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Spain Tourist Visa: Who Needs One & How to Get It

Would you like to enter and visit Spain? Then most likely you will need a tourist visa . In this article we will explore everything you need to know about Schengen visas: if you actually need to apply for one, how to do it step by step, requirements and more!

What is a tourist visa in Spain?

A tourist visa is the term that foreigners usually use to refer to a Schengen visa ; that is, the visa that allows citizens from outside the EU to travel, enter and visit this region.

If you want to visit Spain for a maximum of 90 days, you must apply for a Schengen tourist visa .

Nevertheless, this document or permission is not granted for any specific country: you apply for a visa that allows you to enter all the 25 countries that share a common border policy within the European Union .

Also, bear in mind that according to your country of origin, it is possible that you are not required to get this tourist or Schengen visa . As long as your country and Spain have a double treaty agreement, you can enter the country without one ( but still meeting the requirements ).

Where and how can I apply for it?

The Schengen visa allows you to travel within the whole area without problems.

But if you are just visiting one specific country, then you will have to attend its embassy or consulate in your country of origin to apply for your Schengen tourist visa .

But what happens if I am visiting more than one country within those 90 days?

Then you must apply at the consulte or embassy of the country you will spend more nights at (or of that which constitutes the first point of entry if you are spending equal nights in all your destinations).

You will basically need to make an appointment with the consulate to register your biometric data and to submit all the required documents, which we explore below.

Main requirements

On the day of the appointment at the consulate or embassy, you must bring and submit:

• Your visa application form , properly completed. You can download a model here .
• Valid passport (which can’t expire beyond 3 months after leaving the Schengen Area).
• Airline reservation tickets (which must be round trip flights), demonstrating entry and exiting of the Schengen area.
• Proof of accommodation or invitation letter .
• Proof of financial means to sustain yourself in the country during the time of your visit (via bank statement); including last tax return if you are self-employed and letter of employment if not.
• Travel insurance . Here you can find the main providers .
• Two recent ID photos .
• Visa fee , which varies according to the specific consulate (but can be around € 80).

When should you apply for your tourist visa for Spain?

You can’t apply earlier than 180 before your planned entry into the country, but that same application must be made a minimum of 3 weeks before your departure .

Despite the process being quite fast, it can take up to 15 working days to receive your visa response.

Nevertheless, in some cases the application can take longer , so our recommendation is that you start as soon as possible within those 6 months.

Who needs a Spain Tourist Visa?

Basically, non-EU citizens from those countries that do not have visa-free entry into Spain , like China, Indica, African countries, and Russia.

You can find the complete list of countries that must apply for a Schengen visa to enter the Spanish territory here.

On the other hand, there are other countries that have a visa-free agreement , like the US, Brazil, or Canada, that don’t need a visa.

This exception just applies to nationals of those countries , not to residents.

But be careful!

In 2021 the new ETIAS system will be implemented , and from then on all non-European Union citizens will have to request a visa online. Learn how here .

How long can I stay in the country with a tourist or Schengen visa?

You can stay up to a maximum of 3 months (90 days in total) in the country within a period of 180 days. 

This is called the “ 90-day rule ”, and it applies to all countries within the Schengen Area .

This means that, if you spent 90 days in Spain but wish to stay longer, you will have two options:

• You can either travel to any non-EU country and stay there for 3 extra months, then travel back to Spain
• Or apply for any of the residence permits that can be obtained directly from Spain. Find the complete list of those residencies here .

If you are going to stay for the long run, it is crucial that you understand this last point, as many residencies must be applied from your country of origin (like the non-lucrative visa).

Can I extend my Schengen visa while being within the Schengen Area?

Even though the situations in which you can do it are limited, it is indeed possible to extend the duration of your tourist visa .

In that sense, only for the following reasons will that extension be available:

• If you have a single-entry short-stay visa and have made a late entry to the Schengen area (meaning days after the visa became valid).
• Due to humanitarian reasons and if the extension will help you avoid hardship, like keep receiving any kind of medical treatment or giving support to a relative going through a harsh situation.
• If your home country is suffering any sudden situatio n (force majeure), like a conflict or war.
• Personal reasons of major importance (even though it is unlikely you will be granted the extension in this case).

You must remain in that same country after you finish your extension application.

This application can last several days (time during which you don’t need to leave the country). In case the extension gets rejected, you will have a maximum of 2 days to leave.

Types of Schengen visas

As we have mentioned, a tourist visa is in fact a Schengen visa, a document that is equally valid for the different countries within the Schengen Area.

In that sense, we can find the following Schengen visas :

Business visa

If you are visiting Spain for less than 90 days for business reasons (like attending a business event, having certain meetings with your prospective clients, etc.) you must request a business visa .

If this is the case, the documents to be submitted will vary accordingly:

• You will have to include on your application the invitation letter from the Spanish company you are meeting with.
• If, on the other hand, you are attending any kind of event or fair, you must include the entry tickets .
• A certification from your company or employer demonstrating that they allow you to embark on this business trip.

Airport transit visa (type A)

The airport transit visa will be requested if the foreigner is traveling to a different country but must stop in Spain in between (for example, to take a different plane that gets her to the final destination).

If you are from one of the following countries, you will need to get your airport transit visa in order to go through Spain : Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Syria, Togo, Yemen, and Palestina.

Nevertheless, being a permanent United States resident with any of the before mentioned nationalities eliminates the need to get this visa.

Furthermore, nationals from the following countries need an airport transit visa to go through any of the Schengen countries : Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Irak, Nigeria, Pakistán, Somalia y Sri Lanka.

Student visa

In case you are enrolling in any kind of course or study in the country taking less than 3 months, you will have to get a student visa.

In that case, it will be required to include the acceptance letter from the university or school in which you are going to study.

Regular tourist visa

This is the most common type of Schengen visa, the one granted to those who want to visit the country for tourism or leisure activities .

The documentation that will be required can be found in prior sections of this article.

Other frequently asked questions

Here is a summary of the main questions foreigners wishing to visit Spain ask themselves more frequently:

What happens if my visa application gets rejected?

If that is the case, you have two different options :

• If the reason that got your application is clear and you agree with it, you can formalize a new application but solving that what caused the rejection.
• On the other hand, if you feel everything was right and no document was missing, you can initiate an appeal . But, again, follow with path only if you think there has been a mistake.

Can I work in Spain with a tourist visa?

No, in order to work in Spain you need a regular work permit .

You can just meet with your clients or do any other similar type of business activity in case you hold a business visa.

Can I join my relatives with my tourist visa?

No, you are allowed to visit them during the permitted 90 days, but once that period comes to an end you must leave the country.

So even though you have family members in the country, you can’t stay for the long run with them .

If that is your intention, you must apply for a family reunification visa or for a residence permit as an EU relative (if that is the case).

Do you have any other doubt? Get legal assistance

If you have any other doubt, you can ask our immigration lawyers directly:

Get in touch with our lawyers and let us guide you step by step:

Use my online scheduling page by vcita to schedule an appointment with me:

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Visa and passport. What should you bear in mind?

Schengen Visas

​general information.

The Schengen area encompasses 27 European countries without border controls between them: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Schengen visa allows the holder to travel to any of the Schengen States and to transit through their territory, but it does not automatically entitle them to enter the Schengen area. The border authorities can refuse entry if the visa holder does not provide proof of the purpose and specifics of the trip, or if any of the other entry requirements are not met (please refer to the section Conditions for entry into Spain ). ​

Please make sure that your main destination is Spain . If you plan to travel to different Schengen area countries, you must apply in the Consulate of your main destination, depending on the purpose of your trip and the length of stay, or in the first country of entry if the length of stay is the same in different Schengen States.

Applications for short-term Schengen visas (stays of up to 90 days, including tourist, study or business visas) must be submitted in person by appointment only to the BLS Spain Visa Application Center in Washington DC.

​To find more information and schedule an appointment for Schengen visas at BLS Spain Visa Application Center in Washington DC, please follow the link:  BLS Spain Visa Application Center​ ​

​​​​ BLS Visa Application Center : 1660 L Street. NW, Suite 216, Washington, D.C., 20036

Email:  [email protected]

Phone number:  516-888-1169  (BLS call-center for USA)

Direct family members of EU, EEA or CH citizens  are entitled to submit their applications for short-term visas at the Visa Office in the Consular Section of the Embassy if they are traveling with the EU, EEA or CH citizen, or are on the way to joining them. In this case, the applicant must request an appointment in advance to the Visa Office of the Embassy via email  [email protected]  attaching scanned copies of the required documentation. Please write the email subject as follows: “ APPOINTMENT REQUEST. Shengen visa for EU Family member. Given Name FAMILY NAME of the applicant ”. In order to accelerate the process, they can also submit their application at the BLS Spain Visa Application Center in Washington DC . Please find specific information in the section Visa for Family Members of a Citizen of the EU ​

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR SCHENGEN VISAS

2.- One photograph:  Glued or clipped (not stapled) onto visa application form. Photo specifications: Passport-size, color photograph, recent (taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance), printed on matte/glossy paper, taken against a white, light, clear, uniform background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the applicant’s full oval of the face. 

Photos with a dark background or with objects or people that can be seen behind your head will not be accepted. Photographs of babies must not show any part of the adult holding them. 

3.- Valid, unexpired passport or official travel document.  Original and a photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 90 days after your expected departure date from the Schengen area. The passport must have at least two blank visa pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted.

If the passport does not meet the requirements, it must be renewed before applying for the visa.

4.-  Proof of legal residence in the United States. Non-U.S. citizens must also submit proof of legal residence in the United States: U.S. Resident Card (Green card) or valid U.S. long term Visa. Original and a photocopy.

The document proving legal residence in the United States must be valid to re-enter the US after your expected departure date from the Schengen area.

B1/B2 visa holders do not qualify to apply for a visa at this Consular Office. They must apply for a visa in their country of residence or country of origin.

