How to get a visitor visa for Spain

If you’re planning a short trip to Spain, whether it’s to explore Barcelona’s architecture, relax on the beaches of Mallorca or visit friends and family, you might need to apply for a Spanish visitor visa.

Also known as a Schengen Type C visa, this visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period anywhere in the Schengen Area. It’s primarily intended for tourism, family visits or short business trips, but it comes with strict rules on permitted activities, entry dates and length of stay.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• Who needs a visitor visa
• How long you can stay in Spain
• How to apply
• What documents you’ll need
• How to prepare for your consulate appointment
• What fees to expect and when to pay them
• What to do once your visa is granted.

Who needs a visitor visa?

Nationals from many non-EU countries, including India, China, South Africa and most African and Asian states, must apply for a Schengen visitor visa before travelling to Spain.

By contrast, passport holders from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia and the UK can usually enter Spain without a visa for up to 90 days, provided they respect the Schengen 90/180-day rule.

The official Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website maintains an updated list of which nationalities require a visa. One common mistake is assuming your nationality is visa-exempt when it’s not: always be sure to double-check.

How long can you stay in Spain?

The Schengen visitor visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, not just Spain.

If you spend time in another Schengen country, for example, 20 days in France, that counts towards your 90 days. Overstaying is taken very seriously and can lead to fines, deportation or even bans from re-entering the country in the future.

Applicants sometimes miscalculate their stay by forgetting to include other Schengen trips earlier in the year, so it’s worth using the European Commission’s Schengen calculator to track your days.

How to apply

To apply for a Spanish visitor visa, you’ll first need to complete the official Schengen application form, gather the required supporting documents and submit them to your local Spanish consulate or authorised visa application centre.

If your trip will include multiple Schengen countries, you should apply to the consulate of the country where you’ll spend the most days or, if your time is split equally, the consulate of your first point of entry. Applying at the wrong consulate is a surprisingly common reason for delays or rejections.

Required documents

A complete application usually includes:

• Signed and completed visa application form
• A valid passport, with at least two blank pages and valid for three months beyond your intended departure
• A travel itinerary including flight bookings showing entry and exit dates
• Accommodation proof including hotel reservations, rental agreements or an invitation letter if staying with someone.
• An invitation letter, if applicable, from your host in Spain, with their proof of residence
• Proof of financial means such as bank statements or payslips proving you can support yourself during your stay: as a guide, you should have enough funds to cover at least €100 per day for the duration of your stay
• Health insurance that covers at least €30,000 in medical emergencies across the Schengen Area.

Many applications are delayed because documents are incomplete or improperly translated. If your documents are not in Spanish or English, you may need certified translations and, in some cases, an apostille.

Booking and attending your visa appointment

Visitor visa applications must generally be submitted in person at your local Spanish consulate or an authorised visa centre. Appointments can fill up quickly, sometimes months in advance, so booking early is essential.

At the appointment, you’ll hand in your documents, provide biometrics (fingerprints) and answer basic questions about your trip. Be honest and consistent with your answers: discrepancies between your itinerary and what you say in person could raise red flags.

As of 2025, the visitor visa fee is €80 for people over 12 and €40 for children aged 6-11 at the time of application. Children aged five and under when the visa application is submitted are exempt. Payment methods vary by consulate and may include cash, credit card or bank transfer. Do keep in mind that fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

After your visa is granted

Once your visa is approved, be sure to check the entry and exit dates carefully. Errors do occur and it’s much easier to correct them before travelling than once you’re already on your way.

Always carry printed copies of your itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance and your invitation letter (if relevant) when you travel: border officers may request them at entry, even if you have a visa. Not having these documents on hand can lead to delays at passport control.

With the right preparation, applying for a Spanish visitor visa is straightforward. By starting early, submitting complete and correctly translated documents, and understanding the 90/180-day rule, you’ll avoid the most common pitfalls and be free to focus on enjoying your time in Spain.