ETIAS for Spain

Travel to Spain from the U.S. with ETIAS

Spain is one of the most popular European destinations for American tourists. Americans can experience Barcelona, Madrid, and more visa-free for up to 90 days.

U.S. passport holders will soon need ETIAS to travel to Spain. The new European visa waiver starts in 2026.

This page explains the ETIAS requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to Spain and what you need to apply.

ETIAS Spain for Americans: Key Details

As a U.S. citizen, you can visit Spain without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS is not a visa and does not change your visa-exempt status.

It’s quick and easy to get an ETIAS for Spain online from the U.S. Fill out the electronic form, pay the fees, and be notified by email when your ETIAS is approved.

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Important information about ETIAS Spain for U.S. nationals:

If you’re planning to travel from the United States to Spain from 2026, this is what you need to know about ETIAS:

  • Valid for 3 years (unless your passport expires sooner)
  • Travel multiple times for up to 90 