5.- Proof of residence in the consular district .  The applicant must be a legal resident or be enrolled in in-person studies within our consular jurisdiction (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina). 

Residence must be proved by one of the following, valid documents: U.S. Driver’s License, State ID, University Student ID. Original and a photocopy .

If you do not have a US Driver's License or State ID it is possible to prove residence in our consular district through other documents, e.g. a copy of a lease agreement or utility bill. 

6.-  Documents supporting the purpose of the travel and specifics of the stay, as well as the intention of the visa applicant to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires.

• Complete travel itinerary (round trip from the U.S.): Copy of flight reservation with booking reference number. Travel itinerary should include:
• ​Applicant’s name;
• Clear details of travel dates;
• When traveling from one city to another within the Schengen area:
• ​Flight numbers, bus tickets, euro pass (if applicable). 
• Car rental details (if applicable). ​
• Copy of confirmed hotel (or tourist apartment) reservations containing the applicant’s name, hotel's address and telephone, matching with flight dates;
• Official invitation letter from a Spanish citizen or foreign legal resident in Spain issued by the Police Department. You must submit the original invitation letter. Please add a copy of the host’s Spanish ID or passport and proof of legal residence if the host is not a Spanish citizen.
• ​If trip is arranged by a tour operator or travel agency ​:
• Confirmation of booking of the trip;
• Travel itinerary: Specifying hotels outlined day by day and including each location’s address, phone number and email.
• For cruises : Itinerary with ports outlined day by day.​

7.- Travel medical insurance : The certificate of the Insurance Company must indicate: the applicant’s name, dates of coverage and the minimum coverage. 

The insurance must cover the costs of repatriation for medical reasons or death, as well as for urgent healthcare and/or emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area, with no deductibles and no copayments. 

Coverage must be of at least 30.000€, or its equivalent in local currency (approx. $32.000 USD). 

If the application is for a multiple entry visa, the health insurance must be valid for the first planned entry.  The applicant must undertake to purchase insurance for future trips.

An Insurance card is not accepted as proof of coverage.

8.- Proof of financial means : Applicant must submit the 3 latest bank statements with an ending balance that meets the minimum requirements for the length of your stay.

In 2024, sufficient financial means are considered to be: ​

• If trip is less than 9 days: Minimum average balance of 114€ ($125 approx.) per day of stay.
• If the length of stay is 9 days or more: Minimum average balance of 1021 € ($1125 approx.) regardless of the duration of the stay.​​
• Notarized sponsor letter from the sponsor assuming full financial responsibility for the applicant’s stay;
• Notarized copy of sponsor’s ID;
• Sponsor’s proof of employment: Letter from the company that the sponsor is working for;
• Sponsor’s 3 latest bank statements;
• Proof of relationship:
• Notarized copy of birth certificate, or;
• Tax returns certifying dependence.​​
• For employees : Updated employer letter indicating position, length of employment, position, wage or salary, and vacation period.
• For self-employed : Proof of self-employment and
• Most recent yearly income tax return(s);
• Last 3 corporate bank statements.
• Retirees : Proof confirming monthly retirement income.
• ​Students : Proof of enrollment (F1 student visa holders must submit a copy of the I-20 certificate ).
• Business travelers : 
• Letter from their U.S.-based company indicating purpose and length of stay;
• ​Letter of invitation from the Spanish company or conference, or invitation letter from a host.​

11.-  Payment of the visa fee : Fees in 2024:

• ​General visa fee:
• General fee (citizens age 12 and over): $88
• Children of 6-11 years: $44​
• Children aged 5 and under: Exempt
• Countries subject to Visa Facilitation Agreements and reciprocities:
• Citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Belarus:
• Citizens aged 12 and over: $38
• Children aged 11 and under: Exempt
• Citizens of Cabo Verde:
• Citizens aged 18 and over: $66
• Children of 12-17 years: $33
• Citizens of Gambia:
• Citizens aged 12 and over: $131
• Citizens of Albania, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and Ukraine:
• Holders of non-biometric passports need a Schengen visa: $38
• Holders of biometric passports do not need a Schengen visa

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR MINORS (UNDER 18)

• Minor’s birth certificate , in English or Spanish, or translated into English or Spanish. Original and photocopy .
• ​If the minor is travelling with only one parent/legal guardian:
• Notarized authorization letter from the parent or legal guardian who is not accompanying the minor to travel abroad. Original and photocopy ;
• Notarized copy (and a photocopy) of the parent's or legal guardian’s passport who is not accompanying the minor;
• If only one parent has full custody: Notarized copy (and a photocopy) of the Family Court Order. It must be translated into Spanish. 
• If the minor is traveling unaccompanied (without parents/legal guardians):
• Notarized letter from both parents granting permission to the minor to travel with a person that will be responsible for the minor during the trip to and stay in Spain. Original and photocopy ;
• ​ Notarized copy of the parents’ passports (please add a photocopy);
• Notarized copy of the passport of the person that will be responsible for the minor  (please add a photocopy);
• If the minor travels with a school group: Letter from the school explaining the travel and indicating the person responsible for the minor during the trip.

Who can apply for a visa:  This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from legal residents or students enrolled in in-person studies within our consular jurisdiction (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina).

Visa application period:   Visa applications must be submitted between 6 months and 15 days before the scheduled date of travel. Seafarers may apply for the visa up to 9 months before the date of travel.   ​

Please be sure that you have all required documents before scheduling an appointment, as only complete applications with all requirements will be admitted.

Every applicant (including minors) must come to the BLS Office to submit the application in person.

Biometric data capturing : The applicant's facial image and fingerprints will be captured during the visa application procedure. Applicants under 12 and applicants whose fingerprints have been taken in the last 59 months are exempt from fingerprint taking. However, in the latter case, if the applicant's prints are of poor quality, the Consular Office will request that they come back in to have their fingerprints retaken​.

• The dates (dd/mm/yy) are the first day and the last day of visa validity;
• The number of days you are allowed to stay in Schengen territory;
• The number of entries and exits allowed in the Schengen territory.

DATA PROTECTION 

The processing of personal data of visa applicants is done in accordance with the  General Data Protection Regulation . 

Persons wishing to exercise their rights of access, rectification and erasure of their personal data in the Visa Information System (VIS) may do so by addressing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation: 

Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación Inspección General de Servicios Postal address: Plaza de la Provincia, 1, Madrid, España Email:  [email protected]  

The following forms may be used to do so: 

Persons whose visa application has been refused because they are banned from entering the Schengen area may exercise their rights of access, rectification and erasure of their personal data in the Schengen Information System (SIS) by addressing the Ministry of the Interior. 

​BASIC LEGISLATION

Disclaimer: This website does not belong to, nor is it affiliated with, the EU. We aim to inform travelers about ETIAS and visiting Europe. The official website of the EU is europa.eu.

Spain Visas » Visa Types » Tourist Visa » Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa for Spain

The Schengen Visa allows tourists to visit Spain, and all the other countries in the Schengen Area, for periods of up to 90 days. If Spain is the main destination of a trip, travellers have to apply for the visa at a Spanish embassy or consulate in their home country.

What is the Schengen Visa for?

Spain and the other countries in the Schengen Area share a common, external border . This means that once you enter one of the countries, you can move freely around the region without going through passport controls.

It therefore makes no sense for individual countries to issue their own tourist visas. Instead, the Schengen Visa allows travellers to enter all the countries in the zone. Applicants need to go to the embassy or consulate of the main country they plan to visit to complete the application.

List of countries which need a Schengen Visa to enter Spain

Many nationalities can currently enter Spain without a visa for periods of up to 90 days (in any 180-day period). The following countries need a Schengen Visa to enter:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herz.
• El Salvador
• Marshall Islands
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• S.V. and Grenadines
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• Timor Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• Vatican City
• UK who are not EU citizens

Documents and requirements to process a Schengen Visa

To successfully apply for a Schengen Visa, applicants must submit the following documentation:

• Visa application form (completed with no errors)
• Two recent passport photos (last 3 months)
• Valid passport (minimum validity of 3 months with at least 2 blank pages)
• Travel itinerary (document with flight dates and numbers showing entry and exit points in the Schengen area)
• Health insurance (documents from insurance provider)
• Proof of accommodation (evidence showing where you will be staying throughout your time in Schengen)
• Letter from tour organizer (if travelling with a tour agency)
• Proof of sufficient funds (showing you have enough money to fund your trip)
• Evidence of employment status (if employed, i.e. work contract)
• Income tax return (if self-employed)
• For students: proof of university or college enrolment
• For minors: birth certificate, letter of consent from parents, passport copies of both parents/legal guardian

Frequently Asked Questions about Schengen Visa in Spain

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the Schengen Visa for Spain , including where and when you should apply.

If you plan to travel to Spain , you should apply for a Schengen Visa at a Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. Although all diplomatic offices of all Schengen countries issue visas, you should apply at an office of your main destination .

When can I apply for the Schengen visa?

You have to apply for your Schengen Visa at least 15 days before your trip to allow time for your application to be processed. The earliest you can apply is 90 days before . The typical length of time it takes to process a visa application is 10 working days.

How much does the Schengen visa cost?

The cost of a Schengen Visa is €80 for adults, €40 for children between 6-12 years of age, and free for children under 6. Citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kosovo pay a reduced fee of €35.

Tourist Visa in Spain: A Simple Guide

Embarking on a Spanish sojourn and confused about the tourist visa process? Do’nt worry! We’ve got you covered!

This guide is here to untangle the knots of visa perplexities. Discover the ins-and-outs of acquiring a tourist visa in Spain, ensuring you can relish your Iberian escapade with peace of mind.

Let’s dive in!

Traveling To Spain

Spain is a mix of old and new, modern and traditional . For the traveler, Spain means many things: bullfights, massive cathedrals, world-class art, Muslim palaces, whitewashed villages, delicious paella, sunny beaches, and lively nightlife. 

