ETIAS Visa Waiver Application

ETIAS Requirements

Visa-exempt travellers will soon need to apply for ETIAS to go to Spain. The new visa waiver will be an entry requirement for visitors from more than 50 countries.

Applying for ETIAS for Spain will be fast and efficient. Eligible travellers can fill out the ETIAS Spain online application form in minutes.

Filling out and submitting the ETIAS application form

Eligible travellers will apply for an ETIAS Spain online. The electronic ETIAS application form for Spain can be filled out from a smartphone, laptop, or other electronic device.

  1. Fill out the ETIAS Spain online application form
  2. Pay the visa waiver fees
  3. Submit the ETIAS application for review

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It is expected that more than 95% of applications will be successful. On approval, the applicant is notified by email and the travel authorisation for Spain is linked electronically to the applicant’s passport.

Documents to complete the ETIAS application form for Spain

ETIAS Spain applicants need a valid passport from an eligible country. Travellers must provide their passport details when filling out the application form.

Other ETIAS requirements for Spain include a debit or credit card to pay the visa waiver fees, and an email address.

Information to fill out the ETIAS application form for Spain

Basic personal details, passport data, and travel information will be required to complete the ETIAS for Spain application, including:

  • Full name, date of birth, nationality
  • Passport number, issue date, and expiry date
  • Contact details, including email address

Applicants must ensure all the information provided is accurate. Any missing or incorrect information could cause processing delays and disrupt travel plans.

How long does it take to get an ETIAS for Spain?

It takes just a few minutes to fill out the ETIAS Spain application form. The process is 100% online, travellers do not need to visit a Spanish Embassy at any point.

ETIAS for Spain processing will be automated and fast. Most applicants will receive the approved permit within minutes of submitting the application.

When to apply for an ETIAS for Spain

ETIAS Spain is valid for 3 years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. This means that travellers can apply well in advance of their trip.

Although most applications will be processed and approved quickly, people are advised to apply a few days in advance in case of unexpected delays.

ETIAS Spain is a multiple-entry permit. Visitors do not need to apply every time they go to Spain or other European countries. The total stay cannot exceed 90 days per 180-day period.

ETIAS data verification

ETIAS will identify visa-exempt visitors who pose a public security risk. Thanks to ETIAS, Spain and other European countries will be even safer travel destinations.

The ETIAS system will check each applicant’s data against EU information systems. The security databases that will be consulted include:

  • Schengen Information System (SIS)
  • Visa Information System (VIS)
  • Europol data
  • Eurodac
  • ETIAS watchlist
  • Interpol data

In the vast majority of cases, nothing will be flagged up during the screening process and the ETIAS application will be approved.

If there is a hit in one of the systems, the application is revised by ETIAS National and Central Units.

Information will be gathered respecting fundamental rights and data protection principles.

Approval or refusal of the travel authorisation

Most ETIAS applications for Spain will be approved in minutes. Travellers receive an email notification to tell them their ETIAS application has been successful.

Only around 5% of applications will be rejected at the automatic screening stage. 3-4% of these applications will be approved following verification of the data by the ETIAS Central Unit. The ETIAS National Unit will go on to review the remaining 1-2% and approve or deny the request.

ETIAS for Spain will only be denied if the individual is not considered eligible for visa-free travel to Europe.

To keep Spain and Europe safe, ETIAS authorisations may be revoked if the holder no longer meets the conditions for visa-free entry.

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Reasons for ETIAS Spain application denial

These are the main reasons for ETIAS Spain denial:

The applicant does not meet the ETIAS Spain requirements

Applicants must be from a country eligible for visa-free entry to Europe. Passport holders from more than 50 nations around the world can apply.

ETIAS applicants must be visiting Spain, or any other Schengen country, for tourism, business, or transit. Foreigners cannot work in the EU with ETIAS.

The length of stay must not exceed 90 days per 180-day period. If all these conditions are not met, the traveller does not qualify for ETIAS and must get a visa for Spain.

The applicant presents a security threat

ETIAS will be denied if the applicant poses a risk to public security. In particular, ETIAS systems will reject applications from people linked to terrorism, human trafficking, or other serious criminal activity.

In the unlikely event that ETIAS is refused, the applicant has the right to appeal. Appeals are directed to the Member State that made the decision to deny the request.