Spain Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| EU | See below | No | No |
Passports
EU nationals: When travelling from one border-free Schengen country to another, you are not required to show your passport or national ID card at the border. However, airlines, train operators, and ferry companies may still require you to show a valid passport or ID to confirm your identity.
Non-EU nationals: To enter Spain, you must have a valid passport issued within the past ten years and valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area. You may also be asked to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay.
Note that Cyprus and Ireland are EU members but not part of the Schengen Area, so a passport or ID card is required if travelling to or from these countries.
Passport Note
Passport and visa regulations are subject to change, and airlines may have different requirements. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should check with the relevant embassy before departure, particularly when transiting through a third country. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these requirements.
Visas
EU nationals: Citizens of EU and EEA countries do not need a visa to enter Spain. But those planning to stay longer than 90 days must apply for a residence registration certificate with local authorities.
Non-EU Nationals: Citizens of the following countries can visit Spain and other Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period:
Africa: Seychelles.
Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Asia: Brunei, Georgia, Hong Kong (SAR passport holders), Israel, Japan, Macao (SAR passport holders), Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan (passport must include an identity card number), Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates.
Europe: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Serbia (biometric passports only; excluding those issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate), Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City.
Oceania: Australia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Zealand, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Nationals from countries not listed above are advised to contact the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate to verify visa requirements.
Types and Cost
Short-stay (Schengen C) visa: €90 for those aged 12 and above, €45 for children aged six to 11, and free for children under six. Certain categories, such as students, researchers, and family members of EU/EEA citizens, are exempt from fees.
Validity
The Schengen C visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Transit
If you are transiting through a Spanish airport, you may need an airport transit (A) visa depending on your nationality. Check with a Spanish embassy or consulate before travelling.
Application to
Contact the nearest Spanish embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application centre. Applications can also be submitted online through the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at exteriores.gob.es.
Schengen Visas
Spain is a Schengen country, so the Schengen visa rules apply.
Temporary residence
EU nationals: Must register their stay with the Central Register of Foreign Nationals if remaining in Spain longer than 90 days.
Working days
Schengen visa applications usually take 15 to 21 calendar days, but sometimes up to 45 days. Be mindful of the national holidays in Spain as they may affect the processing time. It is recommended to submit applications at least four weeks prior to departure.
Extension of stay
Short-stay Schengen visas can only be extended in exceptional cases such as force majeure or humanitarian reasons.
Entry with pets
Pets entering Spain from other EU countries must have a microchip, an EU pet passport, and a valid rabies vaccination. Pets from non-EU countries must comply with EU entry requirements, including a veterinary certificate and, where applicable, a rabies antibody test.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Spanish Embassy and Consulate in the USA
Telephone: +1 202 452 0100.
Website: http://www.spainemb.org
Address: , 2375 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, 20037,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Spanish Consulate in the UK
Telephone: +44 20 7589 8989.
Website: http://www.conspalon.org
Address: , 20 Draycott Pl, London, SW3 2RZ,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0930-1400 (visa information by appointment only).
Spanish Embassy in the UK
Telephone: +44 20 7235 5555.
Website: http://spain.embassyhomepage.com
Address: , 39 Chesham Pl, London, SW1X 8HW,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0930-1400
British Embassy in Spain
Telephone: +34 917 146 300.
Website: http://www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk
Address: , Paseo de la Castellana, 259D, Madrid, 28046,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0830-1600 (phone line); Mon-Fri 0830-1330 (consulate).