You’ll find all those things, but the country’s charm lies in its people and their unique lifestyle. 

From the stirring communal sardana dance in Barcelona to the sizzling rat-a-tat-tat of flamenco in Sevilla, this country creates its beat amid the heat. 

Madrid and Barcelona are hip and energetic cities, Granada has a Moorish touch, Valencia has its vibe, Catalonia has its language and culture, and the Basque region (an autonomous community in northern Spain) feels like you’re in an entirely different country.

As a bonus, Spain is an incredibly affordable place to visit.

Things To See And Do In Spain

Enjoy Barcelona

Like Madrid, Barcelona is famous for its partying, late-night eating, and historic streets. Embrace the midnight meals and all-night partying and you’ll fit right in with the locals.

Don’t miss the history museum — it’s one of the best in Europe! Other highlights include the Picasso Museum, the towering and iconic La Sagrada Familia (and Gaudi’s other works), and wandering the Barri Gotic (the Gothic Quarter).

Explore the history of Granada

Granada is one of the most favored cities in Spain. It’s a place where culture and ideas from North Africa and Europe collide uniquely and no trip to the south of Spain is complete without a visit. 

Don’t miss the Alhambra , a UNESCO World Heritage palace and a fortress dating to the 13th century, and be sure to watch a Flamenco show while you’re there. They usually cost around 20 EUR.

Wander Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain , is famous for its museums, tapas, and nightlife. Like Barcelona, this is a city that doesn’t start until midnight. 

You can see the Prado, one of the largest museums in the world, and the Royal Palace.

Other highlights include the Temple of Debod (an Egyptian temple from the 2nd century BCE), El Retiro Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the 15th -century Plaza Mayor.

Revel in La Tomatina

La Tomatina is an epic hour-long tomato fight that draws upwards of 20,000 people to the small town of Buñol (only 10,000 people live in the town itself). 

Started in 1945 , this festival is held on the last Wednesday of August, and over 360,000 pounds of tomatoes are used during the event.

Wander Seville

Seville is an amazing city with gorgeous churches and historic palaces . It has tasty cuisine too and is also known for its Flamenco dancing. 

Be sure to check out the Royal Alcázar (also known as al-Qasr al-Muriq), the oldest residential palace in Europe still in use today (it dates to the 14th century ). 

You can’t visit southern Spain without spending a couple of days here!

Traveling Costs In Spain

Accommodation 

Accommodation in Spain is relativel y cheap when compared to other Western European countries.

Dorm beds in hostels typically begin around 15 EUR per night in the low season and go as high as 30 EUR in major cities like Barcelona or Madrid during the summer. 

Hostel private rooms start at 45-60 EUR per night for a double. 

Free Wi-Fi is standard and it’s not uncommon to find hostels with free breakfast either.

Budget hotels begin at around 55 EUR for a twin or double and go up from there. Prices are slightly lower outside of the major cities and tourist areas but can be higher in peak season .

Airbnb is common in most major cities, with a private room starting around 30 EUR per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 70 EUR per night (often double that in the big cities or peak season).

For those traveling with a tent, there are hundreds of campsites across Spain. 

The campground costs around 10-20 EUR per night. They can be as low as 5 EUR for a basic tent plot without electricity while other costlier sites (up to 40 EUR per site) often include extra luxuries like a pool, electricity, and Wi-Fi.

Food  

Spain has a strong food culture , where meals can last hours and dinner often isn’t served until after 8 p.m . Each region in the country has its local dishes and food culture.

Common favourites include paella, gazpacho, churros, jámon ibérico (cured pork), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with sauce), and tortilla (Spanish omelette).

You can usually find tapas and sandwiches for 5-10 EUR . Cheap fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 8 EUR for a combo meal. Chinese food is around 10 EUR for a main dish while pizza costs 9-12 EUR .

Beer is 3-4 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is around 2 EUR. Bottled water is less than 1 EUR.

A decent casual restaurant meal costs around 20 EUR with a drink. If you go out for paella, drinks, or appetizers, plan to spend around 30 EUR for a meal.

Spain has a lot of expensive restaurants if you want to splash out. Meals at finer establishments begin around 40 EUR with a drink.

If you plan on cooking your food, groceries cost around 35-55 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat or seafood. You can find the cheapest (and freshest) produce and meat at the local markets.

How To Get Around Spain

Public transportation 

Madrid and Barcelona have extensive metro systems , while Valencia, Zaragoza, Bilbao, and Seville have limited but practical metro systems (or light rail). 

Most big cities have a comprehensive bus system as well. Single rides usually cost between 1-2 EUR. You can often buy day passes that save you money overall if you plan on using the metro system quite a bit. These usually cost around 8-15 EUR.

The bus is the cheapest option for getting between cities in Spain. FlixBus has tickets starting as low as 5 EUR . Most buses come with outlets and free Wi-Fi.  

A 9-hour trip from Madrid to Barcelona starts from about 30 EUR while the 4-hour trip between Seville and Granada costs around 20 EUR . Alsa is another popular bus company, mostly for travel in the south.

Trains 

RENFE is the national rail line in Spain, and the country has both high-speed trains and regular trains. 

High-speed trains are more expensive but you can travel between Madrid and Barcelona in just 2.5 hours , which might be worth it depending on how much time you have. 

Even on the more expensive high-speed train, however, you can find tickets from Madrid to Barcelona for as low as 58 EUR . The trip from Madrid to Seville is around 2.5 hours and costs 30 EUR while Madrid to Valencia is just under 2 hours and costs 25 EUR.

Flying 

If you’re pressed for time and are looking to hop from one city to the next, a budget airline like Ryanair might be the way to go. Book in advance to keep costs down.

However, be aware that you have to pay for all the extras on these cheap flights (such as checked baggage, picking your seat, etc……) 

So, while flights are cheap (Madrid to Barcelona can be found for as little as 65 EUR round trip), the small expenses add up. And when you factor in getting to/from the airport, most flights aren’t much faster than the train.

Car rental 

Car rentals can be found for as little as 25 EUR per day when booked in advance. Renters will need an International Driving Permit before booking. The minimum age for renting a car is 21.

Ridesharing 

If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the biggest company. 

While not necessarily cheaper than the bus, it’s usually faster and more interesting.

Spain Tourist Visa For Visitors

A Spain Short-Stay Tourist Visa is a permit that allows you to travel to Spain for the main purpose of performing touristic activities , like vacation, sightseeing, exploring, and visiting friends or family members living in Spain.

You can stay there for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days .

Do You Need To Apply For A Spanish Tourist Visa?

You will not need to apply for a Spanish tourist visa if you are from:

• EU member countries.
• The EFTA member countries.
• The 62 world countries under the Schengen visa-free regime .
• Or, you are residing in any of the Schengen countries with a residence permit, as long as your residence permit is valid.

However, if you are a national of any of the world countries not listed above will need to apply for a visa in advance, before taking a trip to Spain for any of these two purposes.

Spain Tourist Visa Requirements

To apply for a Spain tourist visa, you need to submit the following required documents:

• Two Spanish biometric photos: Identical and taken within the last three months according to the Schengen photo specifications.
• Passport: Valid for another three months beyond the date you plan to leave Spain. It should also have at least one blank page, to affix the visa sticker in it.
• Copies of passport pages: You also need to make a copy of all passport pages that contain information: the two main pages with your details and the pages with visa stickers and stamps.
• Flight Booking: You need to show proof of the dates when you plan to travel to Spain and then leave the country. This proof is a flight reservation, with your name , as well as the dates and places of arrival and departure in it.
• Travel Medical Insurance: It must cover not only the whole territory of Spain but also all of the other Schengen member countries.

Any incident or unforeseen illness with a minimum of 30.000€ , including repatriation for medical reasons or in case of death. In addition, it must be arranged at least for 7 days even if you are planning to stay less than that, i.e. two days.

• Proof of Sufficient Funds: You need to attest to owning the overall amount for a duration of up to 10 days which is representative of 90% of the gross national minimum wage ( 636.93 € ) which is 573.23€.  

On the other hand, if your trip is to last more than 10 days, the daily required amount is 70.77€ . To prove you have this money you should present.

• Your bank account statements.
• A letter of support , if someone else is going to finance your trip. They should submit their bank statements alongside the letter.
• Evidence of accommodation in Spain . Any of the following can be presented as proof of accommodation:
• Hotel booking , that contains your name, the dates of stay, and the details of the hotel.
• Invitation letter , if you will be staying over with friends or family members living in Spain. 

The letter should include your host’s details (address, contact details, intended period of stay, etc.). Note that photocopy is not acceptable! You can still submit a colored print.

• Rental agreement: If you will be renting a place for your stay in Spain, you should present the rental agreement with the owner of the premises. The document must state the area of the place you are renting, the address, and the owner’s details.
• Proof of civil status: (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, ration card if applicable).

In addition, you will also need to submit proof of employment status , according to your situation, as follows:

• Employment contract
• Current bank statement for the latest 6 months
• No-objection certificate from the employer
• Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary
• A copy of your business license
• Company bank statement for the last 6 months
• Income Tax Return (ITR)
• Proof of enrollment
• Leave approval letter from school or university
• Pension statement of the latest 6 months

How To Apply For A Spain Tourist Visa For Visitors?

To apply for a Spain Tourist or Visitor visa you will need to follow these steps:

• Fill in the tourist/visitor visa application form.
• Collect the required documents.
• Appoint an interview.
• Attend your interview.
• Pay the tourist visa fees

Fill in The Spain Tourist Visa Application Form

As soon as you make the appointment, you should start collecting the documents required to present on the day of your appointment. Start with the application form.

There is one common visa application form for all types of short-stay visas, for every country in the Schengen territory. Complete this form, print it, and then sign it at the end.

After you complete the form, check if all your questions are correct and if you made any typos. 

