If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, or perhaps an exotic getaway to give the family an international perspective on the world - look no further than the beautiful views of Spain! Home to a sea of vibrant festivals, flamenco music, and phenomenal food, there is something for everybody in the land of Spain.

Before planning your trip however, it is really important to educate yourself about the visa requirements of this wonderful place. That’s we want to help you with today - what are the visa requirements to take a trip to Spain?

One of the most important facts to know before we start up our discussion is that Spain is currently under something known as the Schengen agreement, which means you have to apply for a special type of travel pass known as a Schengen visa before being eligible to travel to the Embassy of Spain. A Schengen visa is a certain variant of visa, which applies to 26 European countries that are part of what is known as the Schengen area. This policy was formed in 1985.

Thankfully, there is some assistance available to simplify this seemingly complicated process. It really doesn’t matter what type of visa you want to get, since Spain has somewhat similar requirements for all of them. If you’re visiting for recreation, you can apply for a normal travel visa. If you are on a trip for business, it’s advised to use a travel visa.

Next, it’s time for you to collect some of the mandatory paperwork that this country wants from you in order to complete the interview.

The first document Spain asks you for is the Visa Application Form. This is one of the most critical visa requirements you’ll need.. You have to fill it out with accuracy and honesty, and then sign it. If you are a minor, the parents/guardians are required to sign this form instead.

The next bit of information you’ll be asked for is a valid passport you have. Make sure to submit the regular, original passport, which is effective for a minimum of three months after the date of your trip. It’s always advantageous to attach photocopies of all your previous passports.

The next bit of information you’ll need is two passport-sized pictures in the visa application. They need to include your face pointed towards the camera, with a minimum 75-80% of your face showing. It should be a high quality picture, with a light background and a good amount of clarity.

After all of this, you must include a form that certifies the return details of your trip to Spain. You’ll need the flight reservation attached, which is what they use to make sure that your trip is legitimate. You also need travel medical insurance, since you never really can predict what may happen to your health while out of your home nation. Make sure to have the document attached, which will be instrumental to the Spain Embassy to ensure that you have enough money to cover any emergencies. Next, you’ll need a personal covering letter, which has all the details about your trip in Spain. It’s a good idea to include a lot of details about what you plan to do, and sign the letter. This goes along with a proof of stay, where you need to add your hotel reservations along with some miscellaneous documents. You can make these arrangements before even applying! You’ll also need another wide variety of documents, including proof of financial subsistence, employment contract (if you’re in Spain to conduct business), enrollment certificate (if you’re traveling there as a student), civil status proof if they happen to request it, and it’s also a good idea to attach proof of your permanent address.

Once you have done ALL of this, you are obligated to show up to an interview at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. You can send the documents online, or hand them over the documents in person. Make sure to perform confidently at the interview!

All around, it’s not easy to go to Spain, but most certainly worth it. With a plethora of wonderful options for culture and entertainment, you really won’t regret it!