schengen tourist visa spain

• [email protected]

Spain Tourist Visa: Who Needs One & How to Get It

Would you like to enter and visit Spain? Then most likely you will need a tourist visa . In this article we will explore everything you need to know about Schengen visas: if you actually need to apply for one, how to do it step by step, requirements and more!

What is a tourist visa in Spain?

A tourist visa is the term that foreigners usually use to refer to a Schengen visa ; that is, the visa that allows citizens from outside the EU to travel, enter and visit this region.

If you want to visit Spain for a maximum of 90 days, you must apply for a Schengen tourist visa .

Nevertheless, this document or permission is not granted for any specific country: you apply for a visa that allows you to enter all the 25 countries that share a common border policy within the European Union .

Also, bear in mind that according to your country of origin, it is possible that you are not required to get this tourist or Schengen visa . As long as your country and Spain have a double treaty agreement, you can enter the country without one ( but still meeting the requirements ).

Where and how can I apply for it?

The Schengen visa allows you to travel within the whole area without problems.

But if you are just visiting one specific country, then you will have to attend its embassy or consulate in your country of origin to apply for your Schengen tourist visa .

But what happens if I am visiting more than one country within those 90 days?

Then you must apply at the consulte or embassy of the country you will spend more nights at (or of that which constitutes the first point of entry if you are spending equal nights in all your destinations).

You will basically need to make an appointment with the consulate to register your biometric data and to submit all the required documents, which we explore below.

Main requirements

On the day of the appointment at the consulate or embassy, you must bring and submit:

• Your visa application form , properly completed. You can download a model here .
• Valid passport (which can’t expire beyond 3 months after leaving the Schengen Area).
• Airline reservation tickets (which must be round trip flights), demonstrating entry and exiting of the Schengen area.
• Proof of accommodation or invitation letter .
• Proof of financial means to sustain yourself in the country during the time of your visit (via bank statement); including last tax return if you are self-employed and letter of employment if not.
• Travel insurance . Here you can find the main providers .
• Two recent ID photos .
• Visa fee , which varies according to the specific consulate (but can be around € 80).

When should you apply for your tourist visa for Spain?

You can’t apply earlier than 180 before your planned entry into the country, but that same application must be made a minimum of 3 weeks before your departure .

Despite the process being quite fast, it can take up to 15 working days to receive your visa response.

Nevertheless, in some cases the application can take longer , so our recommendation is that you start as soon as possible within those 6 months.

Who needs a Spain Tourist Visa?

Basically, non-EU citizens from those countries that do not have visa-free entry into Spain , like China, Indica, African countries, and Russia.

You can find the complete list of countries that must apply for a Schengen visa to enter the Spanish territory here.

On the other hand, there are other countries that have a visa-free agreement , like the US, Brazil, or Canada, that don’t need a visa.

This exception just applies to nationals of those countries , not to residents.

But be careful!

In 2021 the new ETIAS system will be implemented , and from then on all non-European Union citizens will have to request a visa online. Learn how here .

How long can I stay in the country with a tourist or Schengen visa?

You can stay up to a maximum of 3 months (90 days in total) in the country within a period of 180 days. 

This is called the “ 90-day rule ”, and it applies to all countries within the Schengen Area .

This means that, if you spent 90 days in Spain but wish to stay longer, you will have two options:

• You can either travel to any non-EU country and stay there for 3 extra months, then travel back to Spain
• Or apply for any of the residence permits that can be obtained directly from Spain. Find the complete list of those residencies here .

If you are going to stay for the long run, it is crucial that you understand this last point, as many residencies must be applied from your country of origin (like the non-lucrative visa).

Can I extend my Schengen visa while being within the Schengen Area?

Even though the situations in which you can do it are limited, it is indeed possible to extend the duration of your tourist visa .

In that sense, only for the following reasons will that extension be available:

• If you have a single-entry short-stay visa and have made a late entry to the Schengen area (meaning days after the visa became valid).
• Due to humanitarian reasons and if the extension will help you avoid hardship, like keep receiving any kind of medical treatment or giving support to a relative going through a harsh situation.
• If your home country is suffering any sudden situatio n (force majeure), like a conflict or war.
• Personal reasons of major importance (even though it is unlikely you will be granted the extension in this case).

You must remain in that same country after you finish your extension application.

This application can last several days (time during which you don’t need to leave the country). In case the extension gets rejected, you will have a maximum of 2 days to leave.

Types of Schengen visas

As we have mentioned, a tourist visa is in fact a Schengen visa, a document that is equally valid for the different countries within the Schengen Area.

In that sense, we can find the following Schengen visas :

Business visa

If you are visiting Spain for less than 90 days for business reasons (like attending a business event, having certain meetings with your prospective clients, etc.) you must request a business visa .

If this is the case, the documents to be submitted will vary accordingly:

• You will have to include on your application the invitation letter from the Spanish company you are meeting with.
• If, on the other hand, you are attending any kind of event or fair, you must include the entry tickets .
• A certification from your company or employer demonstrating that they allow you to embark on this business trip.

Airport transit visa (type A)

The airport transit visa will be requested if the foreigner is traveling to a different country but must stop in Spain in between (for example, to take a different plane that gets her to the final destination).

If you are from one of the following countries, you will need to get your airport transit visa in order to go through Spain : Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Syria, Togo, Yemen, and Palestina.

Nevertheless, being a permanent United States resident with any of the before mentioned nationalities eliminates the need to get this visa.

Furthermore, nationals from the following countries need an airport transit visa to go through any of the Schengen countries : Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Irak, Nigeria, Pakistán, Somalia y Sri Lanka.

Student visa

In case you are enrolling in any kind of course or study in the country taking less than 3 months, you will have to get a student visa.

In that case, it will be required to include the acceptance letter from the university or school in which you are going to study.

