How to Apply for a Spain Visa in El Paso

Spain – the world’s second most popular tourism destination -- attracts visitors from El Paso and across West Texas with its sunny beaches, historic sites, art museums, and cultural features.  More than 85 million people visited the country in 2023, making Spain second only to France for foreign visitors.

“From sun-drenched archipelagos and bustling urban cities to snowcapped mountains and semi-arid deserts, Spain epitomizes geographical diversity,” Tripadvisor reported recently (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187427-Spain-Vacations.html). “As the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, this vast country offers some of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes, as well as some of its tastiest cuisine.”

The Kingdom of Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe, encompassing the majority of the Iberian Peninsula; several archipelagos such as the Canary Islands in the Atlantic and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean; and two cities in northern Africa.  Spain enjoys almost 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) of coastline ranging from grand resorts to quaint fishing villages.  The country is bordered by France and Andorra to the north and Portugal to the west.

Spain’s influence extends around the globe.  The country pioneered exploration of the Americas and built one of the largest empires in history during the Age of Discovery.  Spanish remains the second-most spoken native language in the world, while its art, architecture, music, painting, and literature maintain worldwide influence.  The country’s ties with the Catholic Church are also reflected across the nation, with three of Catholicism’s five holiest sites attracting pilgrims to Spain.  It is also home to 50 UN World Heritage Sites, the fifth most of any country.

The country of 49 million also enjoys the 15th largest economy in the world and the fourth largest in the European Union, with GDP of $1.4 trillion.  U.S. exports of goods and services to Spain grew 56% in 2023 to teach $35 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.  The Bureau of Economic Analysis added cumulative U.S. investment in Spain totaled $35.6 billion in 2022. “Spain is a good market for entry not only to the broader European region, but to Latin America and Africa as well,” the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA) stated.  Sectors such as defense, renewable energy, industrial machinery, medical products and equipment, aircraft and aeronautic parts, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals also offer good prospects for El Paso-based companies. (https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/spain-market-opportunities)

Tourism also offers significant business opportunities, ITA noted. “Spain is surpassing all prior records for passenger arrivals with a concomitant increase in revenues,” ITA stated. “This singular development is already positively affecting Spain’s GDP.” In 2023, tourism accounted for 2.5% of GDP, CaixaBank Research reported, and the first half of 2024 reflected tourism’s best growth in history. (https://www.caixabankresearch.com/en/sectoral-analysis/tourism/spains-tourism-sector-will-continue-grow-rapidly-2024-2025) The United States is the sixth largest source of visitors to Spain, with more than 3.8 million Americans visiting the country in 2023.

Barcelona, the cultural capital of Spain and its second-largest city, is also the most popular tourist destination for El Paso-based travelers.  One of the world’s top fashion centers, the port city on the Mediterranean Sea is known for its architecture, nightlife, and cultural attractions such as the Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house, Barcelona Symphony and Catalonia National Orchestra.  Madrid, the capital and largest city in Spain, is also the second largest metropolitan area in the European Union.  Located in central Spain, Madrid is the economic and political center of the country.  Its combination of modern architecture and historic neighborhoods include such popular sites as the Plaza Mayor; Royal Palace of Madrid; Royal Theatre and restored 1850 Opera House; the National Library building; and the Golden Triangle of Art, a group of three museums.  Other important cities for tourists include Las Palmas in the Canary Islands; Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso; the art meccas of Seville and Granada; Valencia, known for its many festivals; San Sebastian, which has the second most Michelin Star restaurants per capita in the world; and the coastal resorts of Palma de Mallorca and Costa del Sol.

In fact, Spain is known as the birthplace of beach resort tourism, with 25% of sun-seeking tourists coming from Great Britain alone.  The county has more than 3,000 coastal beaches, plus the most blue flag beaches in the world at 614. (The blue flag program recognizes beaches, marinas, and tour boats that meet high standards for sustainability, safety, and accessibility.)  With more than 300 sunny days per year, visitors from Northern Europe flock to Spain to enjoy sunbathing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, fishing, river rafting, canyon and cave exploring, and more than 400 golf courses.  Meanwhile, as Spain is mostly a mountainous country, winter sports are also plentiful.  There are several internationally recognized ski resorts, 15 national parks, and venues for hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, and scenic walks in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

How to Make a Short-Term Visit to Spain

Citizens of the United States and most other countries living in the El Paso area are not required to obtain a visa to visit Spain and some 30 other European countries if their stays do not exceed 90 days.  Spain is one of the parties to the Schengen Agreement, which allows free movement among those European countries to anyone who is legally within those countries (such as tourists, exchange students, and businesspeople).  If your passport is not from one of the 60+ visa-free countries, you will need to obtain a short-term Schengen Agreement (described below).

The agreement means U.S. citizens can enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes without a visa, according to the U.S. State Department. “Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.  You must have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.  You will only need to present a passport when you will arrive that is valid for at least three months after your departure date.”

You can also travel from Spain to other Schengen countries during your stay.  The Schengen Zone includes all but two countries in the European Union (Ireland and Cyprus) plus four non-EU nations: Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. {NOTE: the United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU and is not a party to the Schengen agreement.}

However, an additional set of rules is scheduled to be implemented in mid-2025 that will affect non-visa travelers.  Citizens of the United States and other visa exempt countries will need to obtain a new travel authorization in advance.  Known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), you will need to acquire an ETIAS before arriving in 30 participating European Union countries.  Once ETIAS goes live, you will be required to obtain this travel authorization (which will be tied to your passport).  To check on the current implementation schedule, the countries affected, and to apply once the program goes live, visit the ETIAS website at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en.

