Spain

Are you ready to explore Spain’s vibrant cities, iconic landmarks, and stunning Mediterranean coastline? After all, Spain, a key member of the Schengen Area, offers more than just a destination; a tourist visa for Spain is your passport to traveling freely across 27 European nations.

This guide provides a detailed and straightforward path to getting your visa. First, we’ve gathered all the essential information you’ll need in one place, from a complete checklist of documents to a section-by-section breakdown of the official application form. Our goal is to make sure you feel fully prepared and confident at every step of your application journey.

1. Who Needs a Spanish Visa? Understanding the Requirements

Before you begin the application process, it’s essential to confirm if you need a visa to enter Spain. This, of course, depends on your passport and your residency status in the UAE.

A visa is required if you:

• Possess a passport from a country that is not part of the Schengen visa-waiver program.
• Are a stateless person or a refugee holding a travel document issued in the UAE.

On the other hand, a visa is NOT required if you:

• Hold a UAE passport 🇦🇪. UAE citizens can enter Spain and other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Have a passport from a country with a visa-exemption agreement (e.g., the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom).
• Already have a valid residence permit from a Schengen member country. This allows you to travel freely within the zone.

For UAE residents who require a visa, following this guide will make the application process much simpler.

2. Your Seven-Step Plan to a Successful Spain Visa Application

In the UAE, BLS International manages the processing of visa applications for the Spanish Embassy and Consulate. Therefore, you will submit your application at a BLS International Website. The entire process is regulated by strict Schengen rules.

Here is a clear, seven-step plan to help you.

• Step 1: Choose Your Visa Category For tourism purposes, you will apply for a Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C). This visa type permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s the standard visitor visa for the entire Schengen Zone.
• Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form You must fill out the official visa application form with complete accuracy. This step is critical, as a small error can easily lead to your application being denied.
• Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents Use our comprehensive checklist in the following section to put together your visa file. An incomplete set of documents is a primary reason for rejection. This is where you’ll assemble all the necessary papers to prove your travel intentions are genuine.
• Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment An in-person appointment is mandatory and you must book it on the official BLS International website. During busy travel seasons, it’s wise to book your slot well in advance, as they get filled up quickly.
• Step 5: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment You must attend the visa application center in person to submit your documents, provide your fingerprints (biometrics), and pay the required fees.
• Step 6: Monitor Your Application Status You can track the progress of your application online using the reference number provided on your BLS receipt. This helps ease any uncertainty you might feel while waiting for a decision.
• Step 7: Collect Your Passport When you receive a notification, you can go to the BLS center to collect your passport. If your visa is granted, it will have a new sticker on one of its pages.

3. A Complete Guide to Filling Out the Schengen Visa Application Form

The visa application form is the most important part of your submission. Thus, every single field must be completed with care. Here is a field-by-field guide to help you fill it out correctly. Alternatively, trusted platforms like Atlys offer a Spain visa application service with form filling.

Personal and General Details (Fields 1-10)

These fields require your personal information exactly as it appears on your travel document. Furthermore, accuracy is extremely important here.

• Fields 1-3: Surname (Family name), Surname at birth, and First name(s). These must match the details on your passport precisely.
• Fields 4-6: Date of birth, Place of birth, and Country of birth. Provide this information exactly as found in your passport.
• Field 7: Current nationality and Nationality at birth. If you have a different nationality now, be sure to fill in both sections.
• Field 8: Sex. Simply check the box for Male or Female.
• Field 9: Marital status. Select the option that accurately describes your status.
• Field 10: This section is specifically for minors. Their parents or legal guardians must complete this with their own details.

Travel Document Information (Fields 11-16)

This part of the form focuses on your passport or other official travel documents.

• Field 11: National identity number. If your country uses a national ID number, such as the Emirates ID in the UAE, enter it here.
• Field 12: Type of travel document. Choose Ordinary passport unless you hold a different kind of document.
• Fields 13-16: Number of travel document, Date of issue, Valid until, and Issued by. You can locate all of this information on the biodata page of your passport.

Contact and Professional Details (Fields 17-20)

This section is used to establish your place of residence and employment details.