Regular tourist visa

This is the most common type of Schengen visa, the one granted to those who want to visit the country for tourism or leisure activities .

The documentation that will be required can be found in prior sections of this article.

Other frequently asked questions

Here is a summary of the main questions foreigners wishing to visit Spain ask themselves more frequently:

What happens if my visa application gets rejected?

If that is the case, you have two different options :

• If the reason that got your application is clear and you agree with it, you can formalize a new application but solving that what caused the rejection.
• On the other hand, if you feel everything was right and no document was missing, you can initiate an appeal . But, again, follow with path only if you think there has been a mistake.

Can I work in Spain with a tourist visa?

No, in order to work in Spain you need a regular work permit .

You can just meet with your clients or do any other similar type of business activity in case you hold a business visa.

Can I join my relatives with my tourist visa?

No, you are allowed to visit them during the permitted 90 days, but once that period comes to an end you must leave the country.

So even though you have family members in the country, you can’t stay for the long run with them .

If that is your intention, you must apply for a family reunification visa or for a residence permit as an EU relative (if that is the case).

Do you have any other doubt? Get legal assistance

If you have any other doubt, you can ask our immigration lawyers directly:

Get in touch with our lawyers and let us guide you step by step:

Use my online scheduling page by vcita to schedule an appointment with me:

Recent Posts

• Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
• Arraigo familiar in Spain: Requirements and Application Process
• Immigration Fee 790 052 in Spain
• New Immigration Reform in Spain for 2024
• Spanish Residency: How to get your Residence Permit in Spain

Subscribe so you are up to date with all immigration news in Spain

Applying for a Schengen visa

This is a general overview - for more details contact the embassy or consulate of your main destination country.

What is a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa is an entry permit for non-EU nationals to make a short, temporary visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period to a country in the Schengen area. 

Schengen visas come in 3 forms: 

• single-entry visa - allowing you to enter the Schengen area once;
• multiple-entry visa - allowing several visits to the Schengen area for as long as the visa is valid;
• airport transit visa - allows you to connect through the international transit area of an airport in the Schengen area during a stopover or a change of flights. It does not allow you to leave the international transit area.

How long can you stay?

The short-stay visa calculator can help you calculate the remaining period you are allowed to stay in a Schengen country. 

The user's guide provides step by step instructions and practical examples to help you use the calculator.

Who needs to apply for a Schengen visa?

Citizens of certain non-EU countries must hold a short-stay visa when travelling to the Schengen area. 

Consult the EU list of countries whose citizens are required to hold a visa when crossing its external borders. There are exceptions to the visa requirements for certain types of traveller to certain countries (e.g. diplomats, armed forces, refugees, pupils on school excursions).

Airport transit visas

• Some non-EU nationals must also hold an airport transit visa when connecting through the international transit areas of airports located in any of the Schengen States . 
• For citizens of certain additional countries , an airport transit visa is required when connecting through the international transit areas of airports located in some of the Schengen countries . 
• There are some categories of people who are exempt from the requirement to hold an airport transit visa (see Article 3(5) of the Visa Code ).

Where to apply

You must lodge your application for a Schengen visa at the consulate of the country you intend to visit . 

• Visiting more than 1 Schengen countries : apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the longest time.
• Visiting several Schengen countries (for stays of equal length): apply at the consulate of the first country you will visit.

As a general rule, you must apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate with territorial responsibility for the country where you are legally resident.

More information for each Schengen country can be found on these websites

When to apply.

You must submit your application to the consulate  at least 15 days before your intended journey and no earlier than 6 months beforehand . 

You may have to book an appointment before lodging the application.

What documents are needed to apply?

• A valid passport . The passport’s expiry date should be at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area. For multiple-entry visas, the expiry date should be at least 3 months after your departure from the last country visited.
• A visa application form .
• A photo in compliance with ICAO standards .
• Medical insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation (including in the event of death).
• Supporting documents relating to the purpose of your stay, evidence of financial means and accommodation during your stay, and evidence of your intention to return to your home country after your stay.
• Your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application (exemptions exist for specific categories of applicants).

Additional documents may also be requested by the consulates.

How much does a visa cost?

• €90 for adults
• €45 for children aged 6-12
• €35 for applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus
• €67,50 for applicants from Cabo Verde.

An additional fee may apply if you go through visa service centres , which collect applications on behalf of consulates in some cases.

The visa fee can be waived for specific categories of applicants.

How long does the application take to process?

The normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days . 

This period may be extended to up to 45 days if a more detailed examination of the application and/or additional documents are required.

Under certain conditions, family members of EU or EEA citizens falling under the Free Movement Directive are eligible for a free and accelerated visa procedure.

Refusal of a visa application

If your application is rejected, you will be told:

• why it was rejected
• how to submit an appeal.

Share this page

Do you need a visa to visit Spain?

Jul 7, 2023 • 4 min read

Don't let visa confusion stand in the way of your Spain vacation © Flashpop / Getty Images

Spain is one of the most popular countries in the world with travelers and it's not hard to see why – incredible food, culture and the kind of sun-drenched landscape you thought only existed in your wildest vacation dreams.

Now imagine you finally get there only to be turned away at the airport....no, we don't what that for you either. With our round-up of all the essential visa information for Spain , you can figure out what you need and how to get it in order to ensure smooth sailing upon arrival.

Who doesn't need a visa for Spain?

Spain is part of the Schengen Area, which is a zone comprised of 27 European countries that have established unrestricted movement across their borders. If you're a citizen of an EU/EEA country that isn't part of this travel zone, you only need to show a national ID or your passport to enter Spain and you don't need a visa to enter or move around the travel zone. 

There are also some countries outside the EU/EEA that are permitted visa-free entry to Spain and up to 90 days of travel in a 180-day period within the Schengen Area. These include the UK, US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore and several South American countries, among others. You will need a minimum of three months' validity on your passport to travel and check well in advance of your trip to ensure your country qualifies for visa-free travel .

