Apply for Spain Visa

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Woow, No Tourist Visa required on your trip to Spain.

Citizens of United States of America do not require visas for travel to Spain and as it is one of the visa exempt countries.

Spain

Spain is a popular tourist destination, and visitors from most countries are required to obtain a visa before entering the country. Spain's upcoming eVisa will allow travelers to apply for a visa online and simplify the visa application process.


A Spain visa allows the holder to enter and travel within the country for a specified period. In this article, we will discuss the different types of Spain visas, the requirements for obtaining one, the application process, and other essential information.

Types of Visas and Information for Spain:

There are three types of visas to Spain: Schengen Visa, Airport Transit Visa, and National Visa. As Spain is a Schengen country, a Schengen Visa is required for temporary visits, such as for tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, medical examination or treatment, short-term education, exchange programs, and other non-permanent reasons. Spain offers different types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit, such as:-

  • Spain Schengen Visa
    • Spain Tourist Visa
    • Spain Business/Congress/Trade Fair Visit Visa
    • Spain Cultural, Scientific, Sports Events Visa
    • Spain Visiting Family and Friends Visa
    • Spain Study (up to 90 days) Visa
    • Spain Work (Up to 90 days) Visa
  • Spain Transit Visa
  • Spain National Visa
    • Spain Employment (National) Visa & EU Blue Card
    • Spain Study (National) Visa
    • Spain Family Reunion Visa
    • Spain Self-Employment Visa
    • Spain Au Pair Visa

If you plan to study or work in Spain for more than 90 days, a National Visa can be applied for with official invitations or letters of acceptance from educational and business institutions.

Requirements for Obtaining a Spain Visa:

To obtain a Spain visa, you will need to provide various documents, including:- 

Here are the document requirements for obtaining a Spain visa:

  • A valid passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond the intended stay.
  • A completed visa application form.
  • Two recent passport-size photos.
  • Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets or a travel itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation arrangements, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host.
  • Proof of financial means to cover the expenses during the stay.
  • Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.
  • Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of the visit, such as a letter of invitation, employment contract, or proof of enrollment in a university.

How to Apply for a Visa to Spain:

Here are the steps to apply for a visa to Spain, including the eVisa and traditional visa processes:

eVisa Process:

  • Visit the official website for Spanish visa applications.
  • Complete the online application form with the required information.
  • Upload the necessary supporting documents, such as passport, photos, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and insurance.
  • Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
  • Wait for the visa to be processed and approved electronically.
  • Receive the eVisa via email, and print it out for presentation at the border.

Traditional Visa Process:

  • Determine which type of visa is required, based on the purpose of the visit and length of stay.
  • Schedule an appointment at the Spanish embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of residence.
  • Obtain and complete the visa application form.
  • Gather the necessary supporting documents, such as passport, photos, travel itinerary, accommodation details, insurance, and additional documents as required.
  • Attend the visa interview at the embassy or consulate, and submit the application and supporting documents.
  • Pay the visa fee in person, and wait for the visa to be processed and approved.
  • Collect the visa from the embassy or consulate, and check the accuracy of the information and dates.
  • Present the visa and supporting documents at the border upon arrival in Spain.

Validity of Spain Visa:

The validity of a Spain visa depends on the type of visa issued. A Schengen Visa, which is the most common type of visa for temporary visits to Spain, allows for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. 

The validity of the visa itself can range from a few days to up to 5 years, depending on the circumstances and reasons for travel. It is important to note that the length of stay granted by the visa does not necessarily match the validity of the visa. 

A National Visa for Spain, which is issued for long-term stays, can have varying validity periods depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the purpose of the stay.

Urgent Visa Application for Spain:

Urgent visa applications for Spain can be expedited through rush or super rush processing. Rush processing typically takes 3-4 business days, while super rush processing can be completed in 1-2 business days. These options come with an additional fee and require providing all necessary documentation upfront to avoid delays.