Note that your answers in this form must comply with the information in the rest of the required documents for a Spain Visitor Visa or Spain Tourist Visa, whichever you are applying for.

Appoint An Interview

After figuring out the two things listed above, you should make an appointment for the submission of your visa application file and the interview.

You can make an appointment for a Spain Visa application through the website of the authority responsible for the admission of your application or through a phone call. In some countries, there is only one option available, while in others there is both.

Gather The Required Documents

Next, proceed to collect the rest of the documents required for a Spain Visitor Visa, or Spain Tourist Visa, according to your purpose of the application.

Attend Your Spain Visa Appointment

Once you make the appointment, and you have all the required documents ready, you should wait for the day of your interview .

When that day comes, make sure you show up at the Spanish embassy/consulate/VAC on time. Have all your documents with you, arranged in order. 

You will attend a meeting with a consular officer . The latter will ask you questions regarding your trip to Spain, and the purpose of the application for a visa, and will ask you to hand the documents to her/him.

If this is the first time in the last 5 years that you are applying for your Schengen visa, you will also need to provide your biometric data – your facial image and fingerprint.

Pay The Fees

You will need to pay a fee of €80 to apply for a Spain Tourist Visa or a Spain Visitor Visa. The fee is required to cover the expenses that come out of the processing of your application.

Note that children under the age of 12 are subject to a fee of €40 , while those under six are exempt from any fee for a Spain short-stay visa.

In addition, the nationals of a few countries and several other categories are exempt from paying a fee for a short-stay visa for Spain. 

Where Should You Submit My Application For A Spain Tourist Visa?

The Spanish authorities are responsible for the admission and the processing of your application only if Spain is your main Schengen destination, which means:

• You will only visit Spain and no other Schengen country.
• You will visit other Schengen countries aside from Spain, but you will stay in Spain the longest .
• You will visit several Schengen countries and you will spend the same amount of days in each, but you will enter the borderless territory through Spain.

Once you make sure that Spanish authorities are the ones responsible for the admission of your visa application, check at which Spanish representation in your country you should lodge your application. This could be:

• The Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
• A Visa Application Center , to which Spain has outsourced visa processing in your country.
• One of the three listed above, located in a neighboring country, in the absence of them in your country of residence.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Tourist Visa For Spain?

Normally, the Schengen embassies, including the Spanish ones, are obliged to process visa applications for short-term visas for tourism and visiting within 15 days . Yet, in some cases, this period may be extended for 30 days or even 60 days .

Such an extension may happen at times when the embassy where you lodge your application is receiving many requests for visa application processing, or due to your specific case.

Spain Tourist/Visitor Visa Validity

A Spain tourist or visitor visa can be valid for a maximum period of three months within half a year. 

Yet, it is the authority that grants you the visa that decides on the validity of your visa, depending on how they see it as reasonable. You can calculate your legal stay in Spain here.

While you can get a visa valid for three months, you can also get one valid for three days. When you receive your passport with the Spain visa sticker on it, pay attention to the following tags:

• FROM – stands for the first day you are permitted to enter the Schengen Area.
• UNTIL – stands for the last day when you will have to leave the Schengen Area.
• DURATION OF STAY – stands for the number of days you are permitted to remain in the Schengen Zone within the given dates near the “from” – “until” tags.

The visa sticker in your passport contains a lot of other information, such as the countries in which you may not be permitted to enter, the permitted number of entries with that visa, etc.

In Case Of Visa Rejection

If you receive a negative response on your Spain visa application, you will also get a letter with a reason why your application is being rejected. In this case, you have two choices:

• Move one and make a new application , by avoiding the previous mistakes and improving your situation.
• Write an Appeal Letter for Schengen Visa rejection, but only if you think that your application has been rejected by mistake or unjustly. You should have a strong basis to write this letter and present facts that support your point.

When To Go To Spain

Spain is lovely year-round, but the peak season is in the summer from June to August.

Popular destinations like Barcelona and Ibiza experience a massive influx of tourism — so much so that Barcelona’s residents have started clamping down on overtourism. The weather is fabulous this time of year with high temperatures well into the 30s°C (90s°F)

The temperature in Spain doesn’t often drop too low, with winter temps between 4-10°C (40-50°F) country-wide. 

However, Northern Spain does sometimes experience snowfall — especially in the mountainous areas. 

The shoulder seasons ( spring and autumn ) are great times to visit. Tourism is much less congested and prices are a bit cheaper . 

Temperatures are pleasant , although it’s not exactly beach season. Beach destinations like Ibiza and Mallorca tend to get very quiet during this time but there is still plenty to see and do around the rest of the country.

Spanish adventure shouldn’t be hindered by visa troubles. With our comprehensive guide , step into the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Spain without a hitch. Navigate your journey with ease and immerse in the enriching experiences Spain has to offer.

Happy Travelling!

But wait, there’s more! You might also be interested in the following:

• Work Employment Visa in Spain: Explained
• Job Seeker Visa for Spain: A Simple Guide
• Student Visa in Spain: The Ultimate Guide

Do you need a visa to visit Spain?

Jul 7, 2023 • 4 min read

Don't let visa confusion stand in the way of your Spain vacation © Flashpop / Getty Images

Spain is one of the most popular countries in the world with travelers and it's not hard to see why – incredible food, culture and the kind of sun-drenched landscape you thought only existed in your wildest vacation dreams.

Now imagine you finally get there only to be turned away at the airport....no, we don't what that for you either. With our round-up of all the essential visa information for Spain , you can figure out what you need and how to get it in order to ensure smooth sailing upon arrival.

Who doesn't need a visa for Spain?

Spain is part of the Schengen Area, which is a zone comprised of 27 European countries that have established unrestricted movement across their borders. If you're a citizen of an EU/EEA country that isn't part of this travel zone, you only need to show a national ID or your passport to enter Spain and you don't need a visa to enter or move around the travel zone. 

There are also some countries outside the EU/EEA that are permitted visa-free entry to Spain and up to 90 days of travel in a 180-day period within the Schengen Area. These include the UK, US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore and several South American countries, among others. You will need a minimum of three months' validity on your passport to travel and check well in advance of your trip to ensure your country qualifies for visa-free travel .

Keep in mind that you can only travel within the Schengen Zone for a maximum of 90 days. If you're planning to travel around after some time in Spain, you need to take into account the number of days you’ll be spending in each country and tally up the total.

You don't have to stay in the Schengen area for a consecutive 90 days – you can move in and out as you wish but 90 days is your max allowance in a 180-day period. Gauge the length of your Schengen-wide stay with online calculators if you're at all unsure, because overstaying the limit may result in authorities deporting you or prohibiting you from re-entering the bloc.

Meanwhile, the EU is expected to introduce its ETIAS visa waiver program in 2024. If you hold a non-EU passport, you’ll need to apply online for pre-authorization, along the lines of the USA’s ESTA scheme. Costing around €7, the process should be quick and painless.

How do I get a visa to visit Spain?

If you're a passport holder for any of the third countries listed here , you'll need to apply for a short-term tourist visa to visit Spain. This visa will cover you for up to 90 days of travel in a 180-day period within the Schengen Area, though the majority of your trip will need to be spent in Spain. Non-EU countries that require a visa include China, Ghana, India and Tanzania, among others.

Visa applications need to be made at the nearest Spanish embassy/consulate in your country of residence well in advance of your planned visit – up to three months ahead of your trip should be sufficient. You'll need two passport-sized photographs, a visa application form, your passport and evidence of health insurance to cover your planned time in Spain. You will also be asked for evidence of financial means to support yourself during your trip, as well as evidence of flight and accommodation bookings for the entire trip, including your return ticket. 

Schengen visas cost €80 for any applicant over 12, €40 for children aged between 6 and 12, and there is no charge for children under 6. Tourist visas are normally valid for six months and extensions are only possible in exceptional circumstances.

Can I extend my tourist visa?

It is possible to extend a short-term tourist visa as long as the authorized stay is shorter than 90 days, but only in exceptional cases that arise after entering Spain. 

Getting approval for a short-term visa extension is not an easy task and you will need an exceptional reason to secure it. Schengen visa policy states those reasons include late entry, humanitarian reasons, (needing medical treatment, the death of a family member, etc), force majeure, or other important personal reasons that the immigration authorities will consider.

It's imperative that you request a visa extension from either the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation or the Ministry of the Interior in Spain before your existing visa expires.  

This article was first published August 2021 and updated July 2023

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How to Get a Tourist Visa for Spain

Last Updated: February 18, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Angela Rice and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 166,276 times.

A visa is required for all travel to Spain if you plan to visit for more than 90 days. You also may need a tourist visa even for a shorter stay if your country of citizenship is not covered under the Schengen Agreement. The Schengen Agreement allows citizens of covered countries to travel freely among the European member states for up to 90 days for either tourist or business purposes. To get a tourist visa for Spain, you must plan your trip in advance and apply with the Spanish consulate nearest you. [1] X Research source

Planning Your Trip

• You will need to provide details about your travel itinerary with your visa application, so the sooner you nail down the dates for your trip, the better.

• The U.S. State Department recommends that you make sure your passport remains valid for at least six months after your scheduled date of departure, just to be on the safe side.

• If you plan on staying in Spain for longer than 90 days, you still must provide proof that you have already purchased round-trip travel into and out of the country.

• If you're planning to stay with friends or family who live in Spain, they must be a citizen or legal resident of Spain. You will need a letter of invitation from them that was issued by their local police department. [7] X Research source

• The policy must be valid throughout your stay, and for all Schengen countries. Speak to a travel agent if you're not sure where to get appropriate insurance.
• The policy must cover 100 percent of all medical care, with no deductibles or co-pays. [9] X Research source

Applying for a Schengen Visa

• For the most part, if you are a citizen of a country in South America, Asia, or Africa, you must get a Schengen visa if you want to travel to Spain as a tourist.
• A complete list of the countries for which citizens need a Schengen visa to travel to Spain for fewer than 90 days can be found at http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/LONDRES/en/Consulado/Pages/CheckPassport.aspx .