Keep in mind that you can only travel within the Schengen Zone for a maximum of 90 days. If you're planning to travel around after some time in Spain, you need to take into account the number of days you’ll be spending in each country and tally up the total.

You don't have to stay in the Schengen area for a consecutive 90 days – you can move in and out as you wish but 90 days is your max allowance in a 180-day period. Gauge the length of your Schengen-wide stay with online calculators if you're at all unsure, because overstaying the limit may result in authorities deporting you or prohibiting you from re-entering the bloc.

Meanwhile, the EU is expected to introduce its ETIAS visa waiver program in 2024. If you hold a non-EU passport, you’ll need to apply online for pre-authorization, along the lines of the USA’s ESTA scheme. Costing around €7, the process should be quick and painless.

How do I get a visa to visit Spain?

If you're a passport holder for any of the third countries listed here , you'll need to apply for a short-term tourist visa to visit Spain. This visa will cover you for up to 90 days of travel in a 180-day period within the Schengen Area, though the majority of your trip will need to be spent in Spain. Non-EU countries that require a visa include China, Ghana, India and Tanzania, among others.

Visa applications need to be made at the nearest Spanish embassy/consulate in your country of residence well in advance of your planned visit – up to three months ahead of your trip should be sufficient. You'll need two passport-sized photographs, a visa application form, your passport and evidence of health insurance to cover your planned time in Spain. You will also be asked for evidence of financial means to support yourself during your trip, as well as evidence of flight and accommodation bookings for the entire trip, including your return ticket. 

Schengen visas cost €80 for any applicant over 12, €40 for children aged between 6 and 12, and there is no charge for children under 6. Tourist visas are normally valid for six months and extensions are only possible in exceptional circumstances.

Can I extend my tourist visa?

It is possible to extend a short-term tourist visa as long as the authorized stay is shorter than 90 days, but only in exceptional cases that arise after entering Spain. 

Getting approval for a short-term visa extension is not an easy task and you will need an exceptional reason to secure it. Schengen visa policy states those reasons include late entry, humanitarian reasons, (needing medical treatment, the death of a family member, etc), force majeure, or other important personal reasons that the immigration authorities will consider.

It's imperative that you request a visa extension from either the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation or the Ministry of the Interior in Spain before your existing visa expires.  

This article was first published Aug 31, 2021 and updated Jul 7, 2023.

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

Jul 31, 2024 • 5 min read

Terrified of local tipping customs in Europe? Fear not. Follow our guide for the social norms on gratuity across the continent.

Jul 19, 2024 • 5 min read

Jul 11, 2024 • 17 min read

Jun 28, 2024 • 5 min read

Jun 26, 2024 • 6 min read

May 30, 2024 • 9 min read

May 27, 2024 • 6 min read

May 21, 2024 • 11 min read

May 20, 2024 • 5 min read

May 3, 2024 • 6 min read

Travel Safe

Visa and passport. What should you bear in mind?

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• +34 936 31 51 39

Home » Immigration » Tourist Visa in Spain: Requirements, How to Obtain it and Extension

Tourist Visa in Spain: Requirements, How to Obtain it and Extension

by Nika | Immigration

No matter the season, Spain is a favorite travel destination for many all over the world. There’s sunshine and sightseeing in winter, pretty parks to have picnics in spring, lively beaches in summer, and traditional wine festivals in autumn!

On top of the good food and friendly people, there’s always something to do. It’s quite clear why many visit the country.

If you’re thinking of coming over and experiencing what Spain has to offer, your first step may be to apply for a tourist visa.

If it is, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will cover all the important information you need to know about getting a tourist visa for Spain. You’ll learn about the application process, find out the general requirements, and figure out if you can extend your tourist visa at the end of your stay. Let’s get to it!

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a 90-day stay authorization that allows non-EU citizens to travel and move within the Schengen area freely in order to visit and to tourism.

Then, before anything else, we must define what this area means.

The Schengen Area is a huge territory made up of 27 countries in Europe. Within the Schengen zone, countries have removed all passports and border control, meaning easy travel between them.

That being said, if you have a Schengen visa, you can easily travel throughout the whole European Union while your visa is valid.

Now, the EU country that you are entering from and staying in the longest is the country that will process your application. This country will give you a Schengen visa or, in other words, a tourist visa.

The Spanish tourist visa lasts for a maximum of 90 days (even though sometimes you can get one for less time, depending on your plans in the country) . If you would like to stay longer than this time period, you would have to apply for a temporary residence permit . Later on in this article, we will explore how to move from one option to the other.

Do I need a tourist visa for Spain?

Following what was explained in the previous section, if you are a citizen of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, then you do NOT need to apply for a Spanish tourist visa .

Thus, if aren’t, you would need a visa to visit Spain. Nevertheless, not all non-EU nationals must apply for an actual visa . And that is because some countries do have an agreement with Spain, thanks to which nationals are not required to obtain a Schengen visa.

In the following table, you can check if your country does NOT have an agreement with Spain, and if you must obtain a tourist visa to visit:

However, it is important to note that even if you do not need a Schengen visa to enter Spain, you must still comply with the whole list of requirements (e.g. having round-trip tickets). This is a legal obligation, and may still be asked of you upon entering the country. We will discuss these requirements later in this article.

Types of Short-Stay Spanish Visas

There are four types of Schengen Visas. These visas follow the 90-day rule (which states that you can only stay within the Schengen area for 90 days within a period of 180), and each type depends on your purpose of travel.

Regular Tourist Visa

A regular tourist visa is given to those who wish to visit Spain for tourism or leisure purposes. In most cases, this is what is given to the traveler.

It is the most common option, and obtaining it is quite straightforward.

