Spain Transit Visa – Eligibility and Documentation
If you travel through one of the countries in Schengen Area, you are required to get a Spain transit visa as a legal move.
The 26″ countries in Schengen Area include the Netherlands, Lithuania, Greece, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, France, Slovakia, Iceland, Spain, Luxembourg,
Others include Belgium, Malta, Portugal, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Estonia, Sweden, Austria, Poland, Finland, Hungary, Norway, and Italy.
With a valid Spain transit visa, you can pass through countries in Schengen Area for a short period.
To qualify for a Spain transit visa, you must meet specific requirements, such as possessing a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and health insurance, among others.
In addition, you must prove your purpose for getting this type of visa when applying.
Progressively, this article will focus on Spain transit visa requirements, cost, and other vital information.
What is a Spain Transit Visa?
A Spanish transit visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to journey through an airport in Spain for a short period, usually 24 hours.
Transit visas are issued to tourists, business people, and athletes traveling to or from countries without an official bilateral treaty with Spain.
To be eligible for a Spain transit visa, you must possess several documents, including a valid passport, a visa, and a flight ticket to the destination country, among others.
Spain transit visa processing time
The processing time for a Spain transit visa is not the same, as it can vary depending on the embassy, consulate, or visa application center processing your application.
However, it is necessary that you complete and submits your application within two weeks of when you wish to travel.
In most cases, the transit visa processing time takes 15 days.
Spain transit visa fee
To apply for a Spain transit visa, you need to pay an application fee of €80. However, the application fee for the transit visa differs depending on the country you are applying from.
Take note that you need to pay the fee in cash upon arrival at the Schengen zone.
However, some countries like Morocco pay the visa fee on the day of the visa appointment.
In addition, keep in mind that you must pay an extra fee at the embassy, consulate, and visa application fee at an Estonian embassy or consulate.
Spain transit visa requirements
In addition to the required documents for any Spanish visa, you have to submit additional documents for the processing of your Spain transit visa:
- A completed Schengen visa application: Make sure you fill in accurate information as provided in other documents.
In addition, you need to print two original copies of the form and sign at the end of each form. It is recommended you write with capital letters.
- One passport-sized photograph: Must be a recent passport, which must not be older than three months.
Most importantly, it must meet the European Union standards.
- It would be best if you had a valid international passport, not over three months. It must be within the validity period.
In addition, your passport should have two blank pages at the back so you can affix a visa sticker on it.
- Schengen Health Insurance: Without a doubt, it is very important to purchase a health insurance plan of not less than €30,000 to cover medical emergencies associated with your traveling to Spain.
- Proof of civil status; Such as marriage certificate, certificate of birth, death certificate of spouse, etc.).
- Proof of onward travel: By submitting this document, you must be capable of proving where you are going and that you are permitted to enter that country.
You can do this by submitting the following documents, such as a visa to your destination Country or booked ticket to your destination country.
- Proof of paid visa fee: You must show proof that you have made the visa fee payment. i.e., submitting a copy of the visa receipt.
Who qualifies for a Spain transit visa?
The following countries need a transit visa to take a trip via the Spanish airport to another country.
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Cameroon
- Republic of Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea Bissau
- Haiti
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Liberia
- Mali
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Palestinians
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Syria
- Togo
- Yemen
How to apply for a Spanish transit visa
The steps on how to apply and get your Spain transit visa are simple as stated below:
- Consider if you need a transit visa to enter Spain
- You will receive an invitation to apply for a Spain transit visa.
- Download and fill out the visa application form
- Pay the transit visa fee
- Allow time for the diplomatic mission’s decision
Step 1: Consider if you need a transit visa to enter Spain.
You should find out if your country is among those that can come to Spain through a transit visa. If that is the case, you can go on with the application process.
Step 2: Receive an invitation to apply for a Spain transit visa.
Your host is to get the invitation to apply for you to visit Spain. When that happens, you should start your application in the embassy, consulate, or visa application center.
Step 3: Download and fill out the visa application form
The form is available online. Every applicant must complete and sign an official application form, filling out each section.
However, if the applicant is a minor, one of their parents must sign the application on their behalf.
Step 4: Pay the transit visa fee
After filling out your transit visa application form, the next step is to pay the transit visa fee.
However, different fees are applied for citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cabo Verde, and Russia.
Step 5: Allow the diplomatic missions to make decision
The processing of Spain’s transit visas takes up to 15 days. This means you will need to wait until the embassy decides on your transit visa application.
If approved, you can start your journey and travel through the Spanish airport without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for transit in Spain?
Transit visas are not required for citizens of most countries traveling through Spain for less than 90 days.
However, some nationalities may require a visa if they are staying in Spain for an extended period.
If you are traveling to Spain for business or tourism, it is best to check with the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of origin to see if you need a visa.
Where do I submit my application for a Spain transit visa?
To apply for a transit visa, you will need to submit an application at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.
Additionally, you will also need to provide proof of your travel plans and an invitation letter from the Spanish sponsor of your trip.
Is it easy to get a Spain transit visa?
Unfortunately, obtaining one can be difficult, depending on your nationality and the country you are traveling to after Spain.
Before you travel, check the requirements of the country you are visiting and the Spanish consulate or embassy in that country.
How long does Spain’s transit visa processing take?
According to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the average processing time for a transit visa is around 15 days.
This means that if you want to travel to Spain and want to avoid any potential delays, it’s important to apply well in advance.
What are Poland transit visa requirements for Indian nationals?
Indians need to obtain a transit visa to travel through Spain to their destination.
They must submit their visa application at the Spanish embassy or consulate in India.
It is equally important that their visa application include a valid passport, a filled-out application form, and a travel itinerary. Their application also requires a fee of €80.
What is the duration of a Spain transit visa?
Spain has a visa waiver program with some countries, so a transit visa is not necessary for citizens of those countries to travel through Spain.
However, the duration is typically 24 hours. This implies you are your Spanish airport stay should not exceed 24 hours.
Do I need a Spain visa for a connecting flight?
If you are a citizen of a country that is not Spain and you are connecting to Spain on an airplane, you might need a visa.
A visa allows you to stay in Spain for a specific amount of time.
Although the process of getting a visa can be complicated, so it is best to speak to an immigration lawyer if you have any questions.
Can I get a transit visa at the airport?
If you are arriving in Spain from another European country, you will likely need to obtain a transit visa.
This is easy to do at the airport, but keep in mind that not all airports are located in major cities.
In addition, many smaller airports have limited facilities and may be unable to process transit visas.
In this case, you will need to find an authorized Spanish travel agent who can help you get the visa.
Is a Covid test required to enter Spain?
Covid is a required test for people wishing to enter Spain. The test is used to screen for possible diseases. It is usually taken by people traveling to Spain for tourism or business reasons.
Conclusion
In summary, the Spain transit visa is good mostly when you have to layover during your journey to your destination.
It requires its holders to change flight within 24 hours of arriving at a Spanish airport.
Above all, it is easy to get and does not require much paperwork, which makes it perfect for travelers who have less time to complete their journey.