• The application form has space for you to provide your name, address, and birthdate. You also must include information about your passport and citizenship, employment, and finances.
• The application also requires you to provide dates you will be entering and leaving Spain, other Schengen countries you will be visiting, and where you plan to stay while you are in Spain. You also must describe your reason for visiting Spain.
• For most of the information you list on the form, you must provide documentation to back up your statements.

• You can get a list of the documents required from the consulate, or by visiting the consulate's website. Take note of the documents that must be translated into Spanish.
• Generally, you will need a letter from your employer that provides information about your job and annual income. The Spanish government wants to make sure that you will be able to support yourself during your stay and that you aren't planning on staying in Spain in violation of their immigration laws, but that you have a job to return to. If you are self-employed, submit a copy of your most recent tax return.

• You don't have to visit the consulate in person to apply for a Schengen visa. You can mail it to the correct consulate, but make sure you're leaving enough time for it to get there and be processed before you start your travel.
• You can only apply for a visa from a consulate or embassy where you are a legal resident. For example, if you are a legal resident of the United States, you cannot submit an application to the Spanish consulate in Portugal.
• A Schengen visa application must be accompanied by a non-refundable visa fee of 64 euros. This fee is payable by cash or money order only.

Applying for a Long Stay Visa

• For example, if you want to spend a portion of your retirement in Spain, you would want to apply for a "Residency Visa to Retire." This visa allows you to stay in the country for longer than 90 days, but does not permit you to work or do any other lucrative activities.
• If you are a digital nomad who is slow traveling through Europe and plans to spend more than 90 days in Spain, you need the "Residence Visa for Investors and Self-Employment." This visa allows you to reside in Spain and work, provided you have contracts that originate elsewhere. You cannot work for Spanish employers while you are in Spain on this visa.

• The national visa application requires personal and citizenship information such as your name, address, birthplace, and country of citizenship.
• Additional information will depend on the type of visa for which you're applying, but typically includes financial and employment information, as well as information about your health and health insurance.

• You can find a list of required documents on the application as well as on the Spanish consulate's website.
• For all visas, you will have to provide proof of medical insurance coverage that lasts the duration of your stay in Spain, as well as a certificate from your doctor that you do not have any mental illnesses or contagious diseases, and are not addicted to drugs. This certificate must be translated into Spanish.
• You also must submit your passport along with two passport-sized photographs. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on your application.

• Take all your documents with you, along with your original application and one copy. You also should bring photo identification and proof of residency.
• Wear clean, conservative clothing as you may be interviewed by a member of the consulate office staff when you arrive.

• If you are a U.S. citizen, you must pay $160. The fee for citizens of all other countries is $64, unless you are a national of Russia, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, or Moldavia, in which case you'll pay $38.
• This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved or denied.

• Once your application is resolved, your visa will be issued. You will receive a temporary residency card once you arrive in Spain.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/WASHINGTON/en/Consulado/Pages/Visas.aspx
• ↑ https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/spain-visa/
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/spain.html
• ↑ Angela Rice. Travel Specialist. Expert Interview. 18 September 2020.
• ↑ http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/LONDRES/en/Consulado/Pages/CheckPassport.aspx
• ↑ https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/download-schengen-visa-application-form/
• ↑ http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/EmbajadasConsulados.aspx

About this article

To get a tourist visa for Spain, start by making sure your passport is valid and won’t expire within 3 months of your trip. Then, book your flights for both your arrival in and departure from Spain, arrange reservations at a hotel or with a friend, and obtain travel insurance. Next, visit the Spanish consulate nearest to you and fill out the visa application. After filling out the form, attach proof of your flights, accommodations, and insurance before submitting it to the consulate. Once your application is submitted, expect to wait about 3 weeks to receive your visa. For advice on how to provide proof of accommodations if you’re staying with a friend while you’re in Spain, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Apply for Visa to Spain In Washington DC

Tourist Visa

Documents Required

• Photo Specifications
• Processing Time
• Download Form

The issuance of a Schengen visa must be done at the consulate of the country considered to be its main destination, depending on the purpose of your trip and the length of stay, or in the first country of entry if it is the same length of stay in the different Schengen States.

Application for visa must be submitted in person with no more than 180 days in advance to your trip and at least 15 days before. Applications with more than 180 days in advance to your trip will not be accepted. Crew members can apply 9 months in advance.

The Schengen States: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Sweden and Switzerland.

Honorary Vice Consulates of Spain are not allowed to issue visas.

You can apply at this Consulate If the majority of the duration of your stay will be in Spain, and you are a permanent resident of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia or North Carolina (State ID required) Due to the quantity of applications received by this office, it is recommended that you plan your trip to the Schengen area with sufficient time to apply for an appointment and to process your visa application.

Citizens of certain countries DO NOT require a visa to travel as tourist (for a stay that does not exceed 3 months within a period of 6 months). Exceptions also apply to holders of Biometric Passports from certain countries Check list of countries whose nationals must be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders

Holders of a B1/B2 visa must apply for a Schengen visa in their country of origin or permanent residence.

Application for visa must be submitted in person with no more than 180 days in advance to your trip and at least 15 days before. Applications with more than 180 days in advance to your trip will not be accepted.

Obtaining a visa is not a legal right and the Administration has complete authority to evaluate, deny and request additional information to complete the file. The purpose of the trip cannot be altered.

Application for minors must be made by parents or legal guardian with proper legal documentation (Birth certificate, legal custody, notarized letter signed by both parents giving permission to travel and notarized copy of parent’s I.D). Children of 12 years and older must be present at the time of appointment in order to get fingerprints.

The Revised visa fee and BLS service charge are as follows:

Note: Exemption of Visa Fee for a child is applicable only in the case of Short Term category, if the child's age is less than 6 years at the date of submission.

BLS International Service charge

Applicants applying at the Spanish visa application Centre shall be levied a service charge of 18 USD /- (inclusive tax) payable in Cash or Debit Card. Children under 6 are exempted from service charge.

The Visa Fee is subject to change without notice' The fee is non-refundable

YOU MUST BRING ORIGINAL OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:

Please ensure you have checked the jurisdiction before submitting your application in Washington DC. You can only apply 6 months or 15 days before your travel to the Schengen Area

Travel Insurance is mandatory for travelling to Spain. You may get your travel insurance from any authorized insurance company/agent or you may Click here if you wish to avail it now from Europ Assistance.

• Non-refundable Visa Fee, payable with only Debit Card / Cash Payments (No money Order).
• Two applications for Schengen Visa completed and signed by applicant or both parents in case of minor. (If is incomplete if can affect the visa decision)
• Two Recent US passport size pictures in color, 2x2 inches (51x51mm) in size, printed on matt/glossy paper, taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance in front of a white/off white background, non-smiling.
• Ordinary passport or travel document issued in the last 10 years and within at least two empty pages, recognized by the Schengen States for the issuance of a visa, valid for a period of 3 months beyond the expected length of stay in the Schengen area or the period of validity of the visa.
• Driver’s license or state ID (from Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Distric of Columbia and North Carolina) with correct physical permanent address. (No applications will be accepted without this document).
• Permit to return to the United States of America in the form of a Residence Card, or a Student/work visa, stamped on the passport, or parole. Residence Card or US visa must be valid at least three months beyond the expected length of stay in the Schengen area. • Holders of a B1/B2 visa must apply for a Schengen visa in their country of origin or permanent residence.
• Complete travel itinerary (Round Trip from USA- Flight reservation with booking reference number). We urge you NOT to purchase travel tickets until your visa has been approved. We will need a booking reference number with applicant’s name on booking and clear details of travel dates, and flight numbers or bus tickets, euro pass, rent a car details when traveling from one country to another within the Schengen area.
• Confirmed hotel reservations with address and telephone matching with flights dates.
• Official invitation letter from a Spanish national or foreign legal resident in Spain, issued by the Police Department letter from a Spanish national or foreign legal resident in Spain, issued by the police/governing body OR letter from inviting person confirming the address of stay, hosts passport copy or host’s residence proof if not a national.
• If the trip is arranged by tour operator, booking of the trip and itinerary with specifying hotels day by day including each locations address, phone number and email ID.
• For Cruise: itinerary with ports day by day.
• Medical travel insurance with a minimum coverage limit of 30,000 Euros or its equivalent in USD approx. $50,000 for the entire duration of your trip throughout Schengen territory for urgent medical assistant, hospitalization, repatriation due to an accident or death, and Zero deductible. The insurance must be valid in all the Schengen countries and covers the entire length of stay. (Insurance card not accepted. Full breakdown of coverage/visa letter must be submitted).
• Notarized Letter assuming all cost of applicant’s stay
• Notarized copy of Sponsor’s ID
• Proof of employment: letter from Company that the sponsor is working for and last 3 paystubs.
• Most recent 3 last Bank Statement.
• Tax Return 1040 Form and W2/1099.
• Proof of relationship (Birth Certificate, Tax returns showing dependent).
• 2nd grade relatives may sponsor (lease proof with both names may be provided) however decision lies at the discretion of the Consulate.
• Self-employed individuals must provide most recent year income tax return (s), 3 last corporate bank statements, professional license if applicable and certificate of incorporation.
• For retired: letter from the Social Security Administration confirming the monthly retirement income.
• Students must provide proof of enrollment for e.g. F1 copy, School ID card, transcripts.
• Business travelers must bring a letter from their US Company indicating purpose and length of stay and a letter of invitation from the Spanish company or conference, invitation letter of the host.
• Application for minors must be made by parents or legal guardian with proper legal documentation: Birth certificate, legal custody, notarized letter signed by both parents giving permission to travel and notarized copy of parent’s ID and financial assets (3 latest bank statements, Taxes (W2 and 1040 Form) last 3 paystubs, notarized green card copy in specific cases).
• Before a public Notary, legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish (only for letter written in a language other than Spanish or English)
• If one of the parents does not reside in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Distric of Columbia and North Carolina, it can be done before the Consulate of Spain corresponding to their place of residence.

