The Requirement of Tourist Visa in Spain
Spain receives between 50 and 60 million international tourists each year who come to enjoy the country's cultural, lifestyle and geographic attractions. As a full-fledged member of the European Union and an adherent to the body of laws known as the Schengen acquis, Spain's visa requirements for tourists are governed by the rules of the Schengen laws. These rules vary according to your citizenship.
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EU Citizens
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According to the European Commission, citizens of European Union countries have the right to travel freely throughout the European Union, including Spain. This exempts EU citizens from the need to have a tourist visa in order to visit Spain. Neither do they need to show their passport when entering Spain from another European Union country. However, Spanish legislation requires that everyone carry a passport or national identity card when in Spain.
Considerations
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Citizens from non-European Union countries may only stay in Spain as a tourist on a Schengen visa for a maximum of 90 days. However, depending on your specific country of citizenship, you may or may not be required to actually apply for the Schengen visa to visit Spain.
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Exempt Nationalities
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Certain nationalities are automatically waived from the requirement to apply for a Schengen visa, although they are still subject to its restrictions, such as the 90-day maximum stay and the prohibition from working. These exempt nationalities are: Canada, United States, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Andorra, Croatia, Iceland, Ireland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Israel.
Non-Exempt Nationalities
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If you are not a citizen of a European Union country or of one of the countries listed in the previous section, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa prior to your visit to Spain. You must apply in person at a Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of citizenship or residence.
Requirements
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According to the European Commission, the requirements for a Schengen visa--a tourist visa--in Spain include: a passport, proof of the purpose of your trip, sufficient economic resources to cover the period of time you wish to stay in Spain and not having been banned from the European Union. The Consulate General of Spain in Chicago states that, in addition, you will need to provide the following: two passport pictures, a completed Schengen visa application form, photocopy of your application form, proof of employment or regular source of income, proof of travel or health insurance valid in Spain, proof of hotel reservations or housing, confirmed itinerary or airline ticket reservations and visa fee.
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References
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