Spain Visa: Entry requirements and pre-travel information for Spain

Traveling to Spain? You may need a visa – find out if you do and which type so you can get the paperwork out of the way and focus on your trip.

What’s a Spain Schengen Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Spain Schengen Visa for?

More than 90 countries need to apply for a Spain Schengen Visa before entering the country and the rest of the Schengen Area, including Bahrain, China, Cuba, India, Kenya, the Maldives, and more.

Who’s not eligible for a Spain Schengen Visa?

• Citizens of Schengen member states and European Union countries.

• Nationals of countries with visa-free agreements with the Schengen Zone, like Australia, Mexico, the USA, the United Kingdom, and more.

Can you travel visa-free, or do you need to apply for a Spain Schengen Visa? Use the [Visa Checker Tool] (/) to find out.

What’s the purpose of the Spain Schengen Visa?

• Tourism: Exploring Spain’s rich culture, landmarks, and natural beauty.

• Visiting friends and family: Staying with relatives or friends living in the Schengen Zone.

• Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or engaging in business-related activities.

• Cultural and sports events: Participating in or attending cultural, sports, or religious events and festivals.

• Short-term education or training: Engaging in short-term studies, educational activities, or training courses.

How long can you stay with a Spain Schengen Visa?

The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days per entry within 180 days in the Schengen Area and can be issued for single, double, or multiple entries.

Learn more about the Spain Schengen Visa.

What's a Spain ETIAS, and who's it for?

Who's the Spain ETIAS for?

The Spain European Travel Information and Authorisation System will launch mid-2025.

Citizens from more than 50 non-EU countries that currently don't need a visa to travel to the Schengen area will have to apply for the Spain ETIAS once it becomes operational. They include the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many more.

Who's not eligible for a Spain ETIAS?

• Individuals with EU citizenship or residency status in any EU country are exempt from the Spain ETIAS requirement.

• Spain ETIAS isn't required for holders of valid Schengen visas.

What's the purpose of the Spain ETIAS?

The Spain ETIAS is designed to enhance security, allowing tourism, business, medical, and transit visits without a traditional visa​.

How long can you stay with a Spain ETIAS?

With an ETIAS, you can stay for up to 90 days within 180 days, and it's valid for up to 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

The ETIAS is currently not available yet, but we will update this page as soon as it’s implemented.

What’s a Spain Temporary Work Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Spain Temporary Work Visa for?

This visa is for non-EEA nationals employed by a company to work in Spain.

What’s the purpose of the Spain Temporary Work Visa?

It's designed for seasonal work, allowing the visa holder to engage in employment in Spain for a specified temporary period.

How long can you stay with a Spain Temporary Work Visa?

You can stay for up to 9 months within 12 consecutive months on this visa.

At iVisa, we currently don’t currently offer the Temporary Work Visa, but you can find out more on the Spanish government website.

What’s a Spain Airport Transit Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Spain Airport Transit Visa for?

It allows nationals from certain countries to pass through the international zone of airports in Schengen member states en route to their final destination outside the Schengen Area. A Spanish airport has to be the first point of entry into the Schengen Area.

What’s the purpose of the Spain Airport Transit Visa?

This visa enables transit through the international area of airports located in Spain and the rest of the Schengen Zone but does not permit entry into the territory of the Schengen states.

How long can you stay with a Spain Airport Transit Visa?

The visa is typically valid for a single layover of up to 24 hours.

At iVisa, we currently don’t currently offer the Airport Transit Visa, but you can find out more on the Spanish government website.

What are the Spanish long-term visa options and who are they for?

Spain offers a variety of long-term visa options catering to different needs, including business activities, educational pursuits, employment opportunities, and more. Here's a brief look of the popular visas available.

• Study Visa or Auxiliar de Conversación: For individuals who wish to study or assist in teaching in Spain.

• Residence Visa with Working Permit Exemption: Allows the applicant to live and work in Spain without applying previously for a work permit.

• Researcher Visa: Aimed at individuals conducting research in Spanish institutions.

• Internship Visa: For individuals looking to intern in Spain.

• General Scheme for the Family Reunification Visa: For family members wishing to reunite with their relatives in Spain.

• Employee Visa: For individuals who have secured employment in Spain.

• Self-employed Work Visa: For those looking to engage in self-employed or entrepreneurial activities in Spain.