When parents are divorced, final sentence of divorce and sentence of the judge containing the provisions on custody of the child.

• We provide express courier services for speedy return of your passport once decision is received from the Consulate (Please do not buy Pre-paid envelopes)

* Additional documents may apply * All documents must be in English or Spanish only-Certified translation if in other language * All currency must be in USD or Euros only * Screenshots will not be accepted for any documents * Payments by cash or debit card only- Money order not accepted * Express courier service provided- Pre-paid courier envelope not accepted

Note: We regret we cannot accept photographs that do not meet these requirements

Please provide one recent photograph (not more than 6 months old) of yourself, which should not have been used previously in the passport. The photograph should be in colour and:

• Taken against a white background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear share quality and with the face in focus.
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print).
• Full face, non-smiling [without sunglasses, a hat/cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background]
• Please stick the Photograph on the Visa Application Form.

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. A photo booth meeting these requirements is available at the centre..

Applications accepted at the Spain Visa Application Centre will be submitted on the next working day at the Consulate General of Spain. Once the application has been submitted, the applicant can be further requested additional documentation in support of the same. Please note as per the instructions received from Consulate General of Spain minimum processing time is 15 working days (It may delay depending on case to case).

All applications must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the proposed date of travel to accommodate any unforeseen processing delays.

Below mentioned forms/checklist are mandatory for all visa categories accepted by BLS

Note: All application form/checklist has to be filled by Blue pen

Application Form

Parental authorization for minors.

Parental Authorization Letter for Minors

Sponsor Letter

Visa Collection Acknowledgement Notice

Please Note: The forms are in PDF format. You will need an Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and download this form.

To download the Application Form:

1. Click on the form link 2. When the form opens, save the form on your computer.

1. Press the right button on your mouse on the required link. 2. Select Save Target As from the list 3. Save the form on your computer.

Situation in Haiti March 29, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1)

• Consult with business associates
• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• Settle an estate
• Negotiate a contract

Tourism (B-2)

• Vacation (holiday)
• Visit with friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:

• Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
• Permanent residence in the United States

Visitor visas will also not be issued for birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child).

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate website .

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live. 

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply: 

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Prepare for your interview.

• Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

• Review the instructions available on the website of the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

• The purpose of your trip,
• Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.   

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

Note:  Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.   Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further  administrative processing .  The consular officer will inform you if this required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.  Review the  visa processing times  to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website .

Extending Your Stay

See  Extend Your Stay  on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94. 

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being  out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ).  Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States. 

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review  Visa Denials  and  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws  to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa.  However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

• An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. 

Travel for Medical Treatment

If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask for further documents at your visa interview, which may include:

• Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the United States.
• Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
• Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).

Visitor Visas for Personal or Domestic Employees (B-1)

You may apply for a B-1 visitor visa to work in the United States as a personal or domestic employee for your employer in limited situations. You may work in the United States on a visitor visa if your employer is:

• A U.S. citizen who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, but is visiting or is assigned to the United States temporarily; or
• A foreign citizen who is in the United States on one of the following nonimmigrant visa categories:  B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, or Q.

Learn more about your rights in the United States and protection available to you by reading the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above). Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver (IW) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if the IW is available and if you qualify.

Do I need a visa if I have an ABTC?

Yes, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States, unless you qualify for the  Visa Waiver Program . Having an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC) does not change visa requirements, your visa status, or the visa process for travel to the United States.

How can I use my ABTC when I apply for my visa?

If you have an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC),  you might be able to schedule an expedited visa interview appointment. Review the instructions for scheduling expedited appointments on the website of the  embassy or consulate  where you will apply. 

Visa Annotations for Certain Maritime Industry Workers

Certain foreign maritime workers are eligible to apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) once in the U.S. If you, as a maritime industry worker, will perform services in secure port areas, your visa must be annotated “TWIC Letter Received.” Workers whose visas are not annotated will not be permitted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to apply for a TWIC.

In order for your visa to be annotated, you must obtain a letter from your employer explaining the need for a TWIC and that you are a potential TWIC applicant. See a template example of this letter. You must present this letter when you apply for the B-1 visa. You must meet all other eligibility requirements for a B-1 visa. 

Complete information about the TWIC program is available on TSA’s website at  https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review  Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

I was refused a visa, under Section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the United States, for visit, tourism and temporary business travel purposes. For more information see  U.S. Embassy Ottawa website ,  U.S. Consulate Hamilton website  and  CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada.

Citizens of China

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first.  This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at www.EVUS.gov .  CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge.  The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit  www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

根据美中双方签署的延长签证有效期的协议，自2016年11月29日起，凡持有10 年 期B1，B2 或 B1/B2签证的中华人民共和国护照持有人需要每两年或在获取新护照或最长有效期的B1、B2或B1/B2签证时时（以先到者为准），通过网站更新他们签证申请上的个人资料及其它信息。这个机制我们称之为EVUS –签证更新电子系统。

EVUS的登记网站 www.EVUS.gov 现已开放接受登记。美国海关和边境保护局（CBP）目前不会收取登记费用。美国海关和边境保护局预期EVUS登记收费最终会实施，但目前尚未落实执行时间。在收费实施前，旅客可以免费完成EVUS登记。美国国土安全部海关和边境保护局将在今年及时向签证持有人公布最新的信息。获取更多的信息，请访问 www.cbp.gov/EVUS 。

Citizens of Mexico

Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). For ease of travel, the B-1/B-2 and the Border Crossing Card have been combined into one document (DSP-150). Select  Border Crossing Card  to learn more about this card.

Please visit  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  websites for more information regarding applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

Further Questions

• Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
• General Questions - review  Contact Us .

Visa Waiver Program  (VWP)

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Fraud Warning Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Border Security/Safety Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

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• Travel Destinations

How Long Can I Stay In Spain On A Tourist Visa

Published: November 8, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Adelina Kaye

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant and culturally rich country of Spain! With its stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and warm hospitality, Spain is a top destination for travelers from around the world. If you’re planning a visit to this Iberian gem, you may be wondering about the duration of your stay and the requirements for entering the country.

Spain offers a variety of visa options depending on the purpose and length of your stay. For tourists, the most common type of visa is the tourist visa, which allows individuals to explore the country for a limited period. Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding the tourist visa is essential to ensure a smooth and trouble-free visit to Spain.

In this article, we will delve into the details of the tourist visa in Spain, including the duration of stay, extension possibilities, visa-free entry for certain nationalities, consequences of overstaying, and alternatives for longer stays. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how long you can stay in Spain on a tourist visa and the options available if you wish to extend your visit.

Overview of Tourist Visa in Spain

The tourist visa, also known as a Schengen visa, allows individuals to visit Spain for tourism, leisure, or to visit friends and family. This visa is valid for a short-term stay and is typically issued for a maximum duration of 90 days within a 180-day period.

Obtaining a tourist visa for Spain requires fulfilling specific requirements set by the Spanish authorities. These requirements can include providing a valid passport, proof of financial means to support your stay, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and a completed visa application form.

It’s important to note that the tourist visa is intended for non-working activities, such as sightseeing, exploring cultural attractions, or enjoying the beautiful Spanish beaches. Engaging in any form of employment or business activities while on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited.

Additionally, it’s crucial to apply for the tourist visa well in advance of your planned trip to Spain. The processing time can vary, so it’s recommended to submit your application at least four to six weeks prior to your intended departure date.

Once you have obtained your tourist visa and arrived in Spain, you will need to ensure that you adhere to the conditions of your visa, including the duration of stay allowed.

Next, let’s delve into the maximum duration of stay permitted on a tourist visa in Spain and the possibility of extending your visit if needed.

Duration of Stay Allowed on Tourist Visa

When it comes to the duration of stay allowed on a tourist visa in Spain, it’s essential to understand the concept of the “90/180 rule.” This rule means that within any 180-day period, you are allowed to spend a maximum of 90 days in the Schengen area, which includes Spain.

Let’s break this down further. Imagine you arrive in Spain and stay for 30 days. After leaving Spain, the clock starts ticking on your 180-day period. During those 180 days, you can spend a total of 90 days in Spain or any other Schengen country. However, once you reach the 90-day limit, you must leave the Schengen area and wait for another 90 days before you can reenter.

It’s crucial to keep track of your days accurately to avoid overstaying on your tourist visa. This can have serious consequences, which we will discuss in the next section.

If you plan to stay in Spain for a longer period, it’s advisable to consider alternative visa options that cater to your specific needs. The tourist visa is primarily designed for shorter-term visits, and exceeding the 90-day limit can lead to complications.

Next, let’s explore the possibility of extending your tourist visa if you find yourself wanting to prolong your stay in Spain beyond the initial 90-day period.

Extension of Tourist Visa

If you find yourself wanting to extend your stay in Spain beyond the maximum 90-day period allowed on a tourist visa, you might be wondering if it’s possible to obtain an extension.

Unfortunately, extending a tourist visa in Spain is quite challenging. The general rule is that tourist visas are not extendable, and you are expected to leave the country once your 90-day limit is reached.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. In certain exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies, force majeure situations, or other compelling reasons, you may be able to apply for an extension. These cases are evaluated on an individual basis, and you will need to provide adequate documentation to support your request.

If you believe your situation qualifies for an extension, it is advisable to contact the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy for guidance. They will provide you with the necessary information and guide you through the application process. Keep in mind that each case is handled differently, and there is no guarantee that an extension will be granted.

However, it’s important to note that obtaining an extension is the exception rather than the norm. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan your stay in Spain within the 90-day limit to ensure compliance with the visa regulations.

Now that we have discussed the limitations of extending a tourist visa in Spain, let’s explore visa-free entry options for certain nationalities.

