Spagna

Spain Visa & Immigration System Overview

Spain operates within European Union and Schengen Area framework, implementing standardized visa policies for short-term visits while maintaining national jurisdiction over long-term residence and work authorization, reflecting coordinated European immigration management balanced with sovereign control over permanent settlement. U.S. State Department confirms no visa needed for stays under 90 days for U.S. citizens, though must have visa to participate in athletic or study programs regardless of duration; UK Foreign Office verifies British citizens can enter Spain without visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, family visits, business meetings, cultural/sports events, and short-term studies; German Foreign Office confirms German nationals benefit from freedom of movement within Schengen Area with no visa required. Passport validity requirements strict: U.S. State Department specifies passport valid for at least 3 months beyond departure date with 1 blank passport page required per entry and exit, recommending 6 months validity when transiting Schengen countries; UK Foreign Office establishes two criteria with passport having 'date of issue' less than 10 years before arrival date and 'expiry date' at least 3 months after planned departure from Schengen area, addressing post-Brexit passport validity concerns; German Foreign Office notes travel documents except temporary ID cards may be expired for no more than one year for German citizens ("Reisedokumente außer dem vorläufigen Personalausweis dürfen seit höchstens einem Jahr abgelaufen sein"). Schengen 90/180-day rule applies: UK Foreign Office emphasizes all visits to Schengen countries in preceding 180 days count toward 90-day allowance, warning overstaying may result in ban from Schengen countries for up to 3 years. Border control documentation requirements: UK Foreign Office warns travelers may need to present return or onward ticket, travel insurance proof, sufficient funds for stay, accommodation confirmation (hotel booking or property proof), and invitation letter or proof of address if staying with others; U.S. State Department confirms proof of sufficient funds and return plane ticket required. Entry-Exit System (EES) launching October 12, 2025: UK Foreign Office confirms EU's Entry/Exit System will gradually replace manual passport stamping with travelers registering biometric data (fingerprints, photos) at entry, noting children under 12 won't have fingerprints scanned with rollout continuing for up to 6 months; until EES fully launches, travelers must ensure passports stamped on entry and exit with border officials verifying stamps to confirm compliance with 90-day limit. Currency declaration mandatory for large amounts: U.S. State Department requires filing tax declaration with Spanish Customs if bringing or taking €10,000 or more (approximately $10,600 USD) in cash or other payment methods into or out of Spain. Students and athletes face special requirements: U.S. State Department warns U.S. students and athletes have been denied entry for lacking proper visas, advising travelers verify visa requirements with nearest Spanish consulate before travel even if program claims none needed. Long-term stays require residence permits: UK Foreign Office notes remaining longer than 90 days requires meeting Spanish government requirements for residence permits or long-stay visas, which don't count toward 90-day limit. German Foreign Office confirms German citizens benefit from EU freedom of movement, accepting various travel documents including passports (Reisepass), temporary passports (vorläufiger Reisepass), ID cards (Personalausweis), temporary ID cards (vorläufiger Personalausweis must be valid), and children's travel passports (Kinderreisepass). No vaccinations required per U.S. State Department, with no known HIV/AIDS entry restrictions. Minors traveling without parents need notarized parental permission per U.S. State Department; German Foreign Office notes no special entry requirements exist for German minors, though Spanish minors (including dual German-Spanish citizens) traveling without guardians need exit authorization from Spanish authorities (not applying to German-only nationals). For visitors seeking employment, extended studies, or permanent residence, applications processed through Spanish consulates abroad with documentation requirements varying by visa type, residence category, and applicant nationality, requiring advance planning before departure.