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Visiting Spain

Last verified: 2 min read

Visa rules, ETIAS info, and travel tips for Spain

Quick Facts

Spain is a Schengen Area member. Your entry requirements — ETIAS, Schengen Visa, or visa-free — depend on your passport.

Capital Madrid
Currency EUR
Schengen Yes
Languages Spanish

Discover Spain

Spain is one of Europe's most popular destinations, offering a rich blend of world-class art, stunning architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and legendary cuisine. Barcelona dazzles visitors with Gaudi's fantastical Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, while Madrid is home to the Prado Museum and the lively tapas scene of La Latina.

Andalusia in the south features the Alhambra palace in Granada, Seville's flamenco culture, and the whitewashed hilltop villages of the Costa del Sol. Spain's diverse regions each have their own character, from the Basque Country's culinary excellence to the Balearic and Canary Islands' beach escapes. With warm weather, affordable prices, and some of the world's best food and wine, Spain rewards travelers of every style.

Capital Madrid
Currency EUR
Population 47.4 million
Languages Spanish

Who Needs a Visa for Spain

  • EU/EEA citizens Enter freely using your passport or national ID card. No additional authorization required.
  • Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, and others) Visa-free for 90 days within 180 days. ETIAS authorization ({etiasFee
  • Visa-required nationals A Schengen Visa is mandatory ({visaFee
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Stay Connected in Spain

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Useful Resources for Spain

ETIAS Guide

Europe's upcoming entry system

Schengen Visa

Apply for a Schengen Visa

90/180 Calculator

Calculate your remaining days

Travel Insurance

Mandatory for Schengen Visa

Explore Cities in Spain

Barcelona Madrid Malaga Seville Valencia

Frequently Asked Questions about Spain

Is Spain part of the Schengen Area?
Yes, Spain has been a Schengen Area member since March 26, 1995. Spain is both an EU member and a Schengen member.
When did Spain join Schengen?
Spain signed the Schengen Agreement in 1991 and fully implemented it on March 26, 1995, when border controls with other Schengen countries were abolished.
Do I need ETIAS to visit Spain?
If you're from an ETIAS-eligible country (like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.), you will need ETIAS to visit Spain starting Q4 2026. ETIAS costs €20 and is valid for 3 years.
What airports in Spain are Schengen entry points?
Major Schengen entry points in Spain include Madrid-Barajas (MAD), Barcelona El Prat (BCN), Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Málaga (AGP), and Alicante (ALC).
How long can I stay in Spain as a tourist?
Visitors from visa-exempt countries can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Spain and the entire Schengen Area combined. Days spent in other Schengen countries count toward this limit.

Prepare for Your Trip to Spain

Valid passport (check requirements for your nationality)
Visa or ETIAS (depends on your nationality)
Travel insurance Get covered
eSIM for mobile data in Europe Get Saily
VPN for public WiFi security Get NordVPN

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