Student Visa

As its name describes, this Spanish short-stay visa is given to those who are traveling to Spain to study. It is for those who would like to go to university, take their master’s, or obtain their Ph.D. in the country.

The student visa lasts for three months . If the course lasts for more than 90 days, one would have to process a temporary residence card to continue residing in the country while completing their studies (even though no physical residency card would be granted unless the foreigner stays more than 6 months in the country).

This type of visa is a great option if you wish to stay for the long run in Spain and obtain a work permit , as it allows for a smooth transition.

Business Visa

For those who are traveling to Spain for a business meeting or event , the business visa is what they would have to apply for. The application requirements would then include proof of the business event and proof that the employer is allowing this business trip.

You can read about the business visa and how to apply for one here.  

Airport Transit Visa (Type A)

This visa applies when an individual has to pass through Spain to get to their final destination, which means transferring flights in Spain.

This is not a general requirement for flight transfers, as only certain nationalities need to demonstrate this visa. Some examples are nationals from: Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Syria, Togo, Yemen, and Palestine.

I want to talk to a lawyer

How do I get a tourist visa for Spain?

The general tourist visa falls under Spain’s General Immigration Regime. This means that, currently, you would have to apply for a visa from the embassy or consulate in your country of origin or the country you are currently residing in.

You must apply within 180 days before the date of desired entry into Spain , but not less than three weeks before flying out of your country. Receiving your tourist visa response can sometimes take up to two months, so our advice is to always plan ahead.

However, the European Council is working to transition to a fully online process by 2025. There will be an online platform where you can apply for your Schengen visa, no matter where you are. You can read more on the digitalization of Schengen visas and its implications here.

As previously mentioned, you can only stay in Spain for a maximum of 90 days while on a tourist visa. However, sometimes, an individual is granted a short-stay visa that is valid for a year or even more. This means that the individual does not need to reapply for a tourist visa over the duration of validity, but still cannot stay in Spain for longer than 90 days in any 180-day period.

The individual would have to travel to a Non-European country, then fly back to Spain. This would restart the 90-day time period.

This is what is called the 90-day rule . 

Spain tourist visa requirements

Depending on your local consulate or embassy, employment status, and purpose of travel, the visa requirements for a Spain visit will differ. But, generally speaking, the Spanish tourist visa or Schengen requirements include:

• Schengen visa application form (find it  here )
• Original passport (which must expire at least 3 months after your exit of Schengen)
• 2 recent passport-sized photos
• Travel medical insurance
• Payment of the visa fee
• Round-trip flight tickets
• Invitation letter or hotel/apartment reservation
• Proof of sufficient financial means (€100 per day)
• ETIAS form (effective 2024)

How much bank balance is necessary to visit Spain?

You will need to prove that you have at least €100 per day that you’ll be in Spain. Nevertheless, if you stay less than nine days and so that amount does not add up to at least 900€, you must still demonstrate that amount.

To get an idea of how much things cost in Spain to budget ahead of time, click here.

Once I have the Spanish visa, am I guaranteed entry to Spain?

No. Receiving a Spanish tourist visa is great and a huge step towards your travels to Spain, but it does not 100% guarantee entry into the country.

Aside from your visa, passport, and round-trip ticket, border police at the airport may also ask to see proof of accommodation, and documents justifying your purpose of entry. They may also directly ask you about where you are going to stay and why you are traveling to Spain .

The police want to make sure that you will not overstay more than the allowed 90 days, and for that, they may interrogate you and ask several questions.

If they feel like your documents are invalid or that your answers are unjustified, border police have the right to deny you entry into Spain .

Can I extend my tourist visa?

You cannot extend your tourist visa solely for leisure or tourism purposes, however, there are some reasons that would allow you to appeal for an extension while you are in the Schengen zone.

These reasons include:

• Being unable to travel on time, thus entering the Schengen zone much later than the validity of your visa
• Humanitarian purposes such as personally receiving medical treatment or being with a relative who is experiencing illness or difficulties
• Unforeseeable catastrophes (force majeure) happening in your country of origin such as natural disasters or war
• Justifiable personal reasons

If your extension request is denied, you must leave the country within two days.

As you can see, it is unlikely that you will find yourself in the position to extend over the allowed 90 days.

But what happens if you still want to pursue your new life in Spain? Don’t you have any options? The answer is yes, and that is what we will explore next.

Can I apply for a student visa as a tourist in Spain?

Yes, you can apply for a student visa as a tourist in Spain. The application must be processed within your first 60 days in the country.

There are two types of student visas:  short-term (90-180 days) and long-term (more than 6 months) . If the academic year is more than 6 months and less than a year, the applicant will have to process a residency card (for studies lasting less than 6 months no residency card will be issued).

Read more about applying for a student visa in Spain here.

One of the main upsides of studying in Spain as a foreigner is that, apart from being allowed to work up to 30 hours per week, you can move to a work permit after completing your studies.

Can I get a work permit while on a tourist visa?

Yes, you can apply for some work permits while you are on a tourist visa. In 2013, the Entrepreneur’s Law was implemented to attract talent to improve the country’s economy.

Under the Entrepreneur’s Law, you have the entrepreneur’s visa , the highly qualified worker visa , the research residency , the intra-company transfer visa , and the newly created digital nomad visa.

The UGE, the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos  (Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit), processes the applications for these residence permits.

The UGE is located in Madrid, but applications for Entrepreneur’s Law visas can be submitted online! This allows for fast-track applications that can be resolved in 20 days.

Nevertheless, a regular work permit CAN’T be applied for directly from Spain as a tourist. You will have to start the process at the Spanish consulate in your country of origin.

Can I get married while on a tourist visa?

Yes, you can get married while on a Spanish tourist visa. And that is because proof of residency is not a requirement when marrying in Spain. Regardless of whether you are two foreigners having a destination wedding, or you are a foreigner marrying a Spanish national, it is possible.

