The ETIAS Spain visa for U.S. citizens
The United States will be one of the countries whose citizens must present an approved ETIAS visa upon entry in Spain. ETIAS visa can be obtained online, by filling out the ETIAS application form online and receiving your visa via e-mail once the application is approved. The ETIAS permit will allow U.S. citizens to enter Spain for tourism, work, transit, or for medical reasons, as long as the duration of the trip is no more than 90 days, and the permit will be valid for multiple trips made via air, sea, or land. Moreover, minors and people over 70 years of age will be able to apply for ETIAS free of charge.
What is ETIAS Spain for Americans?
ETIAS visa will come into force in November 2023, as part of a program of the European Commission aimed at strengthening European borders and keeping a digital track on all people entering the European Schengen Area. This program was already approved in 2016, following the terrorist attacks that affected some European countries. In the last years, data sharing between European Union countries has been expanded, allowing for the creation of the ETIAS visa system, that connects the applications for ETIAS visa with already existing databases.
How does ETIAS Spain permit work for Americans
From November 2023 U.S. citizens must be in possession of an ETIAS visa before travelling to Spain. However, if the trip has other reasons than those provided for ETIAS, or it will be longer than 90 days, they will have to obtain a full visitor Schengen permit, at the embassy or consulate of Spain, respecting requirements and timing for the visa they are applying for. Once issued, ETIAS will be valid for 3 years, and it will allow to travel multiple times in Spain and other countries of the Schengen Area, as long as each trip is shorter than 90 days. In order to get your approved ETIAS visa in time for the trip, it is recommended to apply for the visa at least 4 days before the departure. If ETIAS permit is denied, you can still apply for a full visitor Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of Spain or present an appeal to the country that denied ETIAS permit.
ETIAS Spain destinations for Americans
Starting from 2023 ETIAS visa will come into force for American citizens to travel to the following countries:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
At the moment, American citizens are not required to obtain an ETIAS visa to enter Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania, since these countries are currently not part of the Schengen Area. However, these countries may enter the Schengen Area in the future, so please keep updated with the permit requirements.
ETIAS Spain permit requirements for U.S. citizens and how to apply
To apply for ETIAS visa, you will need to be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid electronic passport issued by the United States of America. If you do not have an U.S. passport, you will have to apply for a full visitor Schengen visa. The ETIAS visa application can be completed online, entering all the necessary information by following the required steps, and making sure all the data is entered correctly. Once the application form is completed, all citizens aged between 18 and 70 years will also have to pay a fee of 7 euros, using a credit or debit card. In general, most ETIAS visas are issued within few minutes, or at most in a few hours, and the approved visa will be sent via e-mail as a PDF file. Other than that, you will not need to print the visa, because all the information will already be in the European Schengen authorities’ databases, and this information will be linked to the passport data provided during the application. Anyway, in order to avoid delays, it is recommended to apply for ETIAS visa at least 4 days in advance, to make sure that the permit is approved and to have the time to provide any additional documents should they be required. In the instance where an ETIAS visa is not approved, you can apply for a Schengen permit at the embassy or consulate of Spain. In order to avoid mistakes that could lead to delays in the ETIAS approval, it is highly recommended to read and check carefully all the ETIAS requirements.
How much does the ETIAS Spain visa cost for U.S. citizens
The ETIAS application for U.S. citizens has a cost of 7 euros for all citizens between 18 and 70 years of age, which has to be paid at the end of the online application process, using a credit or debit card. Citizens under 18 and over 70 years of age can apply for ETIAS permit free of charge.
ETIAS Spain: The Facts
By 2022, people who want to travel to Spain including passport holders from visa-exempt territories will be required to apply for an ETIAS.
- ETIAS Spain application can be done online. You will need a valid passport and email address to secure your ETIAS visa waiver.
- ETIAS Spain charges €7 for the visa waiver. On the other hand, children under 18 years of age may avail it free of charge.
- Your ETIAS visa waiver will be the essential travel document you need along with your passport when visiting Spain.
- With ETIAS Spain, you’ll be permitted to stay for 90 days within a 180-day period. It will also allow you to travel freely across the Schengen zone.
- ETIAS Spain waiver remains valid for 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
About Spain
Spain, officially the Republic of Spain, is a sovereign state, located mostly on the Iberian Peninsula.
