What are the requirements for travelling to Spain as a tourist?

Are you planning a trip to Spain? Will you be visiting one of its iconic cities like Barcelona, Seville, or Madrid? Exploring some of its incredible beaches in Menorca, Cádiz, or Cantabria? Or perhaps you are going skiing in Sierra Nevada or the Pyrenees? Well, the first thing to do when organising such a trip is to ensure you understand the entry requirements for Spain. Do you need a tourist visa for Spain? Do you need to have travel insurance in advance? Let's clear up these doubts.

• What do you need to travel to Spain?
• What is the Schengen Area?
• Do you need a tourist visa to go to Spain?
• People who do not need a tourist visa to go to Spain
• People who need a tourist visa to go to Spain
• How to obtain a tourist visa to go to Spain
• Where to apply for the visa
• How much does the visa cost?
• Is travel insurance mandatory?
• How can AXA help me?

What do you need to travel to Spain?

Let’s start with the basics. Spain is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Therefore, it is subject to the visa policies of the Schengen Area. You may already know this, but it’s always good to clarify these concepts.

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a group of 29 member countries that have signed an agreement to abolish border controls between them, promoting the free movement of people, goods, and capital.

It’s essential to know that not all EU countries are members of the Schengen Area and vice versa. The benefit is that once you obtain a Schengen visa, besides Spain, you can visit the 28 other member countries.

The Schengen Area member countries are:

• Germany
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Czech Republic
• Romania
• Sweden

The four EU countries that are not part of the Schengen Area are:

• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Ireland
• Romania

Additionally, there are non-EU countries that are members of the Schengen Area:

• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Switzerland

Did you know that…

• Spain has the most Blue Flag beaches according to the European Foundation for Environmental Education?
• Spain recently introduced a "Digital Nomad Visa" that you can apply for regardless of your nationality (if you meet certain criteria)?

So, do you need a tourist visa to go to Spain?

Now that we’ve clarified the Schengen Area and European Union concepts, it’s time to ask this question. Naturally, there are two groups:

People who do not need a tourist visa to go to Spain

• Citizens of EU and Schengen Area countries do not need a visa to visit Spain.

• Citizens of countries with agreements with the Schengen Area, such as the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Japan, Chile, or Argentina, also do not require a visa. However, from 2024, citizens of visa-exempt countries will need to apply for ETIAS, a new travel authorisation for the Schengen Area. They must also carry their passport, valid for at least three months beyond the return date.

People who need a tourist visa to go to Spain

Citizens of countries without agreements with the Schengen Area, such as Bolivia, Ecuador, or Morocco, will need a visa.

How to obtain a tourist visa to go to Spain

The Schengen visa (Type C, short-stay) allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a six-month period.

To obtain a tourist visa for Spain, you’ll need:

• To fill out the visa application form.
• Book an appointment at the consulate or embassy and bring proof of your appointment.
• A passport-sized photograph.
• A valid passport, with at least three months of validity beyond the departure date.
• Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.
• A return ticket.
• Proof of accommodation: hotel booking, an invitation letter, or a tourist rental reservation.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. In Spain, the minimum required amount is €108 per person per day, with a minimum of €972 regardless of the stay duration.

Visa applications must be submitted between six months and 15 days before the intended travel date.

Where to apply for the Schengen visa

If you plan to visit one Schengen country, apply at that country’s consulate or embassy. If visiting multiple countries, apply at the consulate or embassy of the country where you’ll spend the most time or the first country you’ll visit if no principal destination is specified.

How much does a Schengen visa cost?

The Schengen visa costs €80 for those over 12 years old, €40 for children aged 6 to 12, and is free for children under 6. Citizens of certain countries enjoy a reduced fee of €35.

Is travel insurance mandatory to visit Spain as a tourist?

Yes, if you need a tourist visa for Spain, you must have travel insurance. Even if not mandatory, having travel insurance is highly recommended to cover potential medical expenses or theft during your stay in Spain.

How can AXA help you with this?

AXA offers travel insurance that meets all Schengen visa requirements. Our policies are easy to purchase online, provide immediate issuance, and include reimbursement in case of visa denial.

Additionally, AXA offers three different types of travel insurance to suit your travel style and budget. Each option provides varying levels of coverage at competitive prices. This flexibility allows travellers to select the plan that best meets their needs.

We hope this article has clarified whether or not you need a tourist visa to visit Spain.

More Information:

• How to apply for a visa for Spain from Colombia?
• How to apply for a visa for Spain from Mexico?
• How to apply for a visa for Spain from Argentina?
• How to apply for a visa for Spain from Ecuador?
• How to apply for a visa for Spain from Peru?
• How to apply for a visa for Spain from Cuba?
• How to apply for a visa for Spain from Bolivia?
• How to apply for a visa for Spain from Chile?
• How to apply for a visa for Spain from the United States?
• How to apply for a visa for Spain from India?

What happens if I stay in Spain for more than 90 days with a tourist visa?

If you stay in Spain for more than 90 days (the maximum allowed under a tourist visa), you will be considered to be in the country illegally. This is classified as a serious offence by Spanish authorities and can result in significant fines and penalties.

How long does it take to confirm if your Schengen visa has been granted?

The Schengen authorities state that the average response time for visa approval is 15 days from the date of application, provided no additional documents are required.

How can I extend my tourist visa for Spain?

To extend a tourist visa for Spain, you must do so in person by submitting the following documents:

• A completed visa extension application form.
• Form 790, code 012, for the applicable fee.
• The application and accompanying documents should be submitted at any Foreigners’ Office, Superior Headquarters, or Police Station in your locality.