What You Need to Know About Travel Visas for Holidays in Spain


One thing visitors to  Spain often worry about is the need to get the correct travel visa  For citizens of EU countries, it’s much easier than for those who are not. Here are the basics you need to know about visas and work permits, if you’re wanting to stay a while in Spain.

EU Citizens

Most citizens from EU countries can visit Spain for up to 90 days without needing a visa. All you need is your national identity card or EU passport, so if you are going on holiday, there’s no visa to apply for before you leave.

Schengen Area

Plus, if you are a citizen of a country in the Schengen area, you also do not need a visa and there are currently no border controls. These countries are: – Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

No Visas Required for Citizens of These Countries

On top of this, for visits that are no longer than 90 days, visas are not required for citizens from these countries:

Andorra, Anguilla, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, British National Overseas, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Japan, Korean Republic, Liechtenstein, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, St. Helena, The Caiman Islands, The Falklands Islands, The Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos Islands, Uruguay, USA, Vatican City, Venezuela.

Citizens from Iceland and Liechtenstein also do not need travel visas for stays up to 90 days.

Who Does Need a Travel Visa to Spain?

Citizens from any other country not on these lists do require a travel visa, which can be applied for at any Spanish embassy.

Do check the listings of countries not required to have visas at a Spanish embassy website before leaving on your vacation though as, just like anything, rules can change.