Nationals of third States who travel to Spain for stays of up to 90 days (during any period of 180 days) for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, study, non-work internships or volunteer activities with a duration not exceeding 3 months, or for other non-gainful activities, must meet the entry conditions established in the Schengen BorderCode.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Enter via an authorized border-crossing point.
- Present proof of identity and a valid travel document.
- Present the corresponding visa, if required, according to nationality.
- Provide evidence of meeting the conditions for the proposed stay and of possessing sufficient financial means.
- Not be subject to a ban on entering Spain.
Starting February 2023, access points to Spain do not enforce any sanitary requirements in relation to COVID-19. For updated information, please consult the Health Ministry's webpage
DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED AT BORDER CONTROL
1.- Valid passport or travel document: The document must be valid until three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen territory, and must have been issued during the ten years immediately before the date of entry.
2.-Visa: For certain nationalities, a valid visa is required. This visa will not be necessary if the interested party has a valid residence permit or a valid long-term visa issued by a Schengen State. The nationalities requiring a visa are listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806
3.-Documents accrediting the purpose and conditions of the planned stay: At the request of the competent authorities, the reasons and conditions of the planned stay must be accredited by documentary proof or other means. To this end, the following documents, among others,may be required:
- Round-trip or return ticket, in all cases.
- For professional trips, the invitation from a company or authority to participate in a meeting, or documents that prove the existence of a relationship associated withaprofessional activity, or access cards to a trade fair or congress.
- For tourist or private visits, the confirmed reservation of an organized trip, or proof of accommodation, or letter of invitation from a private individual (such a letter only proves the availability of accommodation and does not exemptthe traveller from the obligation to meet other requirements for entry). The proof of accommodation may indicate whether it includes all or part of the traveller's living expenses.
For study trips, training programmes, non-work internships or volunteer work with a duration of less than three months, enrollment documentation or proof of admission to an educational establishment or internship contract or proof of admission to a volunteer programme.
- For travel for other reasons, an invitation, reservation, programme or certificate of participation in related activities, entrance card/ticket, or receipt.
ACCREDITATION OF FINANCIAL MEANS
At the request of the competent authorities, the traveller must present proof of having sufficient financial means for the proposed stay,or of the ability to legally obtain such means.
In 2023, the minimum amount required is of $120per person per day. In any case, and regardless of the length of stay, the traveller must have at least $1100or its equivalent in foreign currency.
Financial means may be accredited by presenting cash, traveller's cheques, a credit card accompanied by a bank account statement, an up-to-date bank book, or any other resource that accredits the amount available, such as a credit statement regarding the card or bank account. Bank letters or online bank statements will not be accepted.
ENTRY AUTHORIZATION
Authorization to enter Spain may be granted to nationals of third States who have the necessary documentation, including, where applicable, a visa, sufficient financial means, who arenot subject to an entry ban, and whodo not pose a danger to public order, the internal or external security of the State, or public health.
DENIAL OF ENTRY
The competent authorities will deny entry to nationals of third States who do not meet the entry requirements or who are subject to an entry ban. Entry may also be denied if, in the previous 180 days, the traveller has exhausted the 90-day period for authorized stay in the Schengen Area.
The denial of entry will be notified by means of a reasoned decision, together with information on the procedure for appealing against this decision, in accordance with Spanish regulations. However, filing an appeal does not suspend the effects of the denial of entry.
CITIZENS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, ICELAND, LIECHTENSTEIN, NORWAY & SWITZERLAND (AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS)
Citizens of the Member States of the European Union, along withcitizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, may enter Spain with their national identity card or with a valid passport. Minors who travel with an identity document and are not accompanied by a parent will need the authorization of one of their parents.
Family members who are not nationals of a Member State of the European Union or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland may enter with a valid passport. Depending on their nationality, they may need an entry visa, unless they have a valid residence card as the relative of a European Union citizen.
RELEVANT LEGISLATION
- Regulation (EU) 2016/399
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code)
Regulation (EU) 2018/1806
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement- Royal Decree 240/2007, of 16 February, on the entry, free movement and residence in Spain of citizens of the Member States of the European Union and of other States party to the Agreement ofthe European Economic Area
As an expert in immigration regulations and border control procedures, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts mentioned in the article regarding the entry requirements for third-state nationals traveling to Spain for short stays. My expertise stems from an in-depth understanding of relevant legislation, such as the Schengen Borders Code and other European Union regulations.
The Schengen Borders Code, specifically Regulation (EU) 2016/399, plays a pivotal role in governing the movement of persons across borders within the Schengen Area. It establishes the conditions and requirements for entry, including the provisions mentioned in the article. Additionally, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 lists the third countries whose nationals are required to obtain visas when crossing external borders, and it also outlines exemptions from this requirement.
The Royal Decree 240/2007 further complements these regulations by addressing the entry, free movement, and residence of citizens from EU Member States and other states party to the European Economic Area Agreement in Spain. This decree is essential for understanding the specific rules applicable to citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, as well as their family members.
Now, delving into the specific entry requirements outlined in the article:
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Authorized Border-Crossing Point: Third-state nationals must enter Spain through an authorized border-crossing point.
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Proof of Identity and Valid Travel Document: A valid passport or travel document is required, valid for at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen territory.
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Visa Requirements: Depending on nationality, a valid visa may be required. Exceptions exist for those with a valid residence permit or a long-term visa issued by a Schengen State.
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Financial Means: Travelers must demonstrate sufficient financial means for the proposed stay, amounting to at least $120 per person per day in 2023, with a minimum total of $1100 or its equivalent in foreign currency.
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Documents Supporting Purpose of Stay: Various documents may be required depending on the purpose of the visit, such as round-trip tickets, invitations for professional trips, proof of accommodation for tourist or private visits, enrollment documentation for study trips, and relevant documentation for other reasons.
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Entry Authorization: Nationals of third states must have the necessary documentation, including a visa, sufficient financial means, and not be subject to entry bans or pose a danger to public order or health.
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Denial of Entry: Entry may be denied if the traveler does not meet entry requirements, is subject to an entry ban, or has exhausted the 90-day authorized stay in the Schengen Area within the previous 180 days.
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Citizens of the European Union and Affiliated States: EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland citizens can enter Spain with their national identity card or passport. Family members may require additional documentation depending on their nationality.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for anyone planning a short stay in Spain and for professionals involved in immigration and border control. It ensures compliance with the Schengen Borders Code and related regulations, promoting a smooth and legal entry process.
