spain tourist visa
SpainTourist Visa: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
With its flamenco, tapas, and remarkable architecture, Spain remains one of the most popular countries to visit in Europe. Exploring Barcelona, soaking in the beauty of Seville, or marveling at Alhambra in Granada are experiences every traveler cherishes. For citizens of India planning a vacation to this Mediterranean gem, the tourist visa application process is an important prerequisite.
Here I describe, step by step, every detail associated with applying for a Spanish tourist visa from India: applications form submission, eligibility criteria, documents needed, visa costs and so on.
What is Spain Tourist Visa?
A Spain Tourist Visa is a Schengen short stay visa issued to Indians which enables travel to Spain and other member states. Holders can remain in the Schengen zone for 90 days out of every rolling 180 period. The tourist visa is valid only for purely tourism related activities such as visiting monuments and places of interest, traveling for pleasure purposes including recreational travel visits to family and friends and participation in social work and cultural programs.
Being part of the Schengen Agreement means that having a Spanish Visa also permits entry into 25 other European countries that are part of Schengen area.
Who Needs a Spain Tourist Visa?
A Spain Tourist Visa is a Schengen short stay visa issued to Indians which enables travel to Spain and other member states. Holders can remain in the Schengen zone for 90 days out of every rolling 180 period. The tourist visa is valid only for purely tourism related activities such as visiting monuments and places of interest, traveling for pleasure purposes including recreational travel visits to family and friends and participation in social work and cultural programs.
Being part of the Schengen Agreement means that having a Spanish Visa also permits entry into 25 other European countries that are part of Schengen area.
Who Needs a Spain Tourist Visa?
Indian passport holders will need a valid Schengen visa in order to visit Spain for tourism or short stays. India does not feature on the list of countries which do not require a visa for travel to the Schengen area. Therefore, Indian nationals are required to apply for a Spain tourist visa from India before traveling.
Types of Spain Tourist Visas
For Indian travelers, the primary visa type to visit Spain for tourism is:
Short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C): Its validity is up to 90 days during any 180-day period and it may be used for tourism, leisure activities, or visiting family and friends.
Entry types may consist of the following:
– Single-entry visa
– Double-entry visa
– Multiple-entry visa for frequent travelers
Spain Tourist Visa Processing Fees
For Indian applicants, one of the most common inquiries is related to Spain tourist visa processing fees. Below are the relevant fees:
Category | Visa Fees (Approx.) |
Adults (12 years and above) | €80 (Approx. INR 7,200) |
Children between 6 and 12 years | €40 (Approx. INR 3,600) |
Children below 6 years | Free |
VFS Service Fee | INR 1,500 – INR 2,000 |
Courier, SMS & Other Optional Fees | Varies (INR 300 – 1,500) |
💡 Special Note: Applicants should verify with Spanish consulates or VFS Global for real-time updates as all fees stated might shift due to international transfer rates and sovereign relations shifts. Also note that these fees cannot be refunded under any circumstances.
Eligibility Criteria For Spain Tourist Visa Application From India:
To be qualified for a Spain tourist visa application from India, applicants should comply with these prerequisites:
An active Indian passport (with demand that it must not expire within three months of accidentally extended stay). Possession of financial stability confirming resources that cover his/her entire stay in Spain. Have confirmed travel bookings ((flight tickets and hotel reservations). Convey intention to settle back to India post tour through acceptable means and proofs. Hold medical insurance specifically travel insurance worth €30,000 coverage minimum limit).
I will not seek employment or academic opportunities while on the trip.
Spain Tourist Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
Your application for the Spain tourist visa requires the following documents:
✅ Personal Semi- Travel Documents:
Submit original passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
Two recently taken passport size photos (as per Schengen standards)
Schengen visa application form (to be filled and signed)
Cover letter detailing purpose, itinerary, and duration of travel
✅ Proof of Financial Means:
Bank statements from last three to six months.
Income Tax Returns(ITR) of last two years
If employed, recent salary slips.
Sponsorship letter if the trip is sponsored by someone residing in Spain.
✅ Other Required Documents Related to Tourism Activities Prepare:
Reservation for flight bookings (both ways). Stays at hotels or an invitation letter if staying with a host. Detailed itinerary plan for execution on day-to-day basis.
✅ Insurance Policy Document
Travel insurance covering health related engagements that amounts to a minimum of €30,000 and is valid in all Schengen states without restriction Germany included
Certificates pertaining to matters of employment/business were absent: Verification document issued by the employer(employed applicants). Validated commercial deed attested by competent authorities(self-employed). Document stating no objection issued by previous employer or institution (if relevant).
Steps to Apply For Spain Tourist Visa For Indian Citizens.
An applicant based in India has to go through multiple steps before obtaining a visa and these processes are centralized at VFS Global which offers services related to visas on behalf of the Spanish Embassy and Consulate in India
Sequence of Steps for Applying:
Identify Your Jurisdiction
Spain maintains consulates in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Please select your visa application center according to your jurisdiction.
