Spain visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens

Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland do not need a visa for Spain for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies across the whole Schengen Area, so your days in France or Italy count against the same allowance.

From 2026, you will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before flying. It is not a visa; it is a quick online authorisation, valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply well before your trip, as approval can take days.

At the border, be ready to show a return ticket, proof of accommodation, and enough funds for your stay. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.

All six nationalities in this guide share the same visa-free access to Spain for short stays. The table below summarises the key points for each passport.

ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers entering the Schengen Area. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry; border guards make the final decision. The application is online, costs about €7, and is valid for three years or until your passport expires.

The system is expected to launch in 2026, but the exact date has not been confirmed. Until then, you can travel without it. When it goes live, you must have an approved ETIAS before boarding your flight, ferry or bus to Spain.

Apply at least a few days before travel, as most applications are approved quickly but some take longer. Use the official ETIAS website only, not third-party sites that charge extra.

When you arrive in Spain, border guards may ask to see your passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or address where you are staying), and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. The exact amount is not fixed, but a common guideline is around €100 per day, though this is not always enforced.

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. Some sources recommend six months, but the Schengen rule is three months. Check your passport's expiry date before booking flights.

If you are staying with friends or family, have their address and contact details written down. If you are travelling on a one-way ticket, you may be asked to show that you can leave the Schengen Area, such as a return flight booking or proof of onward travel.

If you want to stay in Spain for more than 90 days, you need a national visa or a residence permit. Options include a student visa, a work visa, or a non-lucrative visa for those who can support themselves without working in Spain. Apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country before you travel; you cannot switch from a tourist stay to a residence permit once in Spain.

For retirement or long-term stays, the non-lucrative visa requires proof of income and health insurance. The digital nomad visa, introduced in 2023, allows remote workers to stay longer if they work for a company outside Spain. Each has specific requirements; check with the nearest Spanish consulate.

This page was last checked on 2026-09. Official government sources for visa and entry rules are linked below. Rules can change; always confirm with the Spanish consulate or the official ETIAS website before travel.