Spain travel guide for Australians

Australians do not need a visa for Spain for tourism or short business trips of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. From 2026, you must have an ETIAS travel authorisation before you fly; it is not a visa and is applied for online before travel. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.

Spain is part of the Schengen Area, so the 90/180-day rule applies across all Schengen countries. You cannot extend a tourist stay beyond 90 days without a visa; overstaying can lead to fines or a re-entry ban. For longer stays, study, or work, you need a national visa from the Spanish consulate in Australia before you travel.

From 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be required for visa-exempt travellers, including Australians. Apply online before flying; the authorisation is linked to your passport and is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

The Australian Embassy in Madrid is the main point of contact for consular help in Spain. It can assist with lost passports, arrests, and medical emergencies. For routine visa or passport questions, contact the embassy by phone or email before you travel. If you are in a remote area, the embassy can still provide advice by phone.

Spain is a mid-range destination for Australians. Budget around AUD 150–250 per person per day for a comfortable trip, including accommodation, meals, transport and some activities. Madrid and Barcelona are pricier than Andalusia or the north. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs about AUD 25–40; a metro ticket in Madrid or Barcelona is around AUD 3–4.

Flights from Australia to Spain are the biggest single cost, typically AUD 1,200–2,000 return in low season, more in summer. Use the flight-time planner to compare routes and times.

There are no direct flights from Australia to Spain. Most routes go through a hub in Asia or the Middle East, such as Singapore, Doha, or Dubai, then connect to Madrid or Barcelona. Total flight time is typically 20–24 hours from Sydney or Melbourne, plus a layover of 2–4 hours. From Perth, add a few hours.

Use the flight-time planner to see the best connections from your home city. Book early for summer travel; prices rise sharply from December to February.

Spain uses the same plugs as continental Europe: Type F (and C), with a voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Australian plugs (Type I) do not fit, so bring a travel adapter. Your devices will work with the voltage, but check that your chargers are rated for 230 V (most are).

Tipping is optional in Spain. Locals often round up the bill or leave small change, and a 5–10% tip is appreciated for good table service but not expected. In bars, leaving coins on the counter is fine. Tipping is not required in taxis or for tour guides, though a few euros is welcome for a good tour.

The single European emergency number is 112, which works for police, ambulance, and fire, and operators speak English. For the national police, call 091; for the Guardia Civil, call 062. Save 112 in your phone on arrival. For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Madrid.

This page is based on official government travel advice and the parent country facts for Spain. Always check the latest entry requirements with the Spanish consulate or your embassy before travel.