Spain Schengen Visa from USA
Spain is a member of the Schengen Zone, meaning that overseas visitors who wish to travel there for leisure, work or study may apply for a visa that permits border-free travel between all states in that zone.
Total Law are a firm of specialist immigration lawyers who work every day to help people realise their travel dreams worldwide. Call our team today on +1 844 290 6312 to discuss your plans and circumstances and obtain the visa best suited for you.
What are Schengen Visas for Spain?
Spain is one of 29 European countries that make up the Schengen Zone; facilitating border-free travel between states. The zone includes all EU (European Union) members other than Ireland and Cyprus, and three other states, so easy travel is permitted between all of the following:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland.
These countries have loosened their internal borders between countries and instead focus on strengthening their borders external to the Schengen Zone.
Schengen visas are designed to allow entry into a Schengen Zone state for a set purpose (usually tourism, work or study), but also free travel around other eligible territories up to 90 days (in any 180-day period). Applicants should apply for a Schengen Visa in the country with which they intend to enter the Schengen Zone; so travellers intending to visit Spain first should apply for a Spanish Schengen Visa, regardless of where within the zone they intend to travel thereafter.
Page Contents
- What are Schengen Visas for Spain?
- Do I need a Schengen Visa for Spain from USA?
- Types of Short Term Schengen Visas for Spain
- Required Documents for Spanish Schengen Visa
- Spain Schengen Visa Application Process
- Book Spain Schengen Visa appointment
- Spain Schengen Visa Application Fees
- How can Total Law help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Schengen Visa for Spain from USA?
The entry requirements for all countries are based on the citizenship of the traveller as opposed to the country from which they are travelling.
Citizens of the USA are exempt from Schengen visas but must register with ETIAS (Electronic Travel Authorization) ahead of travel to any Schengen Zone country. ETIAS is similar to but not as formal as a visa application. ETIAS permission for a US citizen costs €7 (around $8) but is free for those under 18, over 70 or with family members who are EU citizens.
Travellers entering the Schengen Zone from the USA who are not a US national and hold another country’s passport must apply for a Schengen Visa. If they intend to enter Spain first, a Spanish Schengen Visa is required.
Types of Short Term Schengen Visas for Spain
There are many different types of Spain Schengen Visa; each covering a different purpose for travel.
Transit Visa (Airport Transit and Seamen Transit)
Where a traveller is transiting through Spain (either in an airport international transit zone or in a port), they may be required to obtain a Transit Visa. This visa class is required only for some nationalities and is a necessity even if the traveller does not intend to leave the airport or boat. It may be that further transit visas are required for other countries if they are not part of the Schengen Zone.
Tourist Visa
The short term Schengen Tourist Visa is the most commonly issued of the Spain Schengen Visas. This allows for a stay of up to three months (90 days) in a 180-day period across Spain and any other Schengen state; where Spain is the entry point to the zone. This only allows for a leisure-based trip and does not facilitate work or study.
Business Visa
The short term Schengen Business Visa is similar to the tourist visa but facilitates a stay for business purposes rather than leisure. Again, the limit for stay duration within Spain or other Schengen states is 90 days in a 180-day period. If more time is needed within the 180-day period, a longer term business visa can be applied for.
Family Visit Visa
The Family Visit Visa is designed for citizens of non-Schengen states to visit their family members who hold citizenship of a Schengen country. Again, this facilitates stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period but does not permit work or study.
Short Study Visa / Training
The short term Study Visa allows for a non-Schengen citizen to enter the Schengen Zone to undertake studying and/or professional training for a period of up to three months in a 180-day period. Applicants must supply proof of their acceptance onto either a recognized academic course or training programme.
Medical Treatment Visa
Where a traveller intends to enter the Schengen Zone to receive medical treatment, they may apply for a specific medical visa allowing entry. This a short term visa but may be extended in the case of medical emergencies, unforeseen circumstances or additional healing time required.
Visa for Cultural, Sports, Religious, and Film Crews
This short term Schengen visa is available for those who are entering the zone to work on:
- A film
- A cultural event
- A sports event or for a sports association
- A religious event or for a religious order.
This is a short term visa and only valid for business purposes where evidence can be supplied as to the exact professional assignment meeting the eligibility criteria.
Visa for Missing Residence Permit
Where an individual holds a residence permit for a Schengen country but has lost that permit while travelling elsewhere, they may obtain a Missing Residence Permit Visa to allow for re-entry to the country while they re-apply for their valid residency permit.
