Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: ETIAS Authorization
Most visa-exempt travelers to Spain now need ETIAS authorization (€7) - a straightforward online application that takes about 10 minutes and is valid for three years. Apply at least 72 hours before your trip to avoid delays, especially for popular destinations like Barcelona and Madrid.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages for stamps. For Spain, this applies across the mainland, Balearic Islands, and Canary Islands, though the latter may have slight variations due to their special status.
Double-check expiration dates well in advance, as some nationalities require six months validity for re-entry to their home country, and biometric passports are preferred for faster processing.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa in Spain as part of the Schengen Area.
For longer stays, registration with local authorities like the padrón in municipalities is required, and non-EU citizens should monitor the 90/180 rule closely to avoid overstays.
Visa Applications
For required visas, apply through the Spanish consulate or online via the Schengen visa system (€80 fee), providing documents such as proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds (€108/day minimum recommended).
Processing times range from 15-45 days, so apply early; additional requirements may include a medical certificate for certain nationalities or invitations for family visits.
Border Crossings
Spain's Schengen membership means seamless land borders with France and Portugal, but airports like Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat involve routine passport checks, especially post-ETIAS implementation.
Maritime arrivals to islands require advance passenger information, and Gibraltar crossings from Spain need separate UK documentation due to its unique status.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen entry, covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, trip cancellations, and emergencies like hiking in the Pyrenees or water sports in the Mediterranean.
Policies from €4-6/day are available; ensure coverage for COVID-19 related issues and activities such as skiing in Sierra Nevada, with digital copies accessible via apps.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for humanitarian, medical, or other valid reasons can be requested at a local Spanish immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) before expiration, with fees around €20-60.
Supporting documents like medical reports or proof of funds are essential, and approval isn't guaranteed; plan for potential appeals if denied.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Spain uses the Euro (€). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks, especially for multi-leg trips across regions.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Secure affordable flights to Madrid or Barcelona by using Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets for comparisons.
Booking 2-3 months ahead can reduce costs by 30-50%, and consider low-cost carriers like Ryanair for island hops to the Balearics.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for tapas bars and markets like La Boqueria in Barcelona for meals under €10, avoiding tourist traps to save 40-60% on dining.
Menú del día lunch specials offer three courses for €12-15, providing authentic flavors from paella to gazpacho at budget prices.
Public Transport Passes
Purchase a Renfe Spain Pass for unlimited high-speed AVE travel starting at €200 for 4 days, slashing intercity expenses by up to 70%.
City cards like the Barcelona Card include free transport and museum discounts, making urban exploration cost-effective.
Free Attractions
Explore free sites like the Sagrada Família exteriors, Retiro Park in Madrid, or coastal walks in Costa Brava, immersing in culture without fees.
Many national parks and beaches are gratis, and EU citizens get free entry to state museums on Sundays, enhancing value for art lovers.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted everywhere except small vendors; use contactless for speed, but keep €50-100 cash for rural areas and ferries.
ATMs offer the best rates—avoid airport exchanges—and notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks during your stay.
Museum Passes
The Europa Pass grants access to 40+ sites across Spain for €50-70 over 3 days, ideal for Madrid's Prado and Seville's Alcázar.
It recoups costs after 3-4 visits, with skip-the-line perks saving hours in peak season queues.
Smart Packing for Spain
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack versatile layers for Spain's regional variations: light linens for Andalusia's heat and woolens for northern Galicia's chill, plus swimwear for Mediterranean beaches.
Include modest clothing for cathedrals like Seville's and breathable fabrics; a sarong doubles as a beach cover-up or shawl for cultural sites.
Electronics
Europe adapters (Type C/F) are crucial, along with a portable charger for long days at festivals like La Tomatina, offline Google Maps, and a waterproof phone case for coastal trips.
Apps for train schedules (Renfe) and translation (Google Translate with Spanish offline) enhance navigation in diverse regions from Basque Country to Catalonia.
Health & Safety
Travel insurance docs, a comprehensive first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies for ferry rides, prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen (50+) for intense sun exposure.
Hand sanitizer, masks for crowded trains, and DEET repellent for mosquito-prone areas like the wetlands of Doñana National Park are must-haves.
Travel Gear
A lightweight daypack for hiking Sierra Nevada trails, collapsible water bottle for hydration in hot climates, quick-dry towel for beaches, and euros in small bills for markets.
Photocopies of passport and EHIC (for EU travelers) in a secure pouch, plus a RFID-blocking wallet to deter pickpockets in bustling cities like Barcelona.
Footwear Strategy
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for cobblestone streets in Toledo, sturdy boots for Camino de Santiago pilgrimages, and water shoes for rocky coves in the Costa Blanca.
Water-resistant options are key for sudden showers in the north; break in shoes pre-trip to avoid blisters on extensive sightseeing days.
Personal Care
Travel-sized eco-friendly toiletries, aloe vera gel for sunburn relief, high-factor lip balm, and a foldable hat or scarf for sun protection during siesta hours.
Compact umbrella or poncho for Atlantic rains, and wet wipes for dusty train journeys; opt for multi-use items to keep luggage under airline limits for domestic flights.
When to Visit Spain
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather (15-22°C) across Spain makes it perfect for cherry blossom viewing in the Jerte Valley and Semana Santa processions in Seville, with blooming landscapes and moderate crowds.
Fewer tourists mean better deals on accommodations, ideal for hiking in the Pyrenees or exploring Granada's Alhambra without summer heat.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season brings scorching heat (25-35°C in the south) but vibrant festivals like San Fermín in Pamplona and beach vibes on Ibiza, with long sunny days for nightlife and water activities.
Expect high prices and crowds in Barcelona; northern regions like Bilbao offer cooler escapes, though siestas are essential to beat the midday sun.
Autumn (September-November)
Shoulder season with pleasant 18-25°C temperatures suits wine harvests in Rioja, fall foliage in the Picos de Europa, and fewer lines at the Guggenheim in Bilbao.
Surfing in the Basque Country and truffle hunts in Aragon provide unique experiences, with dropping hotel rates making it budget-friendly for extended stays.
Winter (December-February)
Mild in the south (10-18°C) for Christmas markets in Madrid and olive harvests in Andalusia, while the north sees snow for skiing in the Sierra Nevada (0-10°C).
Off-peak savings on flights and stays, plus cultural events like Three Kings parades, offer a cozy, less crowded alternative to summer travel.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Euro (€). ATMs are plentiful; cards accepted widely, but cash needed for small tapas bars and rural spots.
- Language: Spanish (Castilian) is official, with regional languages like Catalan, Basque, and Galician. English common in tourist hubs like Costa del Sol.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (Canary Islands UTC+0). Daylight saving observed.
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-round-pin or schuko).
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire services across Spain.
- Tipping: Not obligatory as service is included; round up bills or add 5-10% for exceptional service in restaurants.
- Water: Tap water safe in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona; bottled recommended in rural or island areas.
- Pharmacies: Abundant with green cross signs; 24-hour services available in urban centers for urgent needs.