If you plan to apply for a Schengen visa to Spain, you should know that the Spain visa processing time is 15 working days. During exceptional cases, the processing time may extend until 45 working days. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the time your visa application will be approved, it pays to apply for the Spain Schengen visa at least 3 weeks in advance.
Spain At A Glance
Spain is located in Southwestern Europe with a population of over 46 million people. Rated as the second largest country on the continent in terms of land mass, the official language of the Kingdom of Spain is Spanish. Spain has a thriving tourism industry, one of the country's major revenue generators, and an estimated 80 million people visit every year. Some famous cities include Madrid (the capital), Barcelona in the Catalan region, Valencia and Seville.
Tourists who visit Spain may enjoy famous festivals and social events like bullfighting, parties at Ibiza, and the popular festival of tomatoes. Other tourist hotspots include the Cordoba Grand Mosque, Gaudi Sites, Generalize Gardens, and the Sagrada Familia, to mention a few.
The Spanish Schengen Visa
Spain officially became a Schengen nation in 1995 and joined the list of nations in Europe with similar immigration laws. Citizens from other EU and Schengen nations can enter Spain without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. However, if they wish to stay for more than 90 days, they must apply for a normal or Schengen visa.
Normal visas are only recognized within the borders of Spain, but other Schengen countries recognize Schengen visas issued by the Spanish government. This means that you can use a Spanish Schengen visa to enter Germany, France, Portugal, and any other Schengen nation.
The only caveat is that you must travel to Spain before traveling to other countries. Furthermore, the Schengen visa is only issued for tourism or short business trips of not more than 90 days and is valid for 180 days.
Who Needs A Schengen Visa To Enter Spain?
This visa is only required for citizens from non-EU/Schengen countries or countries not on the Spanish visa-free list. Secondly, the visa is designed for tourism and business trips, not for any other purpose.
Normal Spanish Visas
Besides the Schengen visa, Spain also has a national visa that visitors may apply for depending on their purpose.
Airport Visa: The Airport visa is like a transit visa for those making transit through Spanish airports. There is also a special agreement with the Austrian government to allow visitors transiting through Austria to make brief stops in Spain. This visa is valid for just three days.
Tourist Visa: Another visa is the normal Spain tourist visa for tourists. If you are from a Schengen or visa-free country with plans to stay for 90 days or less, you don’t need to apply for this Spanish tourist visa.
Business Visa: Business visas have similar features to tourist visas but are suited for business visits.
Official Visa: Official visas are issued to government delegations visiting Spain on special assignments.
Medical Visa: Spain's world-class healthcare system attracts foreigners from different countries. Those seeking medical care in any of the numerous hospitals may apply for a medical visa.
Study Visa: International students admitted into Spanish tertiary institutions require a visa before they can study there.
Cultural/Sports/Film Crew Visa: Visitors and film crews attending social events for a short time may apply for this visa.
Spain Visa Application Requirements
Completed visa application form duly signed and containing accurate information
Passport valid for at least 6 months with a minimum of two blank pages. The visa must not be older than 10 years
Two recent passport photographs meet Schengen visa requirements
Medical travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000
Copies of previous visas, where applicable
Proof of accommodation, such as a house address or hotel reservation
Proof of funds with €100 daily expenses as a minimum
Cover Letter where applicable
These documents are basic ones, but additional documents may be required by the authorities to validate your application. Endeavor to provide only valid documents; otherwise, your application will be rejected.
How To Apply For Spain Visa Online
For long-term visas, you will have to visit the Spanish embassy to submit a physical application form. However, for a short-stay visa, you can apply for it online.
You can apply for a tourist visa online in less than 30 minutes online via a reliable application platform. Here are the simple steps to take
Visit VisaHQ
Select Spain as your destination
Select your country
Choose the visa you want
Complete the application form
Upload your travel documents
Pay the visa fee
Submit for processing
Now that you know about the Spain visa processing time head to VisaHQ to fill out the application form.