You can read all about getting married in Spain as a foreigner here.

Aside from an actual marriage, Spain also offers the option of pareja de hecho or a civil union, which is an analogous legal figure but less binding.

Like all things, there are pros and cons to this option. Pareja de hecho will grant you the right to live and work in Spain, but getting married will allow you to apply for Spanish citizenship after just one year.

If you would like a thorough comparison between both options, click here.

In fact, this is the path many foreigners who are the relatives of EU citizens follow. They enter the country with their tourist visa, register their civil partnership and get a 5-year residence permit thanks to that.

You can learn more about this process step-by-step here.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your tourist visa, and we’ll see you here!

Having a tourist visa for Spain is a real treat. It not only allows you to discover a new country, but could also open many doors for you. Different people, innovative ideas, vibrant energy, and new opportunities await you here.

…and if you’re already in Spain and need help transitioning to a residence permit, we are always ready to assist you.

Book a consultation with one of our lawyers and solve all your doubts:

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

I want to sign up to the newsletter! | Quiero suscribirme a la newsletter

Find out more articles

• Immigration news
• Business legal news
• Real estate and property news
• Legal and civil matters

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Schengen Visa for Tourists: Everything You Need to Know

Updated: October 19, 2023

The Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area. As per the UN, the continent of Europe is comprised of 44 countries. Of these, 27 countries are part of the Schengen agreement. The Schengen agreement abolished internal borders between these 27 countries.

A Schengen visa is a unified visa for short stays (up to 90 days) for these 27 European countries. Therefore, a Schengen visa is the only visa you will need to travel to any of these 27 countries.

Table of Contents

BONUS: FREE eBOOK

Enter your name and email to download the FREE eBOOK: The Secret to VISA-FREE Travel

Opt in to receive my monthly visa updates

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Your FREE eBook is on it’s way to your inbox! Check your email.

SCHENGEN VISA POLICY

The Schengen visa policy was introduced in 1995 which abolished internal borders between the Schengen countries. 

Once you have obtained a Schengen visa, you can travel freely between the Schengen member countries without any border controls. For example, if you enter France and would like to go to Germany, you will not pass through passport controls at the France-Germany border. 

Keep in mind that the Schengen visa policy only applies to the Schengen area and not to the entire European Union.

Schengen visa countries

There are currently 27 countries in the Schengen area that you can visit with a single Schengen visa. Below is the list of countries.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

Apart from the above 27 Schengen member countries, you also travel to 50 non-Schengen countries visa-free using a Schengen visa .

SCHENGEN VISA TYPES

Those intending to visit the Schengen countries for tourism must either be visa-exempt or hold a valid Schengen visa from the embassy. 

• Visa EXEMPTION (ETIAS from 2024)
• Type-A (Airport Transit Visa)
• Single-entry
• Double-entry
• Multiple-entry
• Type-D (Long Stay Visa for stays more than 90 days)
• Limited Territorial Schengen Visa

For this guide, we will focus only on visas for tourism intent, that is Type-C Uniform Schengen visas. 

SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS

Minimum passport validity required to enter the Schengen area

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months from your planned departure from Schengen area.

Example: If your trip is from Mar 10 to Mar 20, your passport must be valid at least until Jun 20.

Visa EXEMPT nationalities

90-day entry.

• Antigua And Barbuda
• Bosnia And Herzegovina
• El Salvador
• Marshall Islands
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• St Kitts And Nevis
• St Vincent and The Grenadines
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad And Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America
• United Kingdom
• Vatican City

Visa REQUIRED nationalities

• Afghanistan
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Congo, Dem. Rep. of
• Congo, Rep. of
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Dominican Republic
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• North Korea
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Sao Tome And Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Turkmenistan

IMPORTANT Palestine and Kosovo are not recognized by at least one Schengen member state. If you are a Palestinian or Kosovo national, please inquire at your nearest Schengen consulate for visa requirements for your passport.

SCHENGEN VISA EXEMPTION (ETIAS FROM 2024)

Currently, 62 nationalities can enter the Schengen area without a visa. Though you do not require a visa, you must consider the total duration of your stay in the Schengen area and must carry the mandatory documents.

Duration of Stay in Schengen Area – the 90 days/180 days rule

Non-EU Passport holders who are visa EXEMPT are allowed to stay in the Schengen area countries for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. This “90 days in any 180 days” applies to all short-stay visitors to the Schengen area.

• Stays in EU countries that are NOT part of the Schengen area (Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Ireland) are not counted in calculating the period of stay.
• Stays in non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are counted in calculating the period of stay compliance with the 90-day / 180-day rule.
• Both the day of entry and the day of exit are counted in the calculation.
• The 180-day period is referenced backward from the day of checking.
• A simple rule of thumb is, if you are out of the Schengen area for a continuous period of 90 days allows you a new stay of 90 days.

You can use the Schengen calculator to determine the number of days you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area. Here is the manual on how to use the Schengen calculator.

Documents to carry

Visa EXEMPT individuals must carry the following documents when entering the Schengen member states.

• Valid passport
• Proof of onward travel
• Proof of accommodation

SCHENGEN VISA FROM THE EMBASSY

Currently, 104 non-EU nationals require a visa to enter the Schengen area. These nationals must be in possession of a Schengen visa when entering the Schengen zone.

Validity of Schengen Visa

The Schengen visa validity depends on whether you are a first-time applicant or a subsequent applicant. 

First-time application: If you are applying for the first time, your visa will be valid for the exact number of days you have asked for. In some instances, you may get a few buffer days as additional. 

For example, if your itinerary is 12 days, your visa will be valid for exactly 12 days. 

As a first-time visa applicant, I suggest adding a few extra days to your itinerary so you will get a few extra days on your visa validity. That way, you can have some flexibility in your travel plans.

First-time Schengen visas are usually single-entry or double-entry. 