• Visa for Highly Qualified Workers and Intra-company Transfers: For highly skilled professionals and individuals transferring within a multinational company.

• Investor Visa: Aimed at individuals making significant financial investments in Spain.

• Entrepreneur Visa: For entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand their business in Spain.

• Non-lucrative Residence Visa: For individuals with sufficient financial means and wish to reside in Spain without engaging in professional activity.

• Long-term Residence or EU Long-term Residence Recover: For individuals seeking long-term residence in Spain or those recovering their EU long-term residence status.

• Working Holiday Visa: For young individuals from certain countries wishing to work and holiday in Spain for a short period.

• Telework Visa: For remote workers and digital nomads who wish to reside in Spain while working online for foreign employers.

• Artist/Staff/Reporter Visa: For artists, supporting staff, and reporters covering events or engaged in cultural activities in Spain.

It's important to note that we don’t handle these long-term visa applications. For detailed information on each visa type, application procedures, and the most up-to-date requirements, it's recommended to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation website.

Staying healthy in Spain: Here’s what you need to know

Making sure you're in good health before your trip to Spain is key to an enjoyable visit. Here's a general health guide that will prove beneficial for visitors to the country.

Make sure to stay updated on routine vaccines

• It's important to be current with your routine vaccines before traveling. This includes vaccinations for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DPT), varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.

The following vaccines are recommended for international visitors:

• Hepatitis A: Advisable for anyone over a year old who hasn't received this vaccine and is traveling to Spain.

• Hepatitis B: Recommended for individuals under 60 years old who are unvaccinated and planning to visit Spain.

• Measles: A dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months before traveling.

• Rabies: This vaccine is recommended for travelers involved in outdoor activities that might expose them to animal bites or those working with animals.

• Stay informed about the latest COVID-19 travel advisories for Spain, including any quarantine, testing, or vaccine documentation requirements. For up-to-date information, consult your airline or check the Ministry of Health website.

Medical facilities

Spain offers a mix of public and private healthcare services that are generally considered high quality.

• Public healthcare services are available throughout the country but may be limited in rural areas.

• Private healthcare is also widely available and may better suit the needs of international visitors. You’re more likely to find English-speaking healthcare providers there.

• You'll need to go to a pharmacy to get most medicines. However, some non-prescription medication is sold at health stores in supermarkets and shopping centers.

Health insurance

Getting health insurance before you travel is a must.

If you're applying for a Spain Schengen Visa, you're required to have medical insurance that should cover at least €30,000 for medical expenses and emergency evacuation. It should also be valid in all 27 countries in the Schengen Zone.

Medical care, especially in private hospitals, can be quite pricey. Make sure your insurance covers significant expenses, like emergency evacuations, just in case.

Check with your insurance company to make sure your plan has you fully covered, especially for the following:

• Refunds for any issues with your travel plans, like cancellations, delays, or interruptions.

• Medical costs and the possibility of evacuation.

• Compensation for lost luggage.

Things to be aware of when visiting Spain

There’s a lot to look forward to in Spain. To make your trip as smooth as possible, here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

1. Customs rules: You can’t take meat, milk, or products containing them into Spain and other countries in the European Union. Visit the European Commission website for more guidelines about personal imports.

2. Respect local laws: Local authorities may ask you to show ID anytime. They can detain you at a police station until they have confirmed your identity. Ignoring the direct requests of a police officer can be viewed as disobedience, which is a criminal offense.

3. Safety in outdoor adventures: Take care when swimming in the sea as some beaches may have strong undercurrents. Check local weather reports before planning a hike or walk, as temperatures in some parts of Spain can quickly change. For weather updates nationwide, visit the [Spanish Meteorological Office] website(https://www.aemet.es/en/portada).

Medication for personal use

For those taking medication to Spain, here’s what you need to know:

• Declare all medications: Make sure to declare any medications at customs, mainly prescription or controlled substances.

• Original packaging is a must: Always keep medications in their original packaging, clearly labeled with your name and the prescription information.

• Carry a prescription or doctor's note: Bring along a note from your doctor or a recent prescription that details why you need the medication.

• Check for restrictions: Double-check with the embassy or consulate of Spain to ensure no bans or restrictions on your medications.

• Bring only what you need: To avoid any issues, only take the medication necessary for your trip.