• Field 17: Applicant’s home address and e-mail address, and Telephone number(s). Provide your complete, current address in the UAE, along with a valid email and phone number. The embassy might use this information to contact you.
• Field 18: Residence in a country other than the country of current nationality. Select Yes and provide your residence permit number and its expiration date. This proves your legal residency in the UAE and helps demonstrate your ties to the country.
• Field 19: Current occupation. Provide your current job title as listed on your No Objection Certificate (NOC) or trade license.
• Field 20: Employer and employer’s address and telephone number. For employed applicants, this serves as critical proof of employment. Students must provide the name and address of their educational institution.

Trip Details and Logistics (Fields 21-30)

This section outlines the purpose and specific dates of your trip.

• Field 21: Main purpose(s) of the journey. Select the Tourism option.
• Field 22: Member State(s) of destination. Write “Spain.”
• Field 23: Member State of first entry. This will be “Spain” if you are flying directly. However, if you have a connecting flight through another Schengen country, state that country’s name.
• Field 24: Number of entries requested. If you plan to enter and exit the Schengen area just once, select Single entry. Alternatively, if you plan multiple visits within the visa’s validity, select Multiple entries.
• Field 25: Duration of the intended stay or transit. State the number of days you plan to be in the Schengen Area.
• Fields 29-30: Intended date of arrival and Intended date of departure. These dates must align with your flight reservations and the duration of your trip.

Accommodation and Financial Sponsorship (Fields 31-33)

This section is vital for showing that you have a place to stay and the financial means to support your trip.

• Field 31: Surname and first name of the inviting person(s) in the Member State(s). If you’re staying at a hotel, leave this blank. On the other hand, if you’re staying with a friend or family member, you must include their full name, address, and contact information.
• Field 32: This field is for business or official visits and does not apply to a tourist visa application.
• Field 33: Cost of travelling and living during the applicant’s stay is covered. This is a very important field.
• By the applicant: If you are paying for your own trip, check this box. Then, select the methods of support you’ll be using (Credit card, Cash, Pre-paid accommodation, etc.) and provide bank statements as proof.
• By a sponsor: If a sponsor is covering your costs, check this box and specify their name and relationship to you (e.g., inviting person, company). You must also select the means of support (Accommodation provided, All expenses covered, etc.) and provide the sponsor’s financial documents.

4. The Spain Tourist Visa Document Checklist

You must submit a signed visa application form along with all the required documents. All documents must be translated into English or Spanish, and you should provide an A4 copy of each. For a detailed list, see the official Spain Visa Application Document Checklist.

Core Documents Required from All Applicants

• Signed Application Form: You must submit the application form with your signature. The signature confirms that all the information you provided is correct. Any false information or fraudulent documents can lead to a long-term ban from the Schengen Area.
• Original Passport and Copy: Your current passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return date, issued within the last 10 years, and have at least two blank pages. You also need to submit a copy of the passport’s biodata page. Furthermore, it is also wise to provide copies of any previous passports and all your previous Schengen visas.
• Passport Photo: Provide one recent passport-style photograph with a white background. It must not be older than six months. Finally, you should not staple or glue the picture to the application form.
• Copy of UAE Residence Permit: You must include a copy of your valid UAE residence permit. For GCC citizens, a UAE-ID card is sufficient. Your residence permit or ID card must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen territory. This document proves your legal residency and shows your connection to the UAE.
• Travel Itinerary: Your itinerary should be a detailed plan for your trip. It should include information about the places you plan to visit, transportation methods, and hotel reservations. In addition, it’s a good idea to mention who you are traveling with. A clear and well-thought-out itinerary shows the visa officer that your intentions are legitimate.
• Proof of Financial Means: This is a crucial part of your application. You must show that you have enough funds to cover your stay in Spain. Consequently, you should submit bank statements for the last three months, which must be signed and stamped by the bank. You can also include other financial evidence, such as recent salary slips. This helps prove your financial stability.
• Travel Medical Insurance: This is a mandatory requirement for all Schengen countries. Your insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area and have a minimum coverage of EURO 30,000.
• Flight Reservation: You must provide a round-trip flight reservation. The total duration of your trip cannot exceed 90 days. It is important to note: Do not purchase the final ticket until your visa has been granted.

