Thinking of jetting off from the U.S. to Spain?
From vibrant and diverse Madrid to the sunlit streets of Alicante, Spain is an excellent country for studying, working, or just relaxing and unwinding. However, before you can enjoy the tapas and flamencos of your dreams, you’ll need to understand the Spain visa requirements for U.S. citizens and green card holders.
In this simple guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Spain travel options, Spain visa requirements, the requirements for entering the country, and why travel insurance is so important.
Do U.S. citizens need a travel visa for Spain? In short, no.
If you’re planning a trip for tourism or business, the good news is that U.S. citizens do not need a visa for Spain travel lasting 90 days or less. However, as of November 2023, you’ll need to apply for a travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Until ETIAS comes in, you won’t need any waiver or application as part of the Spain visa requirements for U.S. citizens. You will, however, need to present the following documents at the border:
While travel health insurance is not required for U.S. citizens who do not need a visa for entry, it is highly recommended to ensure your access to essential medical care during the trip.
Once the new system launches, you will need to apply for an ETIAS travel visa waiver online, which will authorize you to travel across the Schengen zone for several years. To apply, you’ll need to provide the following personal information and documentation:
Wondering about the difference between ETIAS versus the Schengen visa? Only citizens of the 60 countries that can currently travel to the Schengen zone without a visa will be able to apply for ETIAS. Citizens of all other countries will still need to apply for a Schengen visa.
Are your Spain travel plans all about studying? Whether taking language classes or joining a technical course, you won’t need a visa if you’ll be there for less than 90 days.
If you are studying for more than 90 days, you’ll need to meet the Spain visa requirements for students and apply for a travel visa. You can obtain a student visa if you are:
The Spain student visa requirements mandate that you submit the following documents:
Minors will also need the following from a parent or guardian:
Finally, you’ll need to pay the travel visa application fee.
While U.S. citizens currently don’t need a travel visa or a waiver to visit Spain, you will need a travel visa if you’re a green card holder originally from a non-Schengen country, as you are still considered a third-country national. With a Schengen visa, you’ll be able to travel to Spain (and the other 26 Schengen countries) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Thankfully, you can easily apply for a Schengen visa from the United States. The current Spain visa requirements for U.S. green card holders are:
You’ll need the right travel insurance to successfully apply for a Schengen visa. According to the Spain visa requirements for the Schengen zone, your travel insurance must cover you for:
At Aegis, we know how important it is to have reliable, comprehensive travel insurance when you go to Spain. That’s why we offer a range of policies that meet all the requirements for a Schengen visa. Plus, we have a variety of additional benefits to choose from, including baggage, rental car, and equipment coverage.
Don’t leave your insurance to chance — choose Aegis Travel Insurance for protection and peace of mind.
This amazing feature allows our clients to potentially avoid fronting their own monies and going through a claim reimbursement process. By contacting Aegis immediately when experiencing any covered event such as a flight disruption, illness, or injury, our team can coordinate the solution and pay for it on the spot. This includes booking or rearranging flights and hotels, coordinating medical care, or arranging a medical evacuation or repatriation. Learn More →
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