Spain is among 30 European countries that require visa-exempt travelers to possess an ETIAS travel authorization
When to apply for an ETIAS for Spain?
Applying for the ETIAS Visa Waiver for Spain should be done several days before the intended date of arrival in the Schengen Area.
When does ETIAS Spain start for UK?
Commencing in 2025, it will be mandatory to hold full British citizenship to apply for an ETIAS. Travelers with passports or travel documents under different statuses, such as British subject, British overseas citizen, or British protected person, will need to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa, rather than an ETIAS.
Does Ireland require an ETIAS to travel to Spain?
Ireland is not part of the Schengen zone, and as such, the proposed ETIAS system, designed for visa-exempt third-country nationals traveling to Schengen countries, is not expected to apply to Ireland unless Ireland decides to join Schengen before the official rollout of ETIAS in 2025. Ireland, although part of the European Union (E.U.), maintains control over its own entry regulations for non-E.U. citizens. Therefore, as of now, travelers from Ireland to Spain, a Schengen country, are not likely to require an ETIAS. However, it is advisable to stay updated on any changes in regulations leading up to 2025 and to check for the latest information closer to the travel date.
Do I need the ETIAS to transit through Spain and the EU?
Certainly, starting in 2024, all travelers exempt from visas entering Schengen countries must present their ETIAS, whether their visit is for tourism, business, or just passing through.
How to apply online for the ETIAS Spain?
Upon the activation of ETIAS, an official application website will be launched for individuals. The Spanish ETIAS National Unit* will assess entry permissions. The ETIAS application process typically takes around 10 minutes and involves the following steps:
Complete the online ETIAS application form, providing information about your identity, travel document, educational and professional background, and travel history or any previous criminal charges.
Choose Spain as your initial point of entry. Although an approved ETIAS allows travel to all Schengen States, entry must be through the selected country, which, in this instance, is Spain.
Pay the required ETIAS fee.
Expect a brief waiting period to receive your ETIAS, usually just a few minutes.
*ETIAS National Units will be established in each member country and will be responsible for determining the outcomes of applications.
Will I have to apply for a new ETIAS every time I visit Spain?
The ETIAS for Spain will function as a multiple-entry travel authorization, granting the holder the ability to enter Spain and the entire Schengen Area on multiple occasions throughout its validity period.
How long can I stay in Spain with the ETIAS?
Your ETIAS enables you to stay within the Schengen zone for a maximum of 90 days per entry, providing ample time to indulge in Spain's delectable gastronomy and appreciate its breathtaking scenery.
Can I work and study in Spain with an ETIAS?
Working in Spain is not permitted with an ETIAS. To work, you must apply for a Spanish work and residence permit, obtainable either from a Spanish mission abroad (embassy/consulate) or the relevant authorities in Spain.
Regarding studying, an ETIAS allows participation in short courses or training sessions, provided the cumulative stay in Spain or the Schengen zone does not exceed 90 days. However, enrolling in a Spanish university, participating in an internship, or undertaking student work is not allowed with an ETIAS.
How much will the ETIAS cost?
The government fee for Spain ETIAS is €7. Additionally, applicants who are either under 18 or over 70 years of age are exempt from this fee.
How much does the ETIAS cost for a New Zealand passport holder traveling to Spain?
The cost of an ETIAS is €7 applicable to all applicants aged between 18 and 70. Minors and applicants over 70 years old will be exempt from the ETIAS fee. This fee is incurred upon application submission and is the sole payment required.
How long does it take to get an ETIAS for Spain?
The majority of applications will be processed within 20 minutes. Nevertheless, certain applications may take longer, potentially up to 30 days.
Reasons for ETIAS Spain denial
The main reasons for ETIAS denial include submitting an incomplete or error-filled application, having an invalid passport, providing false or misleading documents, not passing the ETIAS background check, having an SIS alert in the Schengen Information System, missing a required interview, and raising health concerns due to communicable or infectious diseases or recent travel from regions with disease outbreaks.
How to fill out an ETIAS application for Spain on Reddit?
Helen from Madrid says: "Filling out an ETIAS application for Spain was a straightforward yet essential task. As I navigated the online portal, the first step prompted me to enter my personal information, including my full name, date of birth, and contact details. The user-friendly interface made the process smooth, guiding me through each section with clear instructions. Next, I provided my passport details, ensuring accuracy to avoid any complications. One crucial aspect was disclosing my travel history, which required details of my recent trips to assess potential risks. As I progressed, the system prompted me to answer health and security-related questions, a standard procedure to ensure the safety of both travelers and the destination country. Lastly, I reviewed all the entered information before submitting the application, confident that this simple yet meticulous process was a necessary step in ensuring a seamless journey to the vibrant and enchanting Spain."