When applying for a Schengen visa to Spain, you need to submit your application form and documents to the Spanish embassy in your country for processing, which takes a little while. To submit your documents, you must book a Schengen visa Spain appointment in advance as visitors are not allowed to just walk into the embassy or consulate without an invite. Only those scheduled for an appointment will be attended to.
General Information About The Schengen Visa To Spain
Under Schengen regulations, this visa is issued to nationals from third-world countries listed under the Annex I of the EU regulations. The holder of this visa is allowed to stay in any country within the Schengen area for up to 90 days, and the visa is valid for 180 days. Schengen visas are largely issued for business, tourism, family visits, short-term study, volunteer activities, medical treatment, and a host of other short-term endeavors. It also allows the visitor to transit through airports and border posts.
In all, there are roughly 26 countries in the Schengen Area that are signatories to the Schengen policy. These countries are all European countries with an open border policy.
So therefore, if a visitor is issued a Schengen visa to Spain, for instance, he or she can visit Spain first and then enter any other Schengen country of their choice. Aside from the entry benefit, they can stay in the country for as long as their visa permits.
Types of Spanish Schengen Visas
The visas are issued depending on the purpose. Here are the different types of visas you can apply for.
Tourism Visa: This visa is issued to foreigners coming to Spain as tourists to enjoy the sight and sounds of the country. Tourist visas are short-term visas like other visa types and allow holders to visit any part of the country they desire.
Business Visa: Those coming for business meetings may apply for a business visa to Spain.
Medical Treatment Visa: Spain has an advanced medical industry with world-class hospitals that attract patients from other countries, especially from Africa and Latin America.
It is issued to those seeking treatment in Spanish hospitals.
Family Visit Visa: Those with family and friends in Spain can visit them with a family visit visa.
Transit Visa: The transit visa is for visitors taking connecting flights or trains to other countries from Spain. The visa allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 3 days before departing.
The sports and film crew visa is for social events. There is also a short-term study visa for those admitted to Spanish academic institutions for courses with a three months duration or shorter.
Schengen Visa Spain Appointment
The visa application process follows a particular process that must be followed from start to finish. The first step is to organize all the documents required for the visa. Once all your documents are in place, you must book an appointment with the Spanish embassy in your country. If there isn’t an embassy, book an appointment with the consulate or accredited agent in the region.
An appointment date will be set for you to appear before the officials. Bring original and photocopies of your documents and submit them to the officer attending you. They will enquire about your trip, how long you plan to stay and your activities.
Visa interviews take a short time, after which you will be allowed to leave, and subsequently, your application status will be communicated to you. If you are successful, you will be invited to collect your visa.
Document For Spain Schengen Visa
Application Form: You need a completed and signed application form. Each section must be filled, and the form must be signed. In the case of minors, their parents must fill out the form.
Passport: A Valid passport with at least six months validity before the arrival date or three months validity by the departure date. Passports older than ten years or having fewer than two blank pages will not be accepted.
Photograph: Two passport-sized photographs. The photograph must be recent and printed on a white background. You must face and look into the camera and don’t wear glasses or any reflective ornament.
Travel medical Insurance: A copy of a medical insurance certificate issued by a Schengen-recognized insurance company. The insurance policy must provide a minimum of €30,000 to cover any medical cost you may incur during your stay in Spain.
Visa Fee: A visa fee for this application is payable to the embassy to process your documents and application form.
Note: Other supporting documents besides these may be requested depending on the visa type and your nationality.
Book your Schengen visa Spain appointment at the embassy to submit physical copies of your documents for your Spanish visa.