ETIAS authorization to travel to Spain

Spain is one of the most visited destinations in Europe. Non-Schengen nationals will soon be required to have an ETIAS authorization to enter the country. The system is expected to launch in 2027.

September 2026 Update: The ETIAS launch, originally scheduled for late 2026, will not take place. The official date has not yet been confirmed. 2027 is now the most likely year. Visit our page on the ETIAS launch delay for the latest information.

Can you travel to Spain with an ETIAS authorization?

Yes. For stays of less than 90 days, travelers who are nationals of countries authorized by the ETIAS system will be able to enter Spain with only an ETIAS travel authorization, without having to apply for a Schengen visa. Spain has been a member of the Schengen Area since 1995 and is one of the 30 countries covered by the system.

The ETIAS system will apply to all Schengen countries, which means that a single authorization is sufficient if your trip includes Spain and other European destinations such as France, Portugal, or Italy.

Spain and its territories: Spain includes the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. The Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands are part of the Schengen Area—the ETIAS system applies there. However, Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish enclaves within Moroccan territory, have a special customs status. Be sure to check the specific entry requirements if your itinerary includes these territories.

How do I obtain an ETIAS authorization for Spain?

The ETIAS authorization application will be completed entirely online. Filling out the ETIAS form will take only a few minutes if the applicant has a valid biometric passport.

Fill out the online form

Fill out the ETIAS form online on the official European Union website using the information from your passport and answer the security questions.

Pay fees

Pay the ETIAS authorization fee of €20 by credit card. The system is free for those under 18 and those over 70.

Receive confirmation

The response is sent by email. Processing times vary depending on the request—please allow at least 8 days before departure.

Travel with Peace of Mind

The ETIAS system is electronically linked to your passport. You do not need to print out your authorization before going to the airport.

Do you need an ETIAS authorization to make a stopover in Spain?

An ETIAS authorization will allow you to make a stopover in Spain without a Schengen visa. The main Spanish airports—Madrid Barajas (MAD), Barcelona El Prat (BCN), Palma de Mallorca (PMI), and Málaga (AGP)—are all within the Schengen Area.

How much does an ETIAS authorization for Spain cost?

The European Union has set the fee for the ETIAS authorization at €20. This amount is the same for all Schengen countries. Payment can only be made online by credit card.

Practical Information for Traveling in Spain

Top Destinations in Spain

Spain welcomes more than 80 million foreign visitors each year. The most popular destinations are Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, the Costa del Sol, the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote), and the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca). The city of Granada and its Alhambra, as well as Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum, also attract many travelers.

Traveling to Spain from Abroad

The main international airports in Spain are Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat (BCN). Spain is also accessible by train from France via the Paris-Barcelona and Paris-Madrid TGV/eTA lines. International rail connections provide access to Spain from several major European cities.

Traveling for Business

Spain is a major economic hub in Southern Europe. Madrid is home to the headquarters of many multinational companies. The ETIAS authorization will also cover short-term business travel, including trade shows and conferences.