NOTE: This guide was last updated on January 2025. Please check the authenticity and validity of the information on this website before proceeding with your visa application. Use Timatic and the official sources we provided on this page for the most up-to-date information.

Spain Visa Guide

Spain is Europe’s most popular travel destination with its spectacular beaches, cultural wealth, and historic atmosphere. Of course, before travelling to Europe’s sunny paradise, you should learn whether you need a visa. Below you can find all about the visa process of Spain.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Spain?

Spain is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area, in which member states have jointly agreed their common visa rules towards foreign nationals. Free travel area is established by most EU member states. Therefore, the non-EU citizens whose governments have not signed visa-waiver arrangements shall apply for an entry visa to travel to Spain and/or other Schengen states.

You can check the conditions for entry into Spain provided by the Spanish government to see whether you need a visa to travel to Spain.

Did you book a flight to Spain?

In Spain Consulate visa applications, showing a flight ticket to the country can help the application to be concluded positively. Although flight or hotel tickets are not mandatory, if you have a travel plan, making a reservation can facilitate your visa procedures. For this reason, you can also benefit from early booking advantages by booking a flight ticket to Spain in advance in accordance with your travel date. Thanks to our extensive destinations, you can travel to Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville with the comfort of Pegasus Airlines. Moreover, you can refer to our brief Spain travel guide for insightful tips.

You may also be interested in these articles:

Spain Travel Guide

Barcelona Travel Guide

Madrid Travel Guide

Spain Visa Types

Different visa types for visits to Spain can be broadly categorised on the basis of short-term or long-term stays. They can be issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visas for visits up to 90 days in periods of 180 days. Single-entry visa grants one-time entrance, whereas double-entry visa holders may travel twice in designated timeframe and multiple-entry visa allows for consecutive visits to Spain.

What is Schengen Visa?

Schengen visa allows its holder to move freely within the Schengen area for a short period.  The Schengen area comprises of 26 European countries, namely the Schengen States, among which border controls are abolished. Therefore, passengers who wish to travel in the Schengen area for touristic visits or short business trips are obliged to obtain Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days. The complete list of Schengen States include:

• Austria,
• Belgium,
• Bulgaria,
• Croatia,
• Czechia,
• Denmark,
• Estonia,
• Finland,
• France,
• Germany,
• Greece,
• Hungary,
• Iceland,
• Italy,
• Latvia,
• Liechtenstein,
• Lithuania,
• Luxembourg,
• Malta,
• The Netherlands,
• Norway,
• Poland,
• Portugal,
• Romania,
• Slovakia,
• Slovenia,
• Spain,
• Sweden,
• Switzerland.

Spain Schengen Visa (Category C visa- For Short Stay Visits)

Short-stay Schengen visa to Spain is issued for a variety of purposes, such as tourism, family visitation, participation in cultural activities, medical tours, or business trips.

Travellers with a Schengen visa cannot engage in any form of gainful activities in Spain. If they wish or need to work during their stay, they must apply for a work permit.

Spain Category D visa- For Long Stay Visits

Spain Category D Visa is a long-stay visa that allows its holders to stay in the country for longer than 90 days. This visa type is often granted to university and language course students, employees, job seekers, researchers, freelancers, and interns. Those who have a family member or partner in Spain may also apply for this visa.

General Requirements to Apply for Spain Visa

Spain’s tourist visa requirements under certain categories are explained below. In general, applicants must submit their applications, comprising of the requested documents, to the Diplomatic Mission or authorised visa application centres in due time. However, be aware that the full list of essential documents can change depending on the category of your visa.

NOTE: Remember that the informations here are taken from the official sources and only serves as a summary of the general visa policies of Spain. As these regulations can change at any time, you should verify any information with the relevant consular authority or Timatic. You can visit the official website of the Spanish Ministry of Exterior and select the consulate in your country for the latest information.

Spain Visa Applications

• Schengen visa application form,
• A recent, passport-size, colour photograph,
• Valid, unexpired passport with at least two blank pages and is valid for at least 90 days after the end of travel,
• A photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data,
• Bank account details proving that the passenger can sufficiently fund his/her travel,
• Documentation verifying that the applicant has the intention to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires,
• Proof of residence in the consular district (if applying through a consulate),
• Documentation of travel health insurance that will cover up to 30.000 euros throughout the period of travel and is valid within the entire Schengen area,
• Visa fee payment.

Spain Visa Requirements

Be aware that Spanish visa requirements and regulations depend on the country. Therefore, your nationality is critical in determining the overall process.

Spain Visa requirements for Non-Europeans

The general requirements for non-Europeans wishing to enter the EU conform to the above mentioned procedures unless there are exceptional rules applied. Where an invitation letter is applicable, the applicant shall submit contact details of the host organisation or private host, such as name, address, relation to the guest, purpose, and length of visit.

Spain visa for European countries

Citizens of the EU and EEA countries can benefit from visa-free travel opportunities within the Schengen area, which includes Spain.

Spain Visa requirement for US, UK, and Canadian citizens

Citizens of the USA, the UK, and Canada can travel to Spain without a visa for 90 days.

Spain Visa Fees

You can find below fixed visa fees for various visa categories. Generally, the visa fees cover the consultation, submission, and processing of your application.