make sure your application is complete.

You will likely be asked questions directly related to your documents or travel plans, but there isn’t a set list of questions you’ll need to prepare for.

At this appointment, your visa application will be checked to ensure all of the necessary documents are included. Additionally, your biometrics (fingerprints) will be collected. Then, when all of that is said and done, your visa application will be sent for processing.

A middle-aged couple is traveling abroad to Barcelona, Spain. They’re laughing; it’s afternoon.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS if I have a Spanish visa?

No, if you have a valid visa for Spain or the Schengen area, you do not need ETIAS authorization.

Who needs ETIAS to visit Spain?

Citizens of visa-exempt countries, such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, will need an ETIAS for short-term visits from 2026 onward (so as long as they do not have a Schengen visa).

Citizens of Schengen countries are also exempt.

Learn more about getting an ETIAS for Spain with our Spain ETIAS Guide.