Spain Visa Policy

Spain doesn’t operate a separate visa policy because it has adopted the universal Schengen policy, which is the standard policy of members of the Schengen Union. This policy is a wider component of the European Union’s justice, security, and freedom policy engineered to foster economic and socio-cultural integration. All European Union members partially or completely adopt the policy except the Republic of Ireland, which practices its policy. Like other Schengen nations, Spain issues Schengen visas to eligible foreign nationals, which can be used to enter the country by air, land, or sea.

Holders of this visa can stay for up to 90 days within 180 days as long as they only come for short-term activities. If they wish to stay for much longer if the visitor is not from an eligible country, they will need a consular visa, transit visa, or visa on arrival.

The Schengen Area, which Spain is a part of, comprises 23 EU members and 4 non-EU members of the EFTA, including Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania. These countries may be members of the European Union but are not yet Schengen member states, so they’ve only partially adopted the Schengen visa policy.

Nationals from the EU are allowed to enter and reside in Spain due to the freedom of movement and residency adopted by the EU. However, this can be restricted due to several situations the EU prescribes.

Spain Visa-Free Countries

Due to its membership with the Schengen Union, Spain maintains the same Schengen visa free list with other member states.  Visa free nationals can visit Spain without visas for short stays lasting up to 90 days in 180 days. Also, Spain has bilateral and multilateral agreements with many of these member states so visitors from these countries continue to enjoy visa free trips.

Another thing to note is that nationals who are not from any of these countries can still enter Spain if they hold a residence permit issued by a Schengen state or Monaco, and this will qualify them for short-term entry of 90 days within 6 months. However, the Spanish government does not recognize visas and permits issued by Bulgaria, Cyprus, or Romania.

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

ETIAS is an online electronic authorization permit that allows citizens from eligible countries to visit Spain and other Schengen countries without visas for short stays.

The program will launch full-time in 2024, after which it will become mandatory for all visa-exempt visitors to get it before they are allowed into the country. ETIAS was introduced to pre-identify potential risks and threats associated with migration with a long-term visa of protecting Spain and the general European Union territories from pandemics, terrorism, immigration violations, and crimes in general.

It is a multiple-entry document that allows for up to 90 days of stay per visit, and it is valid for three years from the day it is approved for use. Applicants can get this ETIAS visa waiver by completing the online form with their travel, personal, and passport information. They will also be made to answer security and health-related questions and pay a fee before they can submit the application form.

It is important to point out that ETIAS is not a visa but an electronic permit for Business, Transit, Tourism, and Medical Treatment.

Key Information About ETIAS For Spain

Use For Multiple Countries: You can use your Etias approval issued by the Spanish authorities to enter other Schengen member states because it is widely recognized by all.  However, you must visit Spain first before making the transition to other countries.

Apply In Advance: ETIAS takes only a fre minutes to process unless there are security concerns. So therefore, you must apply for it at least a day before your trip. Visitors are not allowed to apply for ETIAS while they are in the country.

Never Stay For More Than 90 Days: The regulation is for applicants to stay in the Schengen area for 90 days maximum regardless of whether you stay in Spain only or visit other member states. Visitors may visit several times within a calendar year with the same ETIAS approval but they must observe the 180 days visit cycle.

Passport: Do consider two things when deciding on the passport to use. Firstly, the passport must be valid for at least three months to cover the duration of your stay; secondly you must use the same passport to travel because the approval is linked to it. Persona who travel with an ineligible passport or different passport will not be allowed into the country.

Local ETIAS Unit: Just like other Schengen countries, Spain has a local ETIAS unit which is responsible for handling applications that were not rejected or approved by the automated system. In a situation where an applicant's application triggers a few security alerts not enough to lead to an outright cancellation, the application will be forwarded to the local Unit for review. This review process may take a few days or several weeks however long the review process will take. After the review process the approval will be issued or denied depending on the decision of the authorities.

You Can Reapply: You can apply for another approval if your initial application is rejected.

Spain Visa Online – Get your Spain e-Visa with VisaHQ

If you plan a trip to Spain, you will most likely need a visa unless you are from a visa-exempt country. Spain and other Schengen countries have unveiled a new application program called the European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS) for visitors from visa-exempt countries. If your country is on the list, you will need this permit before being allowed into Spain or any other Schengen nation. You can apply for your ETIAS with VisaHQ if you meet all the requirements.

How To Apply For ETIAS With VisaHQ

With our trusted online service, you can get your Etias approval in less than half an hour. You only have to visit our page, input your information and documents and submit them for approval. Your Etias approval will be forwarded to your email in just a few minutes.

Here are the few steps to take

Fill The Form: The first step is to fill out the online application form on our platform. You must provide your full name as they appear on your passport, gender, and any other personal information required. For your passport information, you must include the issue, expiry date, and nationality. As for the itinerary information, you should provide your travel Information, including your arrival and departure date.

Attach documents: Scan and upload the bio data page of your passport, clearly showing your face and passport information.

Get Your ETIAS: Once you pay the application fee, you can submit it for processing which will take only a few minutes. If your application is approved, you will receive the permit in your email.

Why Use VisaHQ?

VisaHQ has a seamless and structured application process that makes it easy for you to complete your application in 5 minutes or less. You don’t have to worry about your information falling into the wrong hands as our platform has advanced data protection software. 

When you apply with VisaHQ, you get

• Round-the-clock technical support
• Smooth application process
• Transparent pricing
• User-friendly features
• Apply for multiple online visas at once
• Track your application

These and more are some of the benefits of using VisaHQ. To enjoy our first-class service, visit our application page to get started, or contact us directly for more inquiries.