Do You Need a Visa to Visit Spain? Entry Requirements by Country (2026)

Spain's visa requirements depend entirely on your nationality. If you're from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or dozens of other countries, you can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. If you're from India, China, South Africa, or certain other nations, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa before you travel.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to enter Spain legally, whether you're coming for a short holiday or planning a longer stay.

Important: Use this guide to understand the requirements, but always verify details with official sources before travelling. Visa rules can change, and your specific situation may have nuances.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Visa?

Not sure about your country? Check your eligibility: Schengen Visa Info

The 90/180-Day Schengen Rule Explained

This is where many travellers get confused.

Spain is part of the Schengen Area, a zone of 27 European countries with no internal border controls. As a visa-free traveller, you can stay in the entire Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day rolling period.

What this means in practice:

• Days in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and other Schengen countries all count toward your 90 days
• The 180-day period is "rolling," not calendar-based
• Once you've used 90 days, you must leave the Schengen Area and wait until days "expire" from your calculation

Example: If you spent 30 days in Spain in January, 30 days in France in March, and 30 days in Portugal in May, you've used all 90 days. You cannot re-enter any Schengen country until some of those days drop out of the 180-day window.

Calculate your allowed stay: Schengen Calculator

Visa-Free Countries: Full List

Citizens of these countries can enter Spain without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in 180 days):

Americas: United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Uruguay, Venezuela, and others

Europe (non-EU): United Kingdom, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia

Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Brunei

Other: Israel, United Arab Emirates

The complete list includes over 60 countries. Check the official list: Spain Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Countries That Need a Schengen Visa

If your country is not on the visa-free list, you'll need a Schengen short-stay visa to visit Spain, even for a few days.

Countries requiring a visa include: India, China, South Africa, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Philippines, Indonesia, Egypt, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and many others.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

1. Determine the right embassy: Apply at the Spanish embassy/consulate in your country. If visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply to the country where you'll spend the most time.

2. Gather required documents:

   • Completed application form
   • Two recent passport photos
   • Valid passport (3+ months validity beyond departure)
   • Proof of accommodation
   • Flight itinerary (round trip)
   • Travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage)
   • Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
   • Employment letter or proof of funds
   • Visa fee payment

3. Book an appointment: Many consulates use appointment systems. Book early, especially during peak seasons.

4. Attend your appointment: Bring all documents. You may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints).

5. Wait for processing: Standard processing is 15 working days, but can take longer during busy periods. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel.

Schengen Visa Costs (2025)

Some nationalities have reduced fees under bilateral agreements.

Passport Requirements for Spain

Spain follows Schengen passport rules, which are different from the "6-month rule" used in some countries.

Your passport must:

• Be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area
• Have been issued within the last 10 years on the date of entry
• Have at least 2 blank pages for stamps

Example: If your trip ends on July 15, your passport must be valid until at least October 15. If your passport was issued on January 1, 2015, it expires for Schengen entry purposes on January 1, 2025, regardless of its actual expiry date.

What Documents Might Immigration Ask For?

Even visa-free travellers can be asked to show documents at the border. Prepare:

Proof of funds: This can be recent bank statements, credit card statements, pay slips, or cash. The 2025 requirement is €118 per person per day, with a minimum of €1,065 for stays of 9 days or longer.

Is Travel Insurance Required?

Yes, for almost everyone.

Schengen Visa Applicants

Travel insurance is mandatory for your visa application. Your policy must:

• Cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• Include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• Be valid in all Schengen countries
• Cover your entire stay

You'll need to provide a certificate at your visa appointment.

Visa-Free Travellers

Spain now requires visa-free travellers to have comprehensive private health insurance. Border officers can ask for proof, and failure to present it can result in fines up to €6,900.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is not sufficient for entry requirements.

EU/EEA Citizens

No insurance requirement for entry, though travel insurance is still recommended.

Trusted providers: AXA Schengen, WorldTrips, SafetyWing

ETIAS: What You Need to Know

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new pre-travel authorisation that will be required for visa-free travellers to enter Spain and other Schengen countries.

ETIAS is not a visa. It's a quick online registration that screens travellers for security purposes. Most applications will be approved within minutes.

Until ETIAS launches, visa-free travellers don't need any pre-authorisation to enter Spain.

Official information: ETIAS Official Site

Entry/Exit System (EES)

From October 2025, the EU will begin rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES). This automated system will:

• Register your biometric details (fingerprints, facial image) at Schengen borders
• Track your entry and exit dates automatically
• Replace passport stamps

You don't need to do anything before arrival.

Registration happens at the border and is free. This system will make it easier for authorities to track the 90/180-day rule.

Types of Spanish Visas

Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)

For tourism, business, or family visits up to 90 days. This is what most non-visa-exempt travellers need.

Long-Stay National Visa (Type D)

For stays longer than 90 days. Required for:

• Study in Spain
• Work in Spain
• Family reunification
• Retirement
• Non-lucrative residence

Apply at the Spanish embassy in your home country before travelling.

Digital Nomad Visa

Spain's digital nomad visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain while working remotely for companies outside Spain.

Apply via the UGE-CE Portal.

Airport Transit Visa

Some nationalities need a visa even to transit through a Spanish airport without entering the country. Check if this applies to you before booking connecting flights through Madrid or Barcelona.

Common Visa Mistakes to Avoid

Official Resources