Visa-Free Entry for Certain Nationalities

Spain, as a member of the Schengen Area, offers visa-free entry to nationals of certain countries. These individuals can travel to Spain for tourism or business purposes without requiring a tourist visa. Instead, they can enter Spain and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period using their valid passport.

The list of countries eligible for visa-free entry to Spain can vary and is subject to change. Generally, citizens of the European Union (EU) member states have the right to travel to Spain and reside there without a visa. Additionally, citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others, have visa-free access to Spain.

Keep in mind that although these nationalities can enter Spain without a visa, they still need to comply with the 90/180-day rule. This means they can stay in Spain for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. It’s crucial to keep track of your entry and exit dates to avoid overstaying and potential penalties.

If you are unsure about whether your nationality allows for visa-free entry to Spain, it is advisable to check with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country before planning your trip. They will provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding entry requirements.

Now that we have explored visa-free entry possibilities, let’s discuss the consequences of overstaying on a tourist visa in Spain.

Overstaying on a Tourist Visa

Overstaying on a tourist visa in Spain can have serious consequences and should be avoided at all costs. If you stay in Spain beyond the allowed 90-day period, you may face penalties, legal issues, and potential difficulties in future travels.

When you overstay on a tourist visa, you are considered to be residing in the country illegally. If caught, you could be subjected to fines, deportation, or even a ban from reentering Spain or the Schengen area in the future. These penalties can have long-lasting implications on your travel plans and personal and professional opportunities.

It’s important to note that Spanish authorities take visa overstays seriously and actively monitor individuals for compliance. They have access to immigration records and can easily identify travelers who have exceeded their allowed stay. Moreover, airlines and other transport companies are required to provide passenger data to immigration authorities, which helps identify individuals who have overstayed.

To avoid the risks and consequences of overstaying, it’s crucial to plan your trip and adhere to the rules and regulations of your tourist visa. Make sure to keep track of your entry and exit dates, and leave Spain within the specified timeframe.

If you desire to stay in Spain for a longer duration or engage in activities that are beyond the scope of a tourist visa, it’s recommended to explore alternative visa options that align with your specific circumstances. This will help ensure a legal and worry-free stay in the country.

Now, let’s discuss some alternatives to a tourist visa for individuals seeking longer stays in Spain.

Consequences of Overstaying

Overstaying on a tourist visa in Spain can have severe consequences that can impact your future travel plans and legal status. It’s crucial to understand the potential repercussions before deciding to exceed the permitted duration of stay.

First and foremost, overstaying on a tourist visa is considered a violation of immigration laws. If caught, you may face fines, deportation, or even a ban from reentering Spain or the entire Schengen area. These consequences can be particularly problematic if you plan to visit other European countries in the future, as the Schengen visa ban can restrict your travel opportunities.

In addition to legal consequences, overstaying can also have practical implications. You may encounter difficulties when attempting to leave Spain or trying to travel to other countries. Immigration authorities and transport companies have access to immigration databases, and they can deny boarding or entry if they discover that you have overstayed your visa.

Moreover, an overstayed visa record can also complicate future visa applications. When applying for visas to other countries, you may be required to disclose any immigration violations, such as overstaying. This can lead to increased scrutiny, longer processing times, or even the denial of your visa application.

It’s important to note that any penalties or consequences resulting from an overstay stay on your immigration record and can have long-term implications. It’s not only about the immediate risk of being caught, but also about the potential impact it can have on your travel plans and personal and professional opportunities.

Given the serious consequences of overstaying, it is essential to adhere to the rules and regulations of your tourist visa. If you desire a longer stay in Spain or need to engage in activities beyond the scope of a tourist visa, it’s advisable to explore alternative visa options that align with your specific needs and circumstances.

Now, let’s move on to discussing some alternatives to a tourist visa for individuals seeking longer stays in Spain.

Alternatives to Tourist Visa for Longer Stays

If you wish to stay in Spain for a longer period or engage in activities beyond the scope of a tourist visa, there are alternative visa options available to cater to your specific needs. These visas allow for extended stays and can provide you with the necessary legal status to reside, work, study, or pursue other activities in Spain.

1. Student Visa: If you plan to study in Spain, you can apply for a student visa. This visa allows you to stay in the country for the duration of your academic program. You will need to provide documentation of your enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Spain.

2. Work Visa: If you have a job offer or plan to work in Spain, you can apply for a work visa. This visa is typically sponsored by an employer and grants you the right to reside and work in the country for a specific duration.

3. Entrepreneur Visa: Spain offers an entrepreneur visa for individuals who wish to start their own business in the country. This visa requires a detailed business plan and evidence of sufficient funds to support the entrepreneurial venture.

4. Golden Visa: The Golden Visa program is designed for investors who wish to obtain residency in Spain through property investment, capital transfer, or job creation. This visa provides an opportunity for individuals and their families to reside and work in Spain.

5. Family Reunification Visa: If you have immediate family members who are Spanish citizens or legal residents, you may be eligible for a family reunification visa. This visa allows you to join your family in Spain and obtain legal residency.

It’s important to note that each alternative visa has its own specific requirements and application process. Consulting with the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country or seeking the assistance of an immigration lawyer is highly recommended to ensure a smooth and successful application.

By exploring these alternatives, you can find a visa option that enables you to have a longer stay in Spain and engage in activities beyond the scope of a tourist visa.

Now, let’s summarize our discussion on staying in Spain on a tourist visa.

In conclusion, the tourist visa allows individuals to visit Spain for tourism and leisure activities for a maximum duration of 90 days within a 180-day period. It is important to adhere to the 90/180-day rule and avoid overstaying, as it can result in serious consequences such as fines, deportation, and future travel restrictions.

While the tourist visa is not extendable in most cases, there are alternative visa options available for individuals seeking longer stays in Spain. These include student visas, work visas, entrepreneur visas, golden visas, and family reunification visas. Exploring these alternatives and consulting with the Spanish consulate or embassy or an immigration lawyer can help you find the appropriate visa option for your specific needs.

If your nationality allows for visa-free entry, remember to track your entry and exit dates to ensure compliance with the 90/180-day rule. Nationals of certain countries can enter Spain and stay for up to 90 days without a visa, but they still need to be mindful of the allowed duration.

In summary, understanding the tourist visa regulations, being aware of the consequences of overstaying, and exploring alternative visa options are crucial for a successful and legal stay in Spain. By planning your trip in advance and adhering to the visa requirements, you can fully enjoy the wonders of Spain while complying with the immigration rules.

Whether you’re visiting the extraordinary cities, exploring the picturesque countryside, or indulging in the delicious cuisine, Spain offers a diverse and captivating experience for every traveler. So, plan your trip, obtain the appropriate visa, and embark on an unforgettable journey to this enchanting country!

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Golden visas and how to get one – from Portugal to Greece

T here is very little that money cannot buy – including a brand new passport, or the right to live in an overseas paradise visa-free.

Around the world there are more than 100 nations that would welcome you with open arms – in return for an investment in their national economy. Some are looking for entrepreneurs, start-up angels, philanthropic donors or big hitting business investors. 

Others simply want you to buy a home.

Interest in these property-contingent golden visa schemes (also known as residence or citizenship by investment schemes) has skyrocketed in the post-Brexit world, as Britons look to claw back their right to travel around Europe visa-free. Others want to take advantage of enviable tax breaks overseas, or simply enjoy a change of pace.

Here, Telegraph Money takes you through what you need to know and how to get the best golden visas available now.

What is a golden visa?

Typically a golden visa (conferring residence) or a golden passport (conferring citizenship) gives the buyer of a property, plus their dependents, the right to live, work and study in that country.  

In some cases the visas for European countries also confer the right to travel around the rest of the continent for extended periods without another visa (although not to settle there permanently). Passport holders can live anywhere in the union for as long as they like.

How do they work?

The world of golden visas is complex and fast-moving as countries open, close and alter the terms of their schemes, which offer a choice of either permanent citizenship or long term residency.

So far this year, for example, Greece has hiked the price of its golden visa while Australia has axed its scheme altogether. As of today, the following locations are your best options for a ticket to a new life in the sun.

Over Christmas Portugal killed off its golden visa by property investment scheme , complaining it caused house prices to soar beyond the reach of locals. That puts Spain’s scheme into pole position in Europe.

In return for a property investment of at least €500,000 (£427,350) – which would buy you an apartment in Barcelona or three-bedroom villa close to Malaga – you can follow in the footsteps of generations of second home owners and retirees and soak up the sun, full-time.

The choice of lifestyles you can buy into is fantastic – indulge your passion for golf on the Costa del Sol, enjoy vibrant cities like Seville or Madrid, relax on your sun lounger on the Costa Brava or get away from it all in the Catalonian countryside.

Spain’s practical appeal includes plentiful and cheap flights from the UK, a low cost of living, the fact that English is widely spoken, safety and good schools for relocating families. And a Spanish golden visa gives you the right to travel across Europe, a privilege lost to the UK post-Brexit.

“The scheme has garnered significant interest among UK nationals, particularly following Brexit, which has altered their residency status in Spain,” said Mary Dunne, Hamptons International representative in Marbella. “The primary motivation for seeking a golden visa is the desire for regular access to Spain, often because individuals own a second home there.”

But if you want to live, work, or study in Spain your window of opportunity looks to be narrowing. Since last year the Spanish Government has been considering abolishing the “golden visa” altogether – or doubling the minimum investment to €1 million.

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A Greek golden visa brings many benefits beyond the promise of chilling out on white beaches while the sun blazes overhead.

There is also visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen area and no requirement to live in Greece full-time. Within around three months you can apply for a residence permit, followed by citizenship after seven years.

Until recently the offer was also appealingly affordable, with a minimum property spend of €250,000 in part of the country.

However, in late March the government announced those minimums would be increased to €800,000 on popular islands and to €400,000 elsewhere. Investors must purchase a property of at least 1,292 sq ft.