Subsequent applications: If you are applying for the second or third time, you may likely get a visa valid for 90 days. The visa may likely be multiple-entry. 

Rules for obtaining Schengen visa valid for 1, 2 or 5 years

• To obtain a 1-year Schengen visa, you must have obtained and used 3 Schengen visas within the last 2 years
• To obtain a 2-year Schengen visa, you must have obtained and used a 1-year Schengen visa within the last 2 years
• To obtain a 5-year Schengen visa, you must have obtained and used a 2-year Schengen visa within the last 3 years

Duration of Stay in Schengen area – the 90 days/180 days rule

Visa-required passport holders are allowed to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. This “90 days in any 180 days” applies to all short-stay visitors to the Schengen area.

• Stays in non-EU countries that are part of the Schengen area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) are counted in calculating the period of stay compliance with the 90 days / 180-day rule.

Where to apply for Schengen visa

Most tourists plan to travel to more than one country during their Europe trip. The Schengen visa is valid for 27 countries, so you must first determine your Schengen country of application. This helps greatly in avoiding visa delays and refusals.

Follow the below guidelines to determine your country of application.

CASE 1: If you plan to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply for your visa at the consulate of that particular country.

Example: If you are traveling to Spain only, then you must apply for your visa at the Spain Embassy or Consulate.

CASE 2: If you plan to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for your visa at the consulate of the country of your main destination (the country where you will be spending most days).

Example: If your itinerary is 10 days of which 4 days in Spain and 6 days in France, then you must apply for your visa at the French consulate since you will be spending more time in France.

CASE 3: If you intend to visit several Schengen countries but do not have a main destination (same amount of days in each country) then you should apply for your visa at the consulate of the country of your first point of entry.

Example: If your itinerary is 10 days of which you will be spending 5 days in the Netherlands first and 5 days in France after, then you must apply for a visa at the Netherlands Consulate since the Netherlands is your first port of entry.

When to apply for Schengen visa

You must apply for your Schengen visa no later than 15 days prior to your travel. Otherwise, your application will not be accepted.

You can apply for your visa up to 6 months in advance. So, apply as soon as you can to avoid delays, refusals and disappointments.

Schengen Visa Application Process

There is a plan to implement online systems of Schengen visas. But as of now, the visa can only be applied in person. Visa application is a 4 step process

• Fill out your Schengen visa application form 14076-02 (online or offline)
• Schedule an in-person Schengen visa appointment (at the consulate or visa agent such as VFS Global)
• Appear in person to submit your visa application, documents, biometrics and visa fee
• Pick up your original passport with the approved visa.

You can apply for a Schengen visa through a visa/travel agency in some countries. Travel agencies that offer vacation packages to Europe usually are allowed to apply for the visa on your behalf.

Documents required for Schengen visa

The following documents are required for your Schengen visa.

• Filled and signed visa application form (online or downloadable from the consulate page)
• Original passport
• Copy of the visa/residence permit if applying in a third country
• One recent passport-size photo
• Confirmed round-trip flight reservation
• Proof of health insurance
• 3-month bank statement
• 3-month salary slips
• Original signed employment letter
• Cover letter with a detailed itinerary

Application Form

Filling out the application form can be done online or offline depending on the Schengen country. For example, the application form for France is online whereas for Spain, it’s paper.

Photo Requirements

The photo must be 4.5cm x 3.5cm. That is, 4.5cm high and 3.5 cm wide. The face must be 3.2 to 3.6cm or 70-80% of the photo.

Proof of Health Insurance

It’s MANDATORY to submit travel medical insurance for Schengen visa . You must attach a certificate of travel health insurance in the Schengen area or worldwide with 100% coverage with no deductibles or co-pays.

It must have a minimum coverage of €30,000 EUR for medical, hospitalization, emergencies and repatriation services.

You can purchase Schengen travel insurance from any online provider. You can cancel and get a refund if your visa is denied. Once you purchase the travel insurance for your desired dates, you can download the visa letter that you can submit with your visa application.

Recommended Schengen visa insurance:

• VisitorsCoverage | Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements | Costs $1 a day

Schengen Visa Fee

The Schengen visa fee for an adult is approximately €80 EUR. For children between the ages of 6 and 12, it’s €40 EUR. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from paying the visa fee.

The fee must be paid in local currency, in the form of cash or bank money order. Most Schengen consulates have outsourced the visa process to VFS or BLS. Therefore, in addition to the visa fee, you may have to pay a fee for biometric collection and courier services.

Schengen Visa Processing Time

Schengen visa processing can take from 15 calendar days to 45 calendar days depending on the consulate, country or agent. Apply no later than 15 days prior to your travel. Otherwise, your application will not be accepted.

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT

Entering Schengen Zone by Air

You do not need to fill in any arrival/departure card on entering the Schengen area. Do not panic if your flight attendant did not give you an arrival/departure card on your flight.

At the immigration, you will generally be asked about your final destination, places you will be visiting and the number of days you are planning on staying. You might also be asked if it is your first time in Europe.

The immigration officer will stamp your passport upon arrival. The number of days you are allowed to stay will not be marked on your passport.

As always, carry a copy of your return ticket and hotel booking just in case. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, don’t forget to get proof of onward ticket .

Leaving Schengen Zone by Air

You must go through passport control on exiting the Schengen area. You will not be asked any questions unless you have overstayed your visa. Passport control is fairly quick, about 10-15 minutes depending on the airport.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What is the minimum bank balance required for a Schengen visa?

The minimum bank balance required for a Schengen visa depends on the country you are applying from and the duration of your stay. As a general rule, you should have at least €60 per day for your stay in the Schengen area. This should cover your travel expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation.

Does Schengen visa cover Switzerland?

Yes, the Schengen visa covers Switzerland. Switzerland is a member of the Schengen Area. You can travel to Switzerland and other Schengen countries with a single visa.

