Spain Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders

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.

Spain Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

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:

A valid passport, which must be valid for at least three months
Proof of accommodation, for example, a hotel booking or a letter from a family member you’re staying with
Round-trip flights, which confirm that you’ll be returning to the U.S. after your stay (within your 90-day allowance)
Proof of financial means, usually in the form of bank statements that show you have enough money to look after yourself

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:

Full name
Gender
Date of birth
Place of birth
Nationality
Passport details
Contact details
Employment details

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.

Spain Student Visa Requirements

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:

Studying 20+ hours per week for an accredited degree, diploma, or certificate
Studying through an accredited middle or high school exchange program
Studying a doctoral program
Attending a training school or taking up an internship, unless eligible for the internship visa (check the Spain visa requirements for interns to see if you’re eligible)

The Spain student visa requirements mandate that you submit the following documents:

A completed visa application containing correct, honest information
A valid passport, which must remain valid for the duration of your study period
A passport-size photograph taken within the past three months
Proof of study acceptance issued by an accredited school, university, or training center
Proof of finances in the form of bank statements, a scholarship award, or a sponsorship letter
Medical certificate showing that you are in good health
Travel insurance, which must cover your healthcare
Criminal record check with a notarized translation and apostille

Minors will also need the following from a parent or guardian:

Proof of authorization
Proof of identity

Finally, you’ll need to pay the travel visa application fee.

Other Types of Visas for Spain

Spain Visa Requirements for U.S. Green Card Holders

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.

Spain Schengen Visa Requirements for U.S. Green Card Holders

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:

A completed visa application containing correct, honest information
A valid passport, which must be valid for at least three months after your proposed Schengen exit date
Your U.S. residence permit (green card) in its original form, valid for at least three months after your proposed Schengen exit date
A passport-size photograph taken within the past three months
Round-trip flight itinerary from the U.S. to Spain and back, including any other internal flights in your Spain travel plans
Proof of finances in the form of bank statements or a sponsorship letter
Proof of accommodation, which can be a hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation
Travel insurance, which must cover your healthcare and meet the rest of the Spain visa requirements
A cover letter explaining the reasons you wish to visit Spain and all the planned details of your trip

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

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:

All medical emergencies and accidents, plus repatriation to the U.S. in case of death
A value of €30,000 ($32,558.70 USD) or higher
180 days from your first entry into Spain or the Schengen zone
All Schengen nations, even if you’ll only be traveling to Spain

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.

Spain Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders