The full guide
Who needs what to enter Spain?
| Traveller | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss citizen | Valid passport or national ID card |
| Visa-exempt visitor (UK, US, Canada, Australia and others) | Valid passport meeting the Schengen rules; no visa for stays up to 90 days |
| Other nationalities | A Schengen visa from a Spanish consulate |
| Spanish residents | Passport and TIE or residence document |
Passport rules for non-EU visitors
On the day you arrive, your passport must have been issued in the last 10 years and must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. Check both dates, especially on older passports that were extended.
The 90/180-day rule
Visa-exempt visitors can spend up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period in the whole Schengen area, not just Spain. Time in France, Italy or Portugal counts too. If you want to stay longer, you need a residence visa. See the moving to Spain checklist.
The Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EU’s Entry/Exit System became fully operational on 10 April 2026. Instead of stamping passports, border staff register non-EU visitors’ fingerprints and facial images on their first entry, and record each entry and exit digitally. This makes overstays easy to spot. Allow extra time at the border on your first trip.
ETIAS
ETIAS will be an online travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, costing €20. It isn’t in operation yet: the EU had planned a late-2026 start but hasn’t confirmed a date. When it launches there will be a transition period. Only apply through the official EU website.
What border officers can ask for
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Return or onward ticket | With a fixed date |
| Accommodation | Hotel booking, rental contract, or an official invitation letter if staying with friends |
| Proof of funds | €122.10 per person per day in 2026 (10% of the minimum wage), minimum €1,098.90 |
| Travel insurance | Not always required for visa-exempt visitors, but strongly advised |
Most holidaymakers are never asked, but carrying these on your phone avoids problems.
Frequently asked questions
Do British travellers need ETIAS now?
No. ETIAS isn’t operating yet. Check the official EU site before each trip as the start date approaches.
Can I extend my 90 days?
Only in exceptional circumstances. To stay longer, apply for a residence visa from home.
Does the EES apply to residents?
No. Non-EU residents of Spain show their residence card and aren’t registered as visitors.