Obtaining a Long-Term Visa for Spain

Residents of the El Paso area who do not qualify for visa-free travel or want to spend more than 90 days in Spain will need to obtain a national visa through the Spanish government or through BLS International, its visa issuance partner.  Most visa applications must be submitted in person by appointment at the BLS Visa Application Center or at the consulate that serves your state.  For example, residents of El Paso and others that live in the state of Texas must apply in person in Houston.

BLS International handles applications for students/general study, au pairs, non-profit residents (such as retirees and long-term renters who are not employed in Spain), participants in the government’s North American Language and Culture Assistant Program (NACAP), and tourist and business Schengen visas {detailed in next section}.  Residents of Texas are served by the BLS Center in Houston (https://usa.blsspainvisa.com/houston/).  Information about the other six BLS Centers can be found at https://usa.blsspainvisa.com/.

A few types of national visas are issued by the Spanish embassy and consulates in the United States.  Those include the digital nomad visa for foreign residents to live in Spain and telework (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Digital-Nomad-Visa.aspx) and the investor visa for those financing Spanish businesses or land (https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-inversor.aspx).  You must apply by appointment in person at the Spanish embassy in Washington, D.C. or the consulate for your state.  As with BLS, residents of Texas are served by the Houston consulate located just west of The Galleria: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/houston/en/Paginas/index.aspx.

A national visa also lets you visit other Schengen Zone nations. “The national visa allows the holder to travel to Spain and to transit through and move around the territory of any Schengen state for a maximum of 90 days,” the consulate stated on its website. “However, it does not automatically entitle them to enter the Schengen area.  The border authorities can refuse entry if not all entry requirements are met.”

The basic documentation requirements apply to all type of visas, regardless of where you apply.  For example, you must present proof you live within the consulate’s or BLS office’s area of jurisdiction.  For El Paso area residents, that means showing your Texas driver’s license, university ID, or state ID to apply through a Houston location.  Other requirements include:

  • Passport valid for at least three months beyond your departure date with at least one blank page. (The State Department also recommends it should not expire for at least six months.)
  • Two color passport-style photos.
  • Round-trip transportation ticket. Visa Supply is an accredited travel agency and has access to flights through our computerized network system so we can help you purchase an airline ticket.
  • Proof of accommodation in Spain, such as confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from family or friends who live there. Visa Supply has access to hotel inventory through our computerized network system so we can help you make a reservation.
  • Proof of financial means to support yourself (such as bank statements or pension details for retirees).
  • Medical travel insurance for a minimum of 50,000 Euros (about USD $30,000).  International medical insurance from GeoBlue can be purchased from Visa Supply online through the following link: ⇒ Order Now.
  • Birth certificate for minor children.  Also, if both parents are not traveling with the child, notarized approval from any parents not on the trip is required.
  • Any other documentation required by a specific type of visa, such as proof of university enrollment in Spain for a student visa.

Application forms for the various types of visas are available at the links above.  Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before your trip, and no more than 180 days in advance.  However, to provide an additional cushion, you may wish to apply at least a month ahead of time.  The process for BLS tourist and business visas is:

  1. Fill out the online application from the BLS site and print it out.
  2. Book a biometric (fingerprinting) appointment at the BLS Center in Houston.
  3. Bring all required documentation to your appointment.
  4. Pay your visa fees via debit card or cash, which vary by type of visa. Also, BLS charges an $18 service charge and only accepts debit cards for Schengen fees.

“Applications accepted at the Spain Visa Application Centre will be submitted on the next working day at the Consulate General of Spain,” BLS stated. “Once the application has been submitted, the applicant can be further requested additional documentation in support of the same.” Minimum processing time is 15 days, BLS added.  If your application is accepted, you will also receive a vignette to add to your passport.

There are some variations for visas issued through the Houston consulate versus BLS.  For example, fees for the student visa are $160 for U.S. citizens and $99 for citizens of most other countries, plus an $18 processing fee.  The Houston consulate states that fees for the digital nomad permit is $190 for U.S. citizens, and that applications can only be submitted by postal mail.

Obtaining a Schengen Visa for Foreign Nationals

Residents of the El Paso area holding passports from countries that do not have a visa-free travel agreement for the Schengen Zone (including those residing in the United States) will need to obtain a Schengen visa.  This visa, which also allows you to stay up to 90 days over a six-month period, is a traditional visa affixed to your passport.  The visa is available for single entry, multiple entries, and airport transit within an international airport.  The fees are 90 Euros for most adults and 45 Euros for children 6-12.  Turnaround time is normally 15 days.

You should apply for the Schengen visa through the country where so will spend the most time.  General details about the visa and an online application are available at https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en.  Countries which do not participate in the Schengen visa-free agreement can be found at https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/washington/en/ServiciosConsulares/Documents/2018%20Lista%20paises%20que%20necesitan%20visado%20Schengen.pdf.  If Spain is your primary destination, apply in person at the BLS Center for your state, such as Houston: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/houston/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visados-Schengen.aspx.

The Schengen visa allows you to move freely between the 30 countries in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.  If your application is accepted, you will receive a sticker (called a vignette) to add to your passport.  The vignette includes the type of visa issued, start and end dates, and any conditions attached to the visa.

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you live in El Paso or anywhere in the state of Texas and have difficulty applying for a visa for Spain, or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Spain visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Spain.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans.  We provide the following Spain visa services for our customers in El Paso:

  • Schengen Visa
  • Spain Student Visa
  • Spain Au Pair Visa
  • Spain Internship Visa
  • Spain Work Visa
  • Spain Entrepreneur Visa
  • Spain Investor Visa
  • Spain Retirement Visa
  • Spain Medical Insurance
  • Spain Hotel Accommodations
  • Spain Flight Tickets
  • Spain Tour Packages