How do I get a Schengen visa for Spain?
If you’re a non-EU/EEA traveller planning to visit Spain for up to 90 days, you’ll usually need to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C). Start by checking if you need one, gather the required documents, including proof of travel insurance with at least €30,000 medical coverage; then book your appointment with the BLS Spain Visa centre or embassy. Gigasure offers Schengen-compliant Travel Insurance plans that meet Spain’s requirements and make your application easier.
Do you need a visa?
If you hold a UK passport or are from one of around 60 visa-waiver countries, you do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
If you are a non-EU/EEA national and do not qualify for visa-free entry, you must apply for a Schengen visa before travelling. This applies to most tourists, business visitors, and those transiting through Spain.
Remember Spain enforces the Schengen “90/180 rule”: you can only spend a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen zone. Also, your passport must be valid for at least three months after your intended departure date and issued within the last 10 years. We recommend checking this well in advance, so you do not run into any issues before your getaway under the Spanish sun.
Types of Spain visas
- Short-stay (Type C) tourist/business visa: Allows stays up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, or business.
- Multi-entry visas: Options include double-entry or one-year multi-entry visas, useful for frequent travellers or those with multiple trips planned.
- Long-stay (Type D) visas: For study, work, or family reunification lasting longer than 90 days.
Which one fits your trip?
If your visit is 3 months or less, the Type C short-stay visa is the one you’ll likely need.
Document checklist: What Do You Need?
- Passport: Issued within 10 years; valid 3+ months after travel end
- Spain Schengen form: Completed & signed
- Photos: Two recent, 35 × 45 mm
- Travel medical insurance: Minimum €30,000 medical & repatriation, covering entire Schengen stay & transit days; see Gigasure for plans
- Proof of funds: At least €100 per day or €900 total
- Itinerary & accommodation: Confirmed bookings or invitation letter
- UK BRP / residence card: If you’re not a UK citizen
- Additional documents: For minors, business trips, studies, etc.
How to apply: 6 steps
- Confirm which visa type you need and gather all required documents.
- Create an account on the BLS Spain Visa portal or the Spanish embassy website.
- Book an appointment at a BLS Visa Application Centre (London, Manchester, Edinburgh).
- Attend your appointment to submit documents and biometric data (fingerprints valid for 59 months).
- Pay the visa application fee plus the BLS service charge.
- Track your application status online; passports are returned by courier or can be picked up.
Apply between 180 and 15 days before your trip. Processing times typically take 15–45 days so it’s a good idea to do this as soon as possible. This will help account for any potential delays.
Visa fees
Applicant: Adults (12+)
- Fee (Short-stay): €90
Applicant: Child (6–11)
- Fee (Short-stay): €45
Applicant: Child (Under 6)
- Fee: Free
Possible fee waivers apply for students, researchers, and certain cultural events. The BLS service fee is about £30 and is non-refundable.
Means of subsistence
Spain requires proof you can support yourself financially during your stay: generally €100 per day or a lump sum of at least €900. For example, a 10-day trip requires approximately €1,000. Always double-check current amounts before applying.
Where to apply & biometrics
You can apply and provide biometrics at these BLS Spain Visa centres:
- London (EC3N area)
- Manchester (M1 area)
- Edinburgh (EH6 area)
Some applicants, such as those with diplomatic passports, may apply directly at consulates. If you provided biometrics after July 2021, you may not need to repeat this step.
Upcoming rule changes
- EES (Entry/Exit System): Starting October 2025, digital passport stamping will replace manual stamps across Schengen countries.
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System): From late 2026, UK travellers will need to obtain a €7 digital travel authorisation before entering Schengen countries. Please bear in mind that although the set date is 2026, this may change so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the official site.
These changes affect visa and travel processes. UK citizens without visas will be affected mainly by ETIAS.
Insurance requirement explained
Spanish authorities require travellers to have travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation for the entire Schengen stay, including transit days.
Gigasure offers Schengen-compliant Travel Insurance plans that meet and exceed this requirement, giving you peace of mind and smooth visa application processing. This means you can focus on planning your exciting Spanish adventure and leave the nitty-gritty to us.
Why travellers choose Gigasure
- Three plan tiers to suit different travel needs and budgets
- Instant PDF certificate for visa applications that you can show at the airport, or whenever needed
- Refund if your visa is refused
Troubleshooting & appeals
Common reasons for visa refusal include insufficient proof of funds, incomplete insurance coverage, or unclear itinerary details. If refused, you can appeal within one month to the Spanish Consulate.
Be aware that overstaying your visa can lead to penalties and bans on re-entry. If refused or banned, re-application is possible but requires careful attention to previous issues.
Useful contacts
- BLS Spain Visa UK: Appointments & application tracking
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Embassy listings & info
- Spanish Consulate London: Appeals & long-stay queries
Your Questions, Answered!
How do I get a Schengen visa for Spain?
Start by checking whether you need a visa based on your nationality. If you do, gather the required documents (including valid travel insurance) and complete your visa application form. Then, book an appointment at your nearest BLS Spain Visa Centre (in London, Manchester or Edinburgh), where you’ll submit your application and biometric data. After that, it's just a matter of waiting for approval. Easy!
Do I need a Schengen visa from the UK to Spain?
If you hold a UK passport, you typically don’t need a visa for holidays or business trips under 90 days within any 180-day period. However, starting in late 2026, British travellers will need to apply for ETIAS, a €7 digital travel authorisation for entry into Schengen countries, including Spain.
Is a Schengen visa applicable for Spain?
Yes, Spain is a full member of the Schengen Area. A valid Schengen visa permits entry to Spain along with the other participating countries, making it ideal for multi-country itineraries across Europe.
Is a Schengen visa valid for Spain?
Absolutely! If your Schengen visa is valid for the dates of your intended stay and covers the purpose of your trip (e.g. tourism or business), you’re permitted to enter and travel within Spain under its terms.
How long does it take to process a Spain visa?
Processing usually takes between 15 to 45 calendar days, depending on the season, how busy the visa centre is, and whether your application is complete and straightforward. To be safe, apply at least 3–4 weeks in advance and even earlier in peak periods.
Can I travel elsewhere in Schengen with a Spain visa?
Yes. A short-stay Schengen visa issued by Spain allows you to travel freely throughout all 27 Schengen countries, if Spain is your main destination or point of entry. It’s ideal for multi-stop European adventures.
What happens if my visa is refused?
If your Spain visa application is denied, you can appeal the decision within 30 days through the Spanish Consulate. Alternatively, you can review the reason for refusal, make necessary corrections or updates (like additional documentation or proof of funds), and reapply when ready.
Ready to lose yourself in the sultry streets of Seville, marvel at Gaudí’s Barcelona masterpieces, and chase golden sunsets along the Costa del Sol? Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a cultural deep-dive, Spain promises unforgettable moments, and your journey starts here. Get Schengen-compliant Travel Insurance in minutes with Gigasure, and take the first confident step toward your visa application today.
Information accurate at publication June 2025. Always verify details with the Spanish Consulate or official EU sources before applying.
