Can you travel to Spain with Schengen visa? That will depend on your nationality, as some foreigners enjoy visa-free European trips while others cannot. The Schengen visa area currently has a lot of 63 countries whose citizens are allowed to visit Spain or any other Schengen country for a short time. These eligible visa free visitors only require a visa waiver called ETIAS which will become mandatory by 2024.
Can You Travel To Spain With Schengen Visa?
You can travel to Spain with Schengen visa, but only if holding one is a requirement. For instance, citizens from third-world countries, most of which are in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, will require visas, while those from first-world countries like the US, Canada, Japan, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, etc. don’t need visas unless they wish to stay for more than 90 days. A visa will also be required for residents of countries not on the visa-free list.
What Is The Spain Schengen Visa?
The Spain Schengen visa is a universal visa issued by EU countries that signed the Schengen Agreement. This agreement grants the member states the right to issue a visa recognized by all members in the zone. The Kingdom of Spain signed the Schengen Agreement in 1991 and became an official member of Schengen in 1995, making it a legal issuer of the visa.
Under the terms of the agreement, all States must operate an open border policy to encourage the free movement of citizens of member states. Secondly, they all recognize and accept the Schengen visa even if a fellow Schengen nation issues it. For instance, a Schengen visa obtained from the Spanish government will still be recognized by Germany, France, or any other country in the zone.
There are single, double, and multiple-entry Schengen visas, but they all have the same 180-day validity. The visa holders can stay in Spain or any other member state for 90 days. It is important to note that the visa is not extendable or renewable unless under special circumstances. Only the immigration authorities in Spain may decide on extensions.
Can You Visit non-Schengen Countries in Europe?
Visiting non Schengen countries in Europe is also possible since some countries recognize the visa.
Examples of such non-Schengen countries include Croatia (set to join the Schengen Area in 2024), Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. Visitors can’t visit the UK with this visa because it is no longer a part of the EU, including the Republic of Ireland, which has its own immigration policy.
How To Apply For A Schengen Visa For Spain?
Applying for a visa is easy, but the process will depend on your location. If you have a Spanish embassy in your country or city, you can submit your application with them for processing, but if there is none, identify the licensed visa application center mandated by the Spanish authorities to collect applications on their behalf and submit them.
Documents must be written in English or Spanish only and meet all requirements. Furthermore, a visa interview may be required, especially for first-time visitors depending on your nationality. If an interview is necessary, a date will be scheduled for it, and you must attend with copies of your documents.
Schengen Visa Application Fee
The visa application fee must be paid before the application can be submitted. This fee does not guarantee that your application will be approved and is non refundable. The fee for adults is €80, while children 6-11 years of age pay €40. Those who are below 6 pay no fees.
Obey The 90/180 Rule
For your visits to Spain, it is important to obey the 90/180-day rule at all times. This rule was established to prevent visitors from overstaying their welcome in the host Schengen nation. This rule states that visitors must not stay in Spain for more than 90 days within six months or 180 days. So before you visit, endeavor to count the days from when you touch down in Spain until you leave. If you exceed the number of days you have violated the tiles, sanctions will follow.
Violators will either be made to pay fines, deported, or banned from entering the Schengen zone for a period. In case of grave violations, they may be prohibited from entering the Schengen zone completely.
Spain Schengen Visa Applications
Completed visa application form
Valid passport
Two recent photographs
Proof of funds
Proof of accommodation
Cover letter
Round trip flight Itinerary
Travel Medical Insurance
Civil Status proof, if necessary
Additional documents may also be required.
Can you travel to Spain with Schengen visa? Yes, you can, but only if you are not from a visa-free country. Visitors from visa-free countries don’t need visas for short visits.