1. Eligibility
You must apply for a Spanish tourist visa if:
- You are a citizen of a country whose nationals require a visa to enter Spain (for example, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, etc.).
- Your purpose of visit is tourism, leisure, or visiting family or friends.
- You plan to stay for 90 days or less within a 180-day period.
2. Application Process
A. Fill out the Application Form
- Complete the Schengen Visa application form online or on paper.
- Provide accurate and truthful information regarding your trip.
B. Required Documents You will need to provide the following documents along with your visa application:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Spain, with at least two blank pages.
- Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.
- Passport-sized Photographs: Recent, meeting the visa photo requirements (usually two).
- Travel Itinerary: Flight reservation showing entry and exit dates from Spain.
- Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings or invitation letter from family/friends in Spain (with proof of their residence status).
- Travel Insurance: Proof of travel insurance covering medical expenses, emergencies, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Financial Proof: Bank statements for the last three months, pay slips, or other proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Spain (around €70 per day of stay).
- Cover Letter: A letter explaining the purpose of your visit (tourism, visiting family/friends).
- Visa Fee: Payment of the visa application fee (usually around €80 for adults and €40 for children between 6 and 12 years).
C. Schedule an Appointment
- You must schedule an appointment at the nearest Spanish consulate or visa application center (VAC) in your country.
- If you plan to visit other Schengen countries, you should apply for the visa from the consulate of the country that is your main destination (the country you will spend the most time in).
D. Biometrics
- As part of the application process, you may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph).
E. Submit the Application
- Submit your documents in person at the consulate or visa center. Some consulates allow online submission for certain nationalities.
3. Processing Time
- The processing time for a Spain tourist visa is typically around 15 calendar days after submission. However, it is advisable to apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure to allow for any unforeseen delays.
4. Fees
- The standard visa fee for adults is €80.
- For children between the ages of 6 and 12, the fee is €40.
- Visa fees are generally non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.
5. Visa Validity
- Spain issues short-stay Schengen visas, which are valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- You can enter Spain multiple times if you have a multiple-entry visa. You can visit Spain and other Schengen countries during this period but must ensure that you do not exceed 90 days within the 180-day window.
6. Visa Refusal
- If your visa application is denied, you will be informed with the reasons for the refusal. You may appeal the decision or reapply with the necessary documentation and corrections.
7. Special Considerations
- Visa on Arrival: Citizens of certain countries may not need a visa to visit Spain for short stays. It's essential to check if your country is on the visa-exempt list.
- Multiple Entry Visas: If you are planning multiple trips to Spain or the Schengen Area, you may apply for a multiple-entry visa, which allows you to enter and exit the region multiple times within the visa's validity.
8. Other Notes
- If you plan to travel to multiple Schengen countries, apply at the embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most time. If time spent in each country is equal, apply at the consulate of the country of your first point of entry.
- Tourist visa extensions are typically not granted unless you have special circumstances (such as illness).
