By Isabel Prontes
If you are planning to visit the Western European nation of Spain for any purpose (whether it is tourism or business) and wish to stay there for more than 90 days (approximately three months), then you will have to apply for a Spanish visa. Applying for a Spanish visa is not a difficult process if you know exactly what steps to take.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You'll Need:
- Necessary documentation stated below.
- Necessary documentation stated below.
Step 1
Make sure you submit your valid passport, and it must be signed (this is for tourism visas). The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Spain. You must keep at least one page in your passport booklet blank (for visa stamps), if possible. This should be submitted along with your signed and completed tourism visa (Schengen--since Spain is part of the Schengen agreement) application form. This is helpful if you are planning to visit Spain and other Schengen countries (Czech Republic, Estonia, Sweden, Austria, Iceland, Latvia, Malta and various other European nations), so you don't have to go through the hassle of applying for a new visa for each individual nation. You must present proof of your financial abililty to support yourself during your time in Spain. Your itinerary and airplane tickets also must be shown. Confirmation of hotel reservations or a letter from a Spanish resident stating that you are to stay with them are also necessary. Proof of housing can also be used. You need proof of health insurance, including full international coverage for Spain and other Schengen nations (the minimum amount of coverage is $37,000). Proof of your U.S. employment is also necessary.
Travisa - Washington DC office
Tel: (800) 222-2589
Spain Embassy - United States
2375 Pennsylvania Bird
Washington, DC 20037
Tel: (202) 4520100
Step 2
Fill out your Spanish business visa application form. You must include your valid, signed passport and leave a blank page available for stamps. You can download a Schengen business application (and other types of visa applications) through a company like Travisa (see Resources). You must fill the form out in its entirety. An official letter from your employer is also necessary, stating your purpose for conducting business in Spain for the duration of your stay. Proof of financial support for your time in Spain is necessary. You also need minimum $37,000 health insurance for coverage while you are in Spain. You must present your official itinerary and show your airplane tickets. Confirmed hotel bookings or a letter from a Spanish residence that you plan to stay in are also required.
Step 3
Apply for a Spanish study visa through your local diplomatic office or consulate before entering Spain. Upon arrival in Spain, students must apply for authorization to be allowed to stay in the country for a specified period of time, either at a police station or at the foreign office. You must intend to study in Spain for at least three months and present proof that you are studying at a Spanish educational institution. If you are under the age of 18, you must present written authorization from your parents. The length of the stay and school details must also be mentioned in the authorization letter. Proof of financial means during the duration of the Spanish study course must also be shown.
Resources
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