Which Schengen visa is hardest?

There is no specific Schengen visa that is considered the hardest to obtain. But visa refusal statistics show that Norway, France and Belgium have the highest refusal rates.

Which country gives fastest Schengen visa?

The processing time for a Schengen visa may vary depending on the country you are applying from and the purpose of your visit. However, some countries may have faster processing times than others. For example, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are known to have relatively fast processing times.

Which country gives Schengen visa easiest?

There is no specific country that gives Schengen visa easiest. But visa refusal statistics show that Finland, Hungary, Estonia and Poland have the lowest refusal rates.

Do US citizens need a visa to enter the Schengen area?

No, US citizens do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area. US citizens can travel to the Schengen territory for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for tourism or business purposes.

Europe is usually the first choice for most first-time international travelers. It’s a dream for most people to visit European countries at least once in their lifetime. Europe has such an impeccable beauty, history, art, and cuisine.

A Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area, comprised of 27 European countries. Non-EU nationals who are visa-exempt and visa-required are allowed to stay in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Schengen visas are single, double or multiple-entry visas. First-time Schengen visas are limited in validity, but subsequent visas are 90 days to 5 years of validity.

• European Comission, Migration and Home Affairs
• European Union Law (EUR-Lex), Visa Code

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from HeyMondo . HeyMondo offers a 5% discount to Visa Traveler readers (use the link above), and covers all medical and travel emergencies during your trip.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

MORE VISA GUIDES

UNITED STATES

UNITED KINGDOM

VIEW ALL VISA GUIDES

• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel Reservation
• Travel Insurance
• Onward Ticket
• Testimonials

Search this site

Short Term Visa(Maximum stay of 90 days)

• Tourist Visa
• Business Visa
• Airport Transit
• Transit For Seamen

National Visas

• General Student Visa
• NALCAP - North American Language and Culture Assistant Program

For BLS Visa Application Center

• Book Your Appointment
• Reprint Appointment Letter
• Cancel Appointment
• Customer Experience
• Additional Services
• Public Holidays / Closures
• Useful Links
• Security Rules
• Track Application
• Doorstep Service
• Travel insurance

Apply for Visa to Spain In Los Angeles

Short Term Visa (Maximum stay of 90 days)

Website Disclaimer

Important :

Travel Insurance is mandatory for travelling to Spain. You may get your travel insurance from any authorized insurance company/agent or you may Click here if you wish to avail it from Europ Assistance.

DO NOT FALL INTO FRAUD AND BEWARE OF SCAMS ! BLS International advises visa applicants to exercise caution and vigilance regarding the following points: Our staff never ask visa applicants to make cash payments or any other form of payment to obtain an appointment, expedite the visa application process, secure an earlier appointment, or influence decision-making. We do not recommend any direct payments into personal bank accounts. Appointments must be booked exclusively through the BLS website. Please refer to the website for authorized service fees payable to BLS International. Always request a receipt for optional value-added services available at our center. The decision regarding visa applications is made solely by the competent authorities, and BLS International has no role or influence in this process. If you receive such a request (in writing or verbally), please report it immediately by completing the complaint form or by sending an email to  [email protected] . Be cautious of intermediaries selling visa appointments under the name of BLS International or individually outside our center. All appointments must be booked through the BLS International website. Please refrain from purchasing appointments through a third party: this is a fraudulent practice that BLS International strongly condemns. As a responsible service provider, we make every effort to inform applicants to be wary of fraudulent intermediaries charging fees to clients for appointment bookings.

Kindly use the new application form effective 8 May 2024 when submitting your application at BLS Visa application centers.

Only permanent residents of California (county/condado: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Barbara y Ventura), Arizona, Colorado, Utah have jurisdiction to apply with the Consulate of Spain in Los Angeles. CLICK HERE to check which BLS location to apply as per your permanent address.

to check which BLS location to apply as per your permanent address.

Schengen Visas : Schengen appointment for Tourism,transit and Business visa.

National Visas : national appointment for Study, Nalcap.

All Fullbright Scholarship students applications will be taken directly at the Consulates with appointments

All Schengen and National Visa fees must be paid by money order only.

Study batch applications, payment by money order/cashiers check is accepted payable to "Consular Outsourcing BLS Services Inc"

Individual study applications, payment by Cash or Debit card only

"COURIER delivery is an optional service, which is run by a third-party courier provider for applicants who choose courier delivery service. PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR DISCLAIMER"

All travellers, regardless of the circumstances of their trip, are strongly recommended to keep informed before their trip about the restrictions adopted by the Ministry of the Interior on border crossing  (interior.gob.es) , as well as the sanitary measures adopted by the Ministry of Health  (mscbs.gob.es) .

Please download the Application Form from our website only and request for Form Filling assistance if needed at the time of your appointment.

BLS Employee must provide receipt for all the services availed and paid at BLS Spain Visa Application Centre .

"BLS Spain Visa Application Centre" does not provide any other services apart from reception and acceptance of Spanish visa applications as authorized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spain. The decision to grant a visa and the duration is purely a decision of the Embassy and BLS has no influence over the same.

Welcome to BLS International

Official partner of Embassy of Spain in Los Angeles

Book an Appointment

Visit our center

Track application

Spain visa application - los angeles.

Years of global experience

Countries of operations

Welcome to the website of the Spain Visa Application Centre. This website provides information on how to apply for a Schengen visa to travel to Spain as your main country of destination. The guidelines listed on this site are to help you to prepare your documents as accurately as possible. This will reduce the chances of your application being delayed or rejected due to incomplete or faulty submission of documents.

How to apply

Know Your Visa Type

Book your appointment

Visit our centre

General information.

Spain Tourist Attractions

Track your Application online

Submission Time of applications:

"Applications may be submitted any time within 3 months before the date of departure. Decision on 15 days. It is therefore advisable to apply more than 15 days prior to departure date.

