Spain · Tourist Visa
Tourist and visitor visa requirements, visa-free entry, duration, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Spain is in the Schengen Area, so short tourist or business visits follow Schengen rules: up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole area. Visa-exempt nationals need no visa; everyone else applies for a short-stay (type C) Schengen visa at the Spanish consulate covering their place of residence. A new ETIAS authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt travellers.
Spain is in the Schengen Area, so short tourist or business visits follow Schengen rules: up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Visa-exempt nationals can visit without a visa; others apply for a short-stay Schengen (type C) visa via the Spanish consulate. A new ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt visitors — check the current requirement.
- Schengen short stays are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Visa-exempt nationals visit without a visa; others need a short-stay Schengen (type C) visa.
- A new ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced for visa-exempt travellers — verify before booking.
- Tourist visits do not permit employment.
- The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) has operated at Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026: non-EU visitors are registered biometrically on entry and exit instead of having passports stamped.
- 1
Check your visa requirement
Check on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs consular pages whether your nationality needs a short-stay visa, and the ETIAS position for visa-exempt travellers.
- 2
Find the consulate for your residence area
Spanish consulates have defined consular districts. Applying outside your district is a common reason for a file to be refused at intake.
- 3
Book an appointment early
Appointment slots at busy Spanish consulates can be scarce in peak season. Book as soon as your travel dates are firm.
- 4
Prepare the standard Schengen file
Typically: application form, passport, photos, itinerary, accommodation, proof of funds and Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance.
- 5
Count your 90/180 days correctly
The limit is a rolling calculation across all Schengen countries combined. Time in France or Portugal counts against your Spanish stay too.
- Visa requirement and ETIAS status checked
- Correct consular district identified
- Appointment booked
- Itinerary, accommodation and funds documented
- Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance held
- Passport valid per Schengen rules
- 90/180 day count tracked across all Schengen states
- Visados — Ministry of Foreign Affairs (exteriores.gob.es)
Official Spanish consular/visa information.
- ETIAS (official EU site)
Official EU travel-authorisation information.
Frequently asked questions
Which Spanish consulate should I apply to?
The one whose consular district covers your legal place of residence — not simply the nearest one. Consulates routinely refuse files submitted outside their district.
How far ahead can I apply?
Schengen short-stay applications open a set period before travel and should be lodged well before departure. Check the current window on the official consular pages, and book the appointment as early as you can.
Can I work during a tourist visit to Spain?
No. Tourist visits do not permit employment. Working or living in Spain long term requires a different visa and residence authorisation.
Government portals
- General Access Point (administracion.gob.es) — Central portal for Spanish public administration services
- Immigration e-Office (Extranjería) — Residence, foreigner ID (NIE/TIE) and immigration procedures
- Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) — Spanish income tax (IRPF) and VAT (IVA) filing
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visas) — Visa applications abroad and consular services