Visa Requirements

A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a foreign country. When visiting any foreign country, it is worth considering that sometimes a visa is required even for a connecting flight. Before travelling abroad, one should check whether a visa is needed or not.

A visa does not guarantee entry as this is the right of the immigration officials of the country concerned, but this is rarely enforced.

Do I Need a Visa to go to Madrid, Spain?

If you are not eligible for visa-free entry into Spain, then you need a visa to enter the country. There are many countries that enjoy visa-free entry for periods of up to 90 days.

Schengen Visa is required for travellers to go to Spain. Citizens from Schengen-member countries do not require a visa to enter Spain for stays of up to 90 days, but they must carry a national ID while entering and travelling in Spain.

The 26 Schengen countries are:

Transit visa:

Citizens of the countries mentioned below need a visa for transit through any airport of the Schengen States to take a connecting flight to a country outside the Schengen area:

Citizens of the countries mentioned below also need a visa for transit through the international zone of any airport in Spain to take a connecting flight to a country outside the Schengen area:

Holders of passports issued by the Palestine Authority also need visas.

Required documents for visa:

• application form.
• 4 passport-size photos.
• valid passport with 1 full blank page.
• return travel tickets or itinerary and proof of payment for tickets.
• proof of purpose of visit.
• confirmed accommodation.
• a stamped, self-addressed, registered envelope if applying by post.
• evidence of sufficient funds for stay.
• letter from the employer; or accountant, solicitor, bank manager or Chamber of Commerce if self-employed. Students should submit proof of attendance.
• visa fee.

Validity of visa: 

Short-stay (single- and multiple-entry):
Valid for 6 months from date of issue for a stay of maximum 90 days per entry.

Transit (single- and multiple-entry):
Valid for a maximum of 5 days per entry, including the day of arrival. Visas cannot be extended, and a new application must be made each time.

Please note:

For more information regarding travel to the Schengen Area please visit Europa.eu