Important Information

News & Notification

Holidays List

Este sitio web utiliza cookies propias y de terceros para su funcionamiento, mantener la sesión y personalizar la experiencia del usuario. Más información en nuestra política de Cookies

• Consular services

Schengen visas

General information  , ​required documents  .

• A passport with at least two empty pages (Original and copy). The passport should have been issued within the last 10 years. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date on which you intend to leave the Schengen territory, or, in the case of multiple journeys, the date on which you intend to leave after the last stay
• A recent passport-size identity photo.
• Travel medical insurance . The insurance must cover the costs of repatriation for medical reasons or death, as well as for urgent healthcare and/or emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area. Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency. If the application is for a multiple entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The applicant must undertake to purchase insurance for future trips. 
• Any document supporting your status in Canada (PR card, any other residence permit…) (Original and copy). That document must give you right to reenter in Canada at least 3 months after your departure from the Schengen zone.
• V arious documents relating to the purpose of your stay , evidence of means of support during your stay and your accommodation. These documents are as follows:

​Your detailed hotel reservation with the complete address for all Schengen countries. If you are part of a tour or cruise, include a letter from your travel agent stating a complete itinerary of cities and hotels. If you are going to stay with a friend or relative in Spain, he must obtain an Original Local Police invitation and send it to you. Tell her/him to contact a Comisaría de Poli​cía in Spain.

​- Proof of financial means : bank statements, letter from your bank with your personal information on it and work contract or employment letter, title deeds or any proof of income. You must prove funds at least in the equivalent to 1458 CAD; If you are going to stay more than 9 days in Spain, increase that amount in the equivalent of 162 CAD for each additional day. 

If your parents or partner is going to cover the costs, you must submit a notarized letter signed by them indicating their consent and a copy of their bank statement for the last three months. Proof of relationship will be required. Documents from outside of Canada must be legalized/apostilled and translated to English or Spanish.

- Planned itinerary/printout of a roundtrip airline ticket : You need to produce a reservation of your ticket; however, we highly recommend buying the tickets once your visa has been approved or you have a secured appointment.

- Documentation proving the reason why you want to travel to Spain or the Schengen area . For instance, if you are going for business, an invitation from the enterprise that you are going to visit; if you are going to study, a letter of admission from an academic institution; if you are a sportsman or an artist and you are going to perform in Spain, a document proving it; if you are going to lecture or make research, a letter from the institution you are going to visit. If you are a tourist o visiting friends or relatives and you have the other documents, you do not need this letter.​

• Proof of residence in the consular district such a driver's license or any other government-issued identification document.
• If the applicant is a minor you must  submit :
• Birth certificate 
• Both parents must sign the form 
• Copy of parents passports
• Letter of enrollment 
• If the minor is travelling along both parents have to sign a consent letter indicating the legal tutor in Spain.
• If the minor is travelling with only one parent: 
• ​​The parent who is not travelling to Spain will have to sign a letter of consent in front of a Notary, after that the letter has to be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada and after it has to be legalized by our Consulate.
• If the parent who travels with the minor has share custody of the child, they will have to submit a legal document in which the parent not travelling states to be aware that the child is going to Spain with the other parent and gives the permission for this. This needs to be a court sentence and has to be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada and then legalized by the Consulate.
• If the custody is not shared custody, that document needs to be a court sentence and has to be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada and then legalized by the Consulate. For more information about the legalization.

When necessary to assess the application, the Consular Office may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview. 

Procedure​  

This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from third-country nationals residing in the consular district who are travelling to Spain as their only or main destination. 

• Who can apply for a visa: Applications must be submitted in person. If the applicant is a minor, the application must be submitted by their legal representatives. 
• Visa application period: Visa applications must be submitted between 6 months and 15 days before the scheduled date of travel. Seafarers may apply for the visa up to 9 months before the date of travel.  ​
• Biometric data capturing: The applicant's facial image and fingerprints will be captured during the visa application procedure. Applicants under 12 and applicants whose fingerprints have been taken in the last 59 months are exempt from fingerprint taking. However, in the latter case, if the applicant's prints are of poor quality, the Consular Office will request that they come back in to have their fingerprints retaken. 
• Rectifying the application: The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit any missing documents, or to provide additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview. 
• Decision period: The legal period for reaching a decision is of 15 calendar days as of the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended to 45 calendar days if an interview or additional documents are requested. Visa applications submitted by nationals of certain States require consultation with the central authorities that could affect the duration of the visa procedure. 
• ​Return of passport and other documentation: passport and other documents related to your visa application must be pick up by the applicant  (no appointmet required) , monday to friday from 1pm to 2:30 pm at:

​2 Bloor Street East,  Suite 1201, Toronto, ON  M4W 1A8 CANADÁ

• Permission granted by the visa: A visa does not automatically entitle someone to enter the Schengen area. The traveller must meet all legal entry requirements (see section "Conditions for entry into Spain"). 
• Visa refusal: Visa refusals will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted was based. 
• Appeals: If a visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court Justice of Madrid within the 2-month period beginning the day after the date on which the applicant receives notification of the visa refusal or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal. 

Complaints or suggestions about the service received or about the visa application procedure can be submitted online through this website . They may also be submitted in writing at this Consular Office.

Data protection​ 

Persons wishing to exercise their rights of access, rectification and erasure of their personal data in the Visa Information System (VIS) may do so by addressing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation: 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation Inspección General de Servicios Postal address: Plaza de la Provincia, 1, Madrid, España Email: [email protected]​  

The following forms may be used to do so: 

Persons whose visa application has been refused because they are banned from entering the Schengen area may exercise their rights of access, rectification and erasure of their personal data in the Schengen Information System (SIS) by addressing the Ministry of the Interior.   

​Basic legislation 

 Community Code on Visas