Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world due to its cultural, historical and natural wealth. Every year, millions of people visit the Iberian country to enjoy its cities, beaches, gastronomy and atmosphere.
That way, if you have ever wondered what it takes to travel without a visa, it will depend on the traveler’s nationality, length of stay, and reason for travel.
Which countries do not need a visa to travel to Spain?
Spain is part of the Schengen Area, an area of free movement of people that includes 26 European countries. This means that citizens of these countries can travel to Spain without a visa and only with their national identity document or valid passport.
The countries that are part of the Schengen Area are:
- Germany
- Austria
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italia
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Czech Republic
- Sweden
- Swiss
In addition, there are other countries that are not part of the Schengen Area, but that have agreements with the European Union to exempt their citizens from the visa requirement for stays of short duration, that is, up to 90 days in a period of 180.
- Albania
- Andorra
- Old and bearded
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bosnia y Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- South Korea
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- The Savior
- United Arab Emirates
- USA
- Georgia
- Granada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Malaysia
- Marshall
- Mauricio
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldavia
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Nauru
- Nicaragua
- New Zealand
- Palaos
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Solomon
- Samoa
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- San Marino
- St. Lucia
- Holy See
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Timor Oriental
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
However, starting in 2025, citizens of these countries will have to apply for a travel authorization called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), which is It can be obtained online, prior to the trip and will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.
What requirements must be met to travel to Spain without a visa?
If you are a citizen of any of the mentioned countries, you can travel to Spain without a visa, as long as your stay does not exceed 90 days in a period of 180 and your trip is for tourism, business, studies, family or medical reasons.
However, you must meet a series of requirements to be able to enter the country, which can be verified by the border authorities or the airline:
- You must present a valid passport in good condition, which has not expired and does not expire during your stay. The document must be no more than 10 years old. and a minimum validity of three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area.
- Take out travel medical insurance that covers healthcare and repatriation costs in the event of illness or accident. It must have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros (1,2847,610 COP) and be valid throughout the Schengen Area.
- Arrange a round trip ticket, which demonstrates that you intend to leave the country before the 90-day period expiresthis must match the travel itinerary and the accommodation booked.
- Have confirmed accommodation and can prove it. It can be a hotel reservation, rental contract, invitation letter from a family member or friend, or any other document. that proves the place and duration of the stay.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of the trip and stay, as well as to face possible unforeseen events or eventual repatriation. The minimum amount required varies depending on the duration and reason of the trip, but it is estimated that it should be around 90 euros ($385,747) per day and per person, with a minimum of 810 euros (3,471,723 COP) or its equivalent in currency. foreigner.
- You will undergo possible questioning by border authorities, who may ask questions about the reason, duration, itinerary and accommodation of the trip, as well as financial means and health insurance.. It is recommended to respond with sincerity and consistency, and present documents that support the answers.
- Comply with health requirements that may be established based on the epidemiological situation, such as presenting a negative COVID-19 test, filling out a health control form or undergoing quarantine. This may vary depending on the country of origin and the means of transport, so it is advisable to consult the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the Spain Travel Health application before traveling.
What happens if the requirements to travel to Spain without a visa are not met?
If the requirements to travel to Spain without a visa are not met, you may be denied entry to the country and returned to your place of origin. This may involve the loss of the plane ticket, reserved accommodation and other expenses associated with the trip.
Besides, an administrative penalty may be imposedwhich may consist of a financial fine or a ban on entry to the Schengen Area for a certain period of time.
Source: https://www.noticiascaracol.com/mundo/como-viajar-a-espana-sin-visa-requisitos-y-sanciones-so35