Pantelis Leptos, chairman of Leptos Estates, said demand from British buyers “seeking to secure their seamless access to the EU” had escalated post-Brexit. Other buyers simply want to spend time enjoying the Grecian lifestyle, and know they can offset the expense by renting their property out when they are not in situ.

Where to buy in Greece for year-round returns

In December 2023, Portugal ended its ‘golden visa’ that proved popular with British retirees . The scheme allowed expats to take up residence for five years in exchange for property purchases of €500,000 (£432,000) or more. After that period you could then apply for permanent residency.

Launched in 2012 as a way to encourage investment into the country, Portugal’s scheme has been a success and attracted more than €6bn in investment. However, critics say it has pushed up prices and made housing unreachable for many Portuguese nationals. In popular areas, such as the Algarve, house prices have gone up by 15pc. 

While the country has removed the home ownership route to residency, the investment options are still available. In order to qualify you need to invest €500,000 into a Portuguese investment or venture capital funds, into an existing company, or creating a new company that creates or maintains five permanent jobs for at least three years.

You could make an investment into a business that leads to the creation of 10 jobs. Other options include a €250,000 donation to a project for the maintenance or production of Portuguese national heritage.

The good news is that if you meet the conditions you will be entitled to the same five-year benefits as those who used the residential property route and the ability to travel within the Schengen zone. 

You can also include a dependent in your application. This covers a spouse, children or parents. And you don’t even need to spend that long in the country if you choose not to – the requirement is just seven days a year.

Dubai/ United Arab Emirates:

The hottest of global property hotspots, Dubai’s modern apartments have seen prices jump 20pc last year alone.

And anyone prepared to spend AED 2m (around £430,000) in this futuristic holiday resort with guaranteed sunshine, through an investment fund or buying property, will get some substantial golden visa benefits and a low tax environment with no personal income, capital, net worth or withholding taxes.

From a lifestyle point of view, Dubai has pros and cons. Beaches aside, there are endless fancy bars, restaurants and boutiques to browse – and very good schools. There is also an opera house, contemporary art galleries, regular film and food festivals and major sporting events to enjoy.

On the other hand, over the summer months average temperatures exceed an insufferable 40°, the traffic is a nightmare and some find the ambience soulless.

Stuart Wakeling, managing partner at golden visa specialists Henley & Partners said some recent applicants have seen Dubai’s stellar price growth in recent years and simply want a piece of the action. “They can see themselves living there, setting up a business,” he said.

Peter Ferrigno, director of tax partners at Henley & Partners, said Dubai is particularly popular with people looking to cut their tax bill. “I have got a guy at the moment who has persuaded his employers it is better for him to be based there,” he said. “You get a break from the rain for a few years, and you can save a bit of cash.”

Quitting high-tax Britain? Here's where to move for the most money

This peaceful Mediterranean paradise is often overlooked by tourists, second home owners and expats, who prefer southern Europe’s bigger, better-known destinations.

But if you like good food, white sandy beaches and history then Malta could be a winning option. Although it is not a budget friendly choice as the scheme was established to bring an influx of wealth to the island.

If you want a new passport Malta’s citizenship by investment programme is open to anyone able to spend €700,000 on a property. If you opt for permanent residency instead you must spend €350,000 on a home, plus around €70,000 in administration fees and contributions to the Maltese economy.

Either way, you get the right to travel in Europe’s Schengen area without a visa.

You might love the idea of rubbing shoulders with the jet set on balmy Jersey, but you will need deep pockets to join this particular club.

In order to join the island’s residency-by-investment scheme you will need to buy a property priced at a minimum £1.75m. And, said Wakeling, you have to contribute tax of £250,000-per-year to qualify, which means you need annual earnings of around £1.25m.

“It is very restricted,” said Wakeling: “The government offers about 15 applications each year to high net worth individuals.”

The chosen few also have to meet moral criteria. Those who apply for a golden visa will be judged on their track record for voluntary work, any media coverage of their business or social life, awards and achievements, and cultural interests or skills.

Fancy life in a tropical paradise?

Costa Rica is an astonishingly beautiful slice of Central America where you can hang out on unspoiled beaches and surf to your heart’s content. Its national slogan is pura vida – pure life – and it’s the place to be if you’re into wellness.

The minimum property investment is appealingly low - $150,000 (around £120,000), and participants in its residence-by-investment scheme get some great financial advantages, since they are only taxed on income earned within Costa Rica.

But now for the bad news. You will need a little bit of pioneering spirit because Costa Rica isn’t as developed as western nations, turnkey property is hard to find and there are half a dozen active volcanos to contend with.

The Foreign Office adds a sobering note of caution, warning of muggings, theft, drink spiking and car jackings, particularly on the Atlantic coast.

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Los Angeles couple’s Supreme Court case sheds light on immigrant visa rejections

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The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments next month in the case of a Los Angeles man who was denied a green card after marrying a U.S. citizen, in part because of his tattoos.

Ahead of that hearing, a dozen other U.S. citizens submitted statements Thursday detailing how their lives were similarly devastated by consular visa denials. Lawyers think thousands of families could be in similar situations.

Luis Acensio Cordero was denied a visa to return to the U.S. from El Salvador and has been separated from his wife, Sandra Muñoz, since 2015. The couple sued, arguing the federal government had violated her constitutional right to marriage and due process by denying Acensio’s visa without providing a timely explanation.

A Los Angeles man was denied a green card over his tattoos. The Supreme Court might take up his case

Attorney Sandra Muñoz and her husband, Luis Acensio Cordero, have sued the federal government after it denied him a visa, in part, over his tattoos.

Jan. 4, 2024

Biden administration lawyers have argued that Muñoz’s right to marriage has not been violated because she and Acensio could live outside the U.S.

The high court will consider whether the refusal of a visa to a U.S. citizen’s noncitizen spouse “impinges upon a constitutionally protected interest of the citizen,” and, if so, whether notifying a visa applicant that they were deemed inadmissible suffices as due process.

If the court sides with Muñoz, other families could be entitled to some explanation about why they were denied visas.

Her attorneys fear that if the court sides with the Biden administration, former President Trump, if reelected, would use the authority to justify blanket bans once again of people from certain countries.

Members of Congress, former Department of Homeland Security officials and former consular officers were among the dozens of parties who submitted friend of the court briefs in support of Muñoz and Acensio and who called on the court to uphold basic due process protections.

“The overwhelming majority of visa adjudications involve the exercise of individual consular officers’ often wide discretion, reflecting their own personal opinions and biases, within the framework of the statute or regulation they are implementing,” wrote eight former consular officers including David Strashnoy, who served in Mexico and Russia from 2006 to 2015. “While most consular officers exercise their discretion reasonably, sometimes consular officers’ decisions to deny visas are arbitrary and capricious, based on misinformation or misunderstandings, or grounded in stereotypes.

“Some judicial oversight is therefore needed, at least when a visa refusal implicates the fundamental interests of Americans,” they wrote.

Thirty-five House Democrats, led by Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Linda T. Sánchez (D-Whittier), argued that advocating on behalf of their constituents — a core function of Congress — is impossible when agencies refuse to provide information about why a visa application was denied.

Years ago, Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) requested detailed reasoning from the State Department about Acensio’s denial but was given none, “rendering the representative unable to assist her constituents,” the brief states. After the couple sued, they found out the federal government believed he was an MS-13 gang member, based in part on a review of his tattoos.

The immigrant advocacy nonprofits International Refugee Assistance Project and American Families United collected the stories of other families in similar situations and summarized them in a brief submitted to the court Thursday.

The cases include others who were denied visas after consular officers questioned the significance of their tattoos, couples who had been forced to live abroad in countries the U.S. considers dangerous and immigrant spouses who chose to enter the U.S. illegally to reunite with their family and now fear deportation. One man who was denied a visa was later targeted by gangs and police in El Salvador, fled to the U.S. and was released on bond while he pursues asylum.

Supreme Court to hear case of Los Angeles man denied visa over his tattoos

Sandra Muñoz and her husband, Luis Acensio Cordero, have been separated for nine years since he was denied a visa to return to the U.S.

Jan. 12, 2024

The families included in the brief “were eager for the Supreme Court to have the information before them so they can understand it’s not just the Muñoz family,” said Melissa Keaney, an attorney with the International Refugee Assistance Project.

“Not only do they have the denials of these visas, but they have no real sense of why,” she said. “They’re just left to guess, and that really compounds the frustration and trauma that they experience from the denial.”

Among the examples is Ms. F, a U.S. citizen who fled Taliban-controlled Afghanistan with her family as a child and grew up in California. She met her husband, Mr. R, while visiting extended family in Afghanistan in 2010. The couple were identified in court filings by their first initials to protect their privacy.

Because her husband was unable to secure a visa, she visited him throughout the years and returned to the U.S. to give birth to their children. Ms. F was in Afghanistan when the Taliban retook control of the country in 2021. Her family was evacuated but held at a U.S. military base in Kosovo for nearly a year before her husband’s visa was denied on security grounds without further explanation.

The court brief also mentioned Sloane Arias of Los Angeles and her husband, Otto Sandoval-Gonzalez, who was born in El Salvador. Like Muñoz and Acensio, the couple went to El Salvador for Sandoval-Gonzalez’s consular interview and he was questioned extensively about whether he had any gang affiliation. He was denied a U.S. visa on security grounds without further explanation.

Arias returned to the U.S. without her husband, moved in with her parents due to the resulting financial strain and sees him only occasionally, when she can save enough money and take time off work. She now suffers from depression and worries they will never be able to start a family.

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Andrea Castillo covers immigration. Before joining the Los Angeles Times, she covered immigrant, ethnic and LGBTQ+ communities for the Fresno Bee. She got her start at the Oregonian in Portland. A native of Seattle, she’s been making her way down the West Coast since her graduation from Washington State University.

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