Schedule an Appointment
Go to www.vfsglobal.com, select your region and Spain as the destination country. Select appropriate slots for document submission and biometric data collection.
Gather Your Documents
Collect all requisite documents as per the checklist provided by VFS website or Spanish Consulate.
Hand In Your Application
On your appointed date, go to the VFS center, present relevant documents, pay for the Spain tourist visa processing fees and give biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
Check Visa Application Status
After application submission, you may track progress using a tracking number given by VFS.
Passport Collection:
Your passport will be sent to you via courier after processing. Alternatively, you can choose to collect it in person at their office. A Spain tourist visa will be affixed inside your passport if you’re approved.
Processing Time for Visa Application to Spain for Tourism
The span of time needed to process the Spain tourist visa for Indian citizens is usually around 15 to 20 working days, counting from the submission date at the VFS center. The following factors can cause delays:
Missing documents
Document submission during busy periods and peak season
Further review or verification processes
📌 Pro Tip: For smooth processing, apply at least 30 to 45 days before your intended travel date. This ensures that all steps can be completed without rush.
Spain Tourist Visa Validity and Stay Duration
With a Spain tourist visa you are normally permitted to:
Stay Duration: Remain in-country for up to 90 days within a rolling 180-day period.
Visa Validity: Typically begins on your intended travel date; it may range between one and six months.
Entry Type: Granting single, double, or multiple entries.
Important: Exceeding your allowed stay could lead to fines, deportation or bans on future visas.
Common Reasons for Spain Tourist Visa Rejection
Rejections are painful, and they have almost become a part of life in modern-day society. Some factors that contribute to mail visa rejections include:
Incomplete or vague information
Insufficient financial documentation
Frequent travel to countries from which you’ve overstayed your visits
Lack of connection to India—employment, family relationships, real estate
Unspecified the reason for traveling
Vaguish objectives during presentations
💡Tips:
Ensure all documents are completed accurately.
Be honest throughout the application process.
Submit an organized travel itinerary.
Demonstrate substantial connections to India to strengthen the argument for returning intentions after completing travel obligations.
Is it Possible To Renew Spain Tourist Visa?
Typically, Schengen tourist visas cannot be renewed except in special cases such as health crises, natural calamity incidents, or other unavoidable circumstances beyond one’s control. Overlapping scheduled appointments should be rescheduled separately at each local office if renewal is needed; however, it is not likely that renewals will be granted.
Reapplying After a Visa Refusal
In the unfortunate case that your tourist visa application for Spain is denied, there are several steps that you can take:
Reapply with better and supportive documentation.
Resolve the refusal reasons stated in the decision letter.
Consider professional help, or immigration consultants, for tailored assistance.
Useful Information For Indian Tourists Traveling To Spain
After obtaining your Spanish visa approval comes the exciting part – planning your trip! Here are some things Indian tourists should know before visiting Spain:
While Spain’s currency is Euro (€), it is advisable to keep a Forex card or an international debit/credit card handy while traveling.
Spanish is the main spoken language; however, English is widely spoken around tourist locations.
Indian and Vegetarian restaurants can be found across large cities.
For economical travel make use of Metro and local buses.
Emergency contacts for ambulance, police or fire services – call 112.
Spain’s Most Stunning Sightseeing Spots
Spain is mesmerizingly attractive throughout. Always pay attention to:
🌆 Barcelona:
Sagrada Familia
Park Güell
La Rambla
🏰 Madrid:
Royal Palace of Madrid
Prado Museum
Retiro Park
🌊 Sequel:
Alcázar of Sevilha
Seville Cathedral
Flamenco Shows
🏖️ Costa del Sol:
Marbella, Malaga, Nerja beaches.
🌄 Granada:
Alhambra Palace and Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Answering prompts with the most asked questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for a spain visa directly at the embassy?
No, for Indian applicants, it has to be done through VFS Global, who processes applications on behalf of the Spanish Embassy and its Consulates.
Is travel insurance mandatory for spain tourist visa?
Yes, a valid one that insures €30,000 will need to be paid if emergency services are needed. This is bounded.
How early can I apply for a spain tourist visa?
You can up until 6 months prior but needing two weeks sash after applying and erasable face-time allowance.
Do I need a confirmed flight ticked order to apply?
A round trick ticket reservationa is required as part of every application so yes it is compulsory.
Conclusion
The journey to Spain begins in India with a simple application for the Spain tourist visa, which is also one of the first steps that can lead to an uncomplicated holiday. Like the rest of Schengen countries, Spain has made it simple for travelers from India to visit its famous attractions provided they have all the necessary documents. Knowing how much Spain tourist visa costs and submitting everything on time grants them an effortless escape.
Apart from revisiting incredible landmarks, basking on glorious beaches overlooking The Mediterranean Sea and enjoying some Spanish cuisine fills your timeline with extraordinary adventures you wouldn’t wish to miss.
Now all that’s left for you is gather your paperwork, submit everything on time, and work towards the warm greeting of ¡Hola, España!