Everything You Need to Know About Spain Visas

Visiting Spain, with its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and historic cities, is a bucket-list item for travelers from all over the globe.

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 Spain visas.

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, andRussia), you will need a visa to visit 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 do I apply for a Spain visa?

Applying for a Spain 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 Spain 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 Spain visas online! The EU is releasing a new platform called EU VAP. This secure portal will allow travelers to apply for Spain visas online. This system is still in development but is expected to be fully operational by 2030.

Is a Spain visa 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.

What is the rejection rate for Spain visas?

In 2023, 17.79% 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, which visa you’re applying for, and even seasonality. The number above, 17.79%, is global and may not accurately reflect your specific situation.

What is the processing time for a Spain 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 Spain 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.

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 Spain visa?

You’ll need these standard documents:

• A valid passport
• Schengen visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Proof of Schengen travel insurance
• 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

What are the Spain visa requirements for specific visas?

Spain visitor visa requirements (type C)

The most common type of visa is the Spain tourist visa. You’ll need all of the standard documents listed above in order to apply. Additionally, you’ll need to book an in-person appointment and also submit your biometrics (fingerprints).

Type D (long-stay) Spain visa requirements

In order to get a visa that allows you to stay in Spain for longer than 90 days, you’ll likely need to include supplementary documentation like a work contract or university acceptance letter in addition to the standard requirements. With that said, the visa center or consulate where you are applying will provide you with a list of the necessary requirements.

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.

Is there an interview when applying for a visa for Spain?

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.

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 2025 onward (so as long as they do not have a Schengen visa).

Citizens of Schengen countries are also exempt.

Is Spain part of the Schengen Zone?

Yes, Spain is part of the Schengen zone, which allows visa-free travel between 29 European countries for up to 90 days.

Does my Spain visa allow me to travel through the Schengen zone?

Yes! Your visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that you can travel from Spain to Portugal, France, or anywhere else in the Schengen area during the validity of your visa.

With that being said, there can be exceptions. It’s always best to check the permissions of your specific visa before you confirm your travel plans.

Can I go anywhere in Europe with a visa for Spain?

While your visa grants access to other Schengen countries, it doesn't cover all of Europe. For example, the UK and Ireland are not part of the Schengen zone.

Spain Visas: Key Takeaways

• There are different types of Spanish visas.
• Each visa type has different requirements.
• Spain is a member of the Schengen zone.
• To apply for a Spain visa, you must show proof of accommodation, flights, and funds to support yourself during your stay.
• To apply, you need Schengen visa insurance.
• Processing times for Spain visas vary, but it’s typically around 15 business days for short-stay visas, but it can be longer.
• In the coming years, you’ll be able to apply for a Spain visa online with EU VAP.
• If you have a valid Spanish visa, you do not need ETIAS.
• Some visas allow you to work on Spanish soil, others do not.
• Spain offers a digital nomad visa for freelancers and remote workers.
• In 2023, 17.79% of Spain visa applications were denied globally.