If you’re unsure which Schengen Visa is most appropriate for your trip to Spain, call +1 844 290 6312 to talk to a Total Law immigration solicitor and learn more.
Required Documents for Spanish Schengen Visa
All visa applications hold a requirement for evidential documentation to be provided to prove the applicant’s eligibility for the visa. Additional documents may be requested by Spanish authorities during the visa application process, but generally speaking the following must be provided:
- A valid passport
- A recent photo to passport photo standards (usually no older than 6 months old)
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the applicant to support themselves while in Spain/the Schengen area (the definition of ‘sufficient funds’ may vary dependent on visa type and the citizenship of the applicant)
- (For business visas) Proof of employment and/or professional engagements
- (For study visas) Proof of educational enrolment and/or educational engagements
- (For family visit visas) Proof of the family member’s relationship and their Schengen citizenship
- (For transit visas) Proof on onward travel
- (For medical treatment visas) Proof of booked medical treatment
- (For missing residence permit visas) Proof of the existing residence permit validity.
There may be a requirement for certain documents to be translated into Spanish if they are not already. Call +1 844 290 6312 to discuss such requirements with Total Law.
Spain Schengen Visa Application Process
The Spanish Visa application process is the same as that for any Spain Schengen Visa. While authorities reserve the right to request further information at any time, the standard process is as follows:
Understand appropriate visa type
It is imperative that applicants ensure they are applying for the right visa for the purpose of their stay, in order to save time and money. If you’re unsure which type is correct for you, speak to an expert at Total Law on +1 844 290 6312.
Collate evidential documents
All supporting documents should be collated ahead of any application being submitted to confirm eligibility.
Complete visa application form
A visa application form can be downloaded from the relevant authority’s website and completed and signed by the applicant. This should be done wholly and honestly, to the best of the applicant’s knowledge.
Book and attend visa appointment
An appointment at a visa application centre must be booked and attended by all applicants. The application form along with all supporting documentation should be taken to this appointment and in most cases, biometric information such as photographs and fingerprints will be taken.
Pay visa fee
Any visa fee to be paid must be done so ahead of any processing.
Await decision
Once submitted, Spanish immigration authorities will process the visa application and advise of their decision.
Travel to Spain!
Once a visa has been obtained, the applicant may travel to Spain and the Schengen area.
Book Spain Schengen Visa appointment
In the US, the Spanish government uses a third party known as BLS International to manage all of their visa queries, applications and appeals. BLS International run their visa application centres on behalf of the Spanish authorities.
All appointments at visa application centres should be booked on the BLS International website. However, if you feel you need any guidance on such appointments, the Total Law team can help. Call us on +1 844 290 6312 to chat.
Spain Schengen Visa Application Fees
Most Spanish visa applications are subject to fees. As of September 2024, these are as follows:
- ETIAS travel permission: €7
- Schengen Tourist Visa: €90 adults, €45 aged 6-12, free u6s
- Schengen Business Visa: €90
- Schengen Transit Visa: €80 adults, €40 aged 6-12, free u6s
- Schengen Family Visit Visa: €90 adults, €45 aged 6-12, free u6s
- Schengen Medical Visa: €90 adults, €45 aged 6-12, free u6s
- Schengen Study Visa: €90 adults, €45 aged 6-12, free u6s
- Schengen Missing Resident Permit Visa: €78.
If you believe you may qualify for a visa fee waiver, speak to Total Law on +1 844 290 6312 to confirm.
How can Total Law help?
Call +1 844 290 6312 to talk through your visa application requirements with a specialist immigration solicitor at Total Law. We aim to simplify immigration law through communicating jargon-free and clearly at all times.
Whether you’re unsure of which visa to apply for, or navigating a complex appeals process, the Total Law team can help. We understand the difficulties of visa systems and immigration authorities and can help take the stress out of the process by supporting you through it all.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
BLS International are a third party who manage visa applications on behalf of the Spanish immigration authorities in several countries, including the USA. They manage all visa application centres in the US.
Generally, Spain Schengen Visas are processed in 15 working days from the date of an attended visa appointment, but can take up to 45 working days. There may be delays in the case of additionally requested information.
While Ireland and Cyprus are members of the EU, they are not part of the Schengen Zone. This means that US citizens must apply for separate visas if they wish to travel to either of these countries.
