Entering Spain: Tips for Travelers
The passport or travel document is always necessary and must be valid for up to three months after the expected date of departure from the Schengen territory, and must have been issued within the previous 10 years to the date of entry. Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can enter Spain with their national identity document or with their valid and current passport (unaccompanied minors travelling with an identity document must travel with a document certifying their parent or guardian's permission).
Tourists of certain nationalities require a valid visit visa currently in force. The visit visa will not be necessary if the traveller has a residence permit or a long-stay visa issued by a Schengen State.
The authorities may also request that the reason for the trip be indicated and justified with documentation such as a booking for an organised trip, proof that the place of accommodation is real, or a letter of invitation.
In all cases, the tourist must be able to prove the availability of economic resources for the planned stay in Spain and the return or transfer to another country.
The maximum stay in Spain as a tourist is 90 days.
You can consult more information and exceptions on the website of the Ministry of Interior.
TYPES OF VISA
Short-stay visas: this is the general visa for tourists and allows them to stay and travel through Spain for 90 days. They are issued by the embassies or consulates of Spain in the country of origin. Visas issued by any member of the Schengen Area are also valid.
Long-stay visas: Required for any foreigner who wants to remain in Spain for more than 90 days, except for citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
There is also a visa for international teleworkers who meet certain requirements and an airport transit visa required for some third countries.
VISA LETTER
If you need a visa, a letter of invitation does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. Some visa offices may need these letters to be notarized. Fill out the form below to get your letter today!