It is important to understand that ETIAS is not a visa. Travellers from more than 50 non-EU countries can still visit Spain short term without applying for a visa.
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation, similar to the United States ESTA or Canada eTA. It provides an added layer of security by screening visitors who have not been through the visa application process.
The conditions for visa-free entry to Spain remain the same. The only difference is that now travellers will need to register online before departure.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ETIAS FOR SPAIN
To be eligible for ETIAS for Spain, travellers must meet all the following criteria.
- VISIT SPAIN SHORT-TERM
ETIAS is only for foreign visitors who will stay up to a maximum of 90 days per 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
These 90 days can be spent in Spain only, or in any of the other ETIAS countries such as France, Portugal, and Italy.
- VISIT SPAIN FOR TOURISM, BUSINESS, OR SHORT-TERM STUDY
ETIAS is valid for holidaymakers, business travellers and people taking part in short courses or training programmes. ETIAS is also for transit if the holder will leave the international transit area of the airport during the layover.
Foreigners cannot work in Spain with ETIAS.
HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY FOR ETIAS FOR SPAIN
| HOW | WHEN |
| Online. Fill out the application form, pay the processing fee, and submit the request.
|
Starting 2024. Apply days or weeks before travelling to Spain. |
ETIAS SPAIN APPLICATION: DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION
A biometric passport is required to apply for ETIAS for Spain. The passport must be:
- Issued by an eligible country
- No more than 10 years old
- Valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area
ETIAS is linked to the passport used to apply and cannot be transferred to a new passport.
In a small number of cases, applicants may be asked to provide supporting documentation. Medical insurance is not an ETIAS requirement but is recommended for all travellers.
INFORMATION TO FILL OUT THE ONLINE FORM
To apply for ETIAS for Spain, travellers need to provide the following information:
- Personal information—name, date of birth, place, of birth, gender
- Contact details—home address, email address, phone number
- Passport data—number, expiry date, issue date
- Security information—criminal convictions, travel to conflict areas, returns decisions
- Extra information—parents’ names, education and employment
- Travel plans—first country of entry and accommodation address
DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE MEDICAL INFORMATION ON THE ETIAS FOR SPAIN APPLICATION?
No, travellers do not need to provide medical information when applying for ETIAS for Spain.
ETIAS does screen for high epidemic risk, but this information is based on information such as country of origin and not the traveller’s personal medical details.
TRAVELLING TO SPAIN WITH FAMILY: ETIAS FOR MINORS
Spain is a popular destination for family holidays. All visa-exempt non-EU nationals need ETIAS, regardless of age. Children must hold a valid ETIAS to go to Spain, a parent or guardian can apply on their behalf.
It is not possible to apply for ETIAS as a family or group. Each family member needs to complete a separate form and obtain their own travel authorisation.
Each ETIAS is individually verified when passports are scanned at the external Schengen border.
ETIAS FOR BRITISH CITIZENS TRAVELLING TO SPAIN
The United Kingdom is the main country of origin of international travellers to Spain. Following Brexit, British citizens are now third-country nationals.
UK passport holders no longer have freedom of movement in Spain and the rest of the EU. Travellers from Britain are subject to the same entry requirements as those from other non-EU countries, including Australia or the United States.
British nationals will need ETIAS to travel to Spain. They need to register online and pay the ETIAS fee before heading to popular tourist destinations such as Barcelona or the Costa Blanca.
SPAIN AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Spain is classified as a developed country and a middle power nation. It is the second-largest country in the European Union and Western Europe.
The country is made up of 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities. Although the most spoken language is Spanish, other official languages include Catalan, Galician, and Basque.
Spain became a member of the European Union in January 1986 at the same time as Portugal and has since held a prominent position. There are currently 51 members of the European Parliament from Spain.
In addition, Spain forms part of the Eurozone, The Council of Europe and the Organisation of Ibero-American States. Spain signed the Schengen Agreement in 1991, eliminating borders by 1995.
INFORMATION ABOUT CROSSING SPAIN BORDER CHECKPOINTS
There are different requirements to cross Spain’s borders depending on the nationality of the traveller.
As the Schengen Area does not have internal border checkpoints, passport holders from other EU countries simply need to have their ID on their person when entering Spain from another Schengen member state.
CROSSING SPAIN’S BORDER WITH ETIAS
People travelling to Spain with ETIAS need to carry the passport they used to apply for the travel authorisation.
ETIAS is verified when the passport is scanned. Border officials will check that the visitors meet the conditions for entry.
CROSSING SPAIN’S BORDER WITH A VISA
Foreigners who are not eligible to travel with ETIAS need a visa to cross the external border. Schengen visas are issued for short stays in Spain. Visa holders may also be asked to provide proof of funds and an onward or return travel ticket.
ETIAS FOR SPAIN: FAQ
- I’m travelling to Andorra via Spain, do I need ETIAS?
You need ETIAS to enter Spanish territory. If you are flying to Barcelona, or another Spanish airport, before continuing your journey to Andorra by road, you need to apply for ETIAS.
ETIAS is required for several European microstates that do not have international airports.
- I visit Spain regularly, how often do I need to apply for ETIAS?
ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever is first. You can travel to Spain multiple times as long as your ETIAS and passport remain valid.
Your total stay in Spain, or other Schengen countries, must be within the 90-day per 180-day limit.
- I have a family member who is an EU citizen, do I need ETIAS?
If you have a family member who is an EU citizen, you still need ETIAS if you are not an EU citizen yourself.
You’ll need to provide information about the family member who has freedom of movement in the EU on your ETIAS application.
- Do I need ETIAS to travel to the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands?
Yes, you must apply for ETIAS to travel to the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands and Balearic Island are a Spanish autonomous community.
Visa-exempt foreign nationals need ETIAS to go to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Ibiza, Formentera, Majorca and Menorca.
- What should I do if I need a visa for Spain?
If you are a non-EU national who is not eligible for ETIAS, you need a visa for Spain instead. If you are visiting short-term, you can get a Schengen visa for Spain.
To work or stay long-term, you need a different kind of visa for Spain. For more information please contact us