Spain ETIAS for New Zealand citizens: What Kiwis need to know

Starting late 2026, New Zealand passport holders will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) to visit Spain and other Schengen countries.

While it's not a visa, this new digital pre-screening is mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers to the Schengen Area. Let's dive in.

Do New Zealanders need a visa to visit Spain?

Not exactly. You won’t need a visa, but you will need ETIAS approval before departure.

This system is being introduced to strengthen border controls while maintaining easy access for low-risk travelers, like those from New Zealand.

Here’s how it compares:

Travel document	Needed for Spain?	Notes
Schengen visa	❌ No	Only for non-visa-exempt nationals
ETIAS	✅ Yes (from 2026)	Required for New Zealanders and other visa-exempt nationals for short stays up to 90 days

💡 iVisa travel expert, Femke Strietman, notes:

"The ETIAS system has been delayed a few times, but it’s officially expected to go live in 2026. Make sure your passport and travel plans are ready before then."

How to apply for Spain ETIAS as a New Zealander

The Spain ETIAS application will be 100% online and takes just a few minutes.

You'll need:

✅ A valid NZ passport (with 6+ months validity)

✅ A working email address

✅ A payment method (credit/debit card, PayPal)

✅ Possibly a digital passport-style photo

Once approved, the ETIAS is linked electronically to your passport. No physical paperwork required.

💡 Femke Strietman, iVisa travel specialist, advises:

"We recommend applying at least 4 days before your trip to avoid surprises. Delays can happen, especially if additional info is requested."

How long can I stay in Spain with an ETIAS?

The Spain ETIAS gives you a lot of flexibility:

Valid for 3 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
Allows multiple entries
Stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Travel freely across 30 countries

Even if you’re just transiting through Madrid or Barcelona, you may need ETIAS approval beforehand.

What’s the deal with the new Entry/Exit System (EES)?

ETIAS is launching alongside the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, a digital border control system.

Here’s what New Zealanders should expect:

Facial scan and fingerprint on first arrival
No more passport stamps, as entry/exit is recorded digitally through e-Gates
Automatic tracking of your allowed stay
Linked directly to your ETIAS status

💡 Femke adds:

“Allow extra time when landing in Europe in 2026, especially for your first trip, when biometric checks will be required.”

Can I extend my stay in Spain?

Normally, you can’t extend an ETIAS. But as a New Zealand citizen, you might be eligible for extra time in Spain thanks to special bilateral agreements.

Here’s how it works:

Travel type	Duration	What to do
Regular ETIAS stay	90 days (in 180)	Apply online via iVisa
Bilateral extension	+90 extra days	Check with the Spanish embassy in advance

These bilateral agreements allow some Kiwis to stay up to 180 days total, but only in countries where the agreement applies (Spain included!).

💡 John Sawyer, EU travel planner, says:

“Use your ETIAS for your first 90 days, then check embassy rules to legally stay longer. Don’t risk overstaying, it could get you banned from future travel.”

Spain ETIAS FAQ for New Zealand citizens

Can I visit multiple countries with my Spain ETIAS?

Yes! It’s valid across the entire Schengen Area. You just need to list the first country you’ll enter.

Do I need ETIAS if I’m only transiting through Spain?

Yes, even airport transits require ETIAS if you leave the international zone.

Can I study or work in Spain with ETIAS?

No. ETIAS is for tourism, business, and transit only. You’ll need a different visa to work or study.

Do I need to print my ETIAS?

Nope. It’s electronically tied to your passport. But we recommend saving the confirmation email just in case.

Need help with your Spain ETIAS?

At iVisa, we make travel easy. We’ll guide you through the ETIAS process, send you reminders, and offer 24/7 support, so you can spend less time worrying and more time packing.

💡 A final tup from Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert:

“ETIAS is simple once you understand it, just don’t leave it until the last minute. We’ll keep this page updated as the 2026 launch gets closer, so make sure to bookmark or sign up to our newsletter.”

Reach out to our support team via live chat or WhatsApp for personalized help.