Supporting Documents Based on Your Employment Status

These documents are important for proving your ties to the UAE.

• For Employees: You are required to submit an original letter from your employer. This letter should state your employment status, job title, contract length, and salary.
• For Self-Employed Persons: You must provide a copy of your valid trade license.
• For Students: You need to provide a certificate of enrollment or a valid student card.
• Family Member Residence Permit: If you are a family member of an EU/EEA citizen, you should include a copy of their residence permit in the UAE.

Additional Documents for Minors (Under 18)

If you are traveling with a minor, or if the minor is traveling alone, you will need to provide additional documents. These are crucial for proving parental consent.

• Proof of consent from the other parent if you are traveling with just one parent.
• A copy of the non-traveling parent’s passport.
• If one parent has full custody, you must provide a copy of the court order.
• If the child is traveling with a third party, you will need a notarized affidavit from both parents giving their consent for the trip.
• Proof of school enrollment for the minor is also required.

5. Visa Fees & Processing Time for Spain

Understanding the costs and timelines will help you plan your trip without any last-minute stress. While the standard Schengen visa fees are fixed, you will also need to pay a service fee to BLS International.

Important: All fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused. Pro Tip: It’s best to submit your visa application at least 4 to 6 weeks before your planned travel date, especially during the busy summer season. While the typical processing time is around 15 days, it can be extended up to 45 days.

6. The First Point of Entry Rule

This is an important rule for all travelers visiting multiple Schengen countries. The “First Point of Entry Rule” states that you should apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to spend the most time. Similarly, if your stay is of equal duration in multiple countries, you should apply to the embassy of the country you will enter first. Example: If your travel plans include 7 days in Spain, 5 days in Portugal, and 3 days in France, you must apply for your visa through the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. This rule applies to all Schengen visa applications.

7. Common Reasons for Visa Refusal and How to Avoid Them

Most visa rejections happen due to simple, avoidable mistakes. Thus, here is a quick guide on what to watch out for.

• Incomplete or Incorrect Application: Every field must be completed accurately. Incomplete applications are often rejected.
• Insufficient Financial Proof: Your bank statements must clearly demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your trip.
• Unclear Itinerary: Vague travel plans raise red flags about your true intentions.
• Invalid Travel Insurance: Your insurance must meet the minimum €30,000 coverage and be valid for all Schengen countries for the entire trip.
• Weak Ties to the UAE: This is a very common reason for denial. You must show proof of your job, family, or property to demonstrate you have a reason to return home.
• Previous Visa Violations: Any past overstays or violations are recorded in the Schengen Information System (SIS) and can be a reason for denial.

8. What to Do After Your Visa is Approved: Final Steps

Getting a visa is a major step, but your journey isn’t complete until you pass through border control.

• Check Your Visa Sticker: As soon as you get your passport back, double-check the dates and number of entries on your visa sticker. Any errors should be reported immediately.
• Carry All Your Documents: Bring physical copies of everything you submitted for your application—flight and hotel bookings, insurance, and proof of funds. Border officers may ask to see them.
• Be Ready for Questions: Be prepared to confidently answer questions about your trip’s purpose, itinerary, and duration. Your answers should match the details on your application.

9. Overstaying: A Serious Mistake

A Schengen visa overstay has severe consequences. The 90/180-day rule is strictly enforced. Even a single extra day can lead to trouble.

• Consequences: You could face significant fines, deportation, or a ban from entering the Schengen Area for up to 5 years.
• SIS Database: All overstays are logged in the Schengen Information System (SIS), which will make it extremely difficult to get any future visa for any Schengen country.

10. For Professional Guidance

Need assistance with your visa application? Our experts can help you prepare your file to maximize your chances of approval. We are a dedicated visa services provider committed to helping you navigate the complexities of international travel.

Phone: +971563632360

Email: info@esahulattourism.com

Website: esahulattourism.com

Disclaimer

This information is for general purposes only. Visa regulations can change, so always check the latest requirements with the official Embassy of Spain or BLS International before applying. We are not responsible for any visa rejections, delays, or travel issues that may arise.