Spain has a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and the country shares maritime borders with Algeria and Italy. It is bordered by Andorra, France, Gibraltar, Portugal, and Morocco.
Spanish territory includes two cities, Melilla and Ceuta on the African mainland, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands and numerous small islands near the African Coast.
Spain has an area of 505,990 sq. km and a population of 46.4 million people. The capital and largest city is Madrid, Spain’s second city is Barcelona, which is the capital city of Catalonia. The official language is Spanish; secondary languages are Basque, Catalan, and Galician. The major religion is Christianity, and the official currency is the euro.
Madrid has lots to offer the culture-loving traveler.
- Museu del Prado
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
- The Royal Palace
- The historic Plaza Mayor
- Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
- Puerta del Sol
Spain at a glance
Capital: Madrid
Timezone: UTC/GMT +1 hour
Languages: Castilian Spanish 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%
Area: 504,782 KM2
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Population: 46,505,963
Calling Code: +34
Travel in Spain
Spain is famous for its islands, Mediterranean beaches, wines, fruit, vegetables, architecture, literature, arts, horses, bullfights and Flamenco music, and dance.
For the traveler to Spain, there is a diverse range of cultural attractions, nightlife, seaside towns, and ancient sites.
The island of Mallorca is home to the Caves of Drach. Consisting of three chambers, Black Cave (Cueva Negra), White Cave (Cueva Blanca) and Luis Salvator Cave (Cueva Luis Salvator). The beautiful limestone formations are a stunning tourist attraction. Whilst there, explore Lake Martel (Lago Martel), one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world.
The Canary Islands are home to the Garajonay National Park. Located in the center of La Gomera, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has an area of 3,984 sq. km. The trails there are well marked, and the scenery is stunning.
Many people travel to Barcelona for the sights and the cosmopolitan atmosphere. The Eixample Quarter is where many Gaudi buildings are located. Sagrada Familia, which has been in the construction phase for over 100 years, is entering its final stage but is still one of Barcelona’s best-loved sights.
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gótic) is an evocative area full of little alleyways and cafes.
The stroll down the Rambla leads down to the old Barceloneta and the seafront.
The US and Spain
Spain and the U.S. are closely associated in many areas. They are strong allies in the fight against terrorism.
The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology, jointly operate the Madrid Deep Space Communication Complex. This supports Earth orbital and solar system exploration missions.
Worldwide, Spain is the third most popular destination for U.S.students.
The U.S. and Spain are both members of the following groups:
- The United Nations
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
- International Monetary Fund
- World Bank
- World Trade Organization
There are direct flights to Spain from the U.S.A. with flight times of under 10 hours, depending on where you are flying from.
Many business people in Spain can conduct business in English or French, as well as their native Spanish. Business attire tends to be formal. Many of the larger hotels have full conference facilities. There are numerous dedicated conference centers throughout the country.
Business hours are variable according to the city, the long lunchtime (siesta) is still honored, especially in the heat of summer. Some larger companies are tending to work through the day in line with the rest of Europe.
FAQ about ETIAS Spain visa
List of US diplomatic offices in Spain
The Embassy of USA in Madrid, Spain
Address: Calle de Serrano, 75 28006 Madrid, Spain
Phone: (+34) 91-587-2200
Fax: (+34) 91-587-2303
Facts: Richard Duke Buchan III – Ambassador
Consulate of USA in Barcelona, Spain
Address: Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23 08034 Barcelona, España
Phone: (+34) 93 280 22 27
Fax: (+34) 93 280 61 75
The Embassy of Spain in Washington, USA
Address: 2375 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington DC 20037
Phone: +1 (202) 452-0100
Email: emb.washington@maec.es
Facts: Santiago Cabanas Ansorena – Ambassador
Consulate of Spain in New York, USA
Address: 150 East 58th St., 30th Floor New York, NY 10155
Phone: 212 355 40 80
Fax: (1 212) 644 37 51
Email: cog.nuevayork@maec.es
Consulate of Spain in Los Angeles, USA
Address: 5055 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 860 Los Angeles CA 90036
Phone: +001 323 938 0158
Fax: 1-323-938-0112
Email: cog.losangeles@maec.es
Consulate of Spain in Miami, USA
Address: 2655 Le Jeune Road, Suite 203, Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Phone: (305) 446-5511
Fax: ( 305) 446 05 85
Email: cog.miami@maec.es