Spain Visa Policy Map

 
Spain

 
Eligible Countries/Nationalities for e-visa/visa on arrival

 
Countries/Nationalities Required Regular/Paper Visa for travelling to

 
Visa Exempt Countries/Nationalities for travelling to
Spanish visa policy map.

Visa Exempt Countries List

Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Spain for short-term stays. Additionally, citizens of some other countries:-

Cost of a Spain Visa:

The fee for a Spain visa varies depending on the type of visa, processing time, and applicant's country. To determine the exact cost, applicants can use the fee tool provided on the eVisa website. It is important to note that fees are subject to change, so applicants should check for the most up-to-date information. Once the fee has been determined, applicants can proceed with the next steps in the application process.

Explanation of the Spain Visa Application Form:

The Spain visa application form requires you to provide personal information, travel details, and other essential information. You will need to complete the form accurately and truthfully and provide all the required supporting documents.

E-Visa vs. Sticker Visa for Spain:

The main difference between an e-Visa and a sticker visa for Spain is the application process. An e-Visa is applied for and processed online, while a sticker visa is obtained through an appointment at the Spanish embassy or consulate.

Here are some additional differences:

  • Application process: As mentioned, the e-Visa process is done entirely online, whereas the sticker visa process requires an in-person appointment.
  • Processing time: E-Visas are generally processed faster than sticker visas since the online process eliminates the need for additional administrative processing time.
  • Delivery: E-Visas are usually delivered via email and need to be printed out before traveling, whereas sticker visas are issued in the applicant's passport.
  • Validity: The validity of both types of visas is determined by the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and other factors. However, some visa types may not be available as an e-Visa, and the maximum duration of stay may differ.
  • Fees: E-Visas may have a lower application fee since they eliminate the need for some administrative tasks. Sticker visas, on the other hand, may require additional fees, such as courier fees for delivering the passport.
  • Accessibility: E-Visas can be applied for and obtained from anywhere with an internet connection, making the process more accessible. Sticker visas require an in-person appointment, which may be more challenging to schedule, especially for those living far from the embassy or consulate.

Expired Spain Visa:

If your Spain visa has expired and you are still in the country, you may face legal consequences. It is essential to apply for an extension or leave the country before the visa expiration date. You can also face difficulty in obtaining a new visa in the future.

Extending a Spain Visa:

If you need to stay longer in Spain than the duration allowed by your visa, you can apply for an extension. The application process for an extension is the same as for a regular visa. You need to submit all the necessary documents and pay the visa fee. However, keep in mind that an extension is not guaranteed, and you need to apply well in advance.

Working in Spain with a Visa:

If you plan to work in Spain, you will need to obtain a work visa. The visa application process is the same as for a regular visa, but you also need to provide additional documents such as a job offer letter, employment contract, and work permit. Working without a valid visa can result in legal consequences.

Best Time to Apply for a Spanish Visa:

It is recommended to apply for a Spain visa at least 3-4 weeks before your travel date. Applying well in advance gives you enough time to gather all the necessary documents and complete the application process. During peak travel seasons, such as summer and Christmas, the processing time may be longer, so plan accordingly.

Where to Apply for a Spain Visa:

You can apply for a Spain visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country. If there is no Spanish embassy in your country, you can apply at the nearest embassy in a neighboring country.

Duration of Stay in Spain with a Schengen Visa:

Spain is part of the Schengen area, which allows you to travel to other European countries without a separate visa. A Schengen visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You can travel to other Schengen countries during this period as long as you do not exceed the maximum stay duration.

Visa for Lost or Stolen Spanish Resident Card:

If your Spanish resident card is lost or stolen, you need to report it to the authorities and obtain a replacement card. If you need to travel outside of Spain before you can get a new card, you can apply for a temporary visa at the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate.

FAQs about Spanish eVisa

 For long-stay, employment, or other visa inquiries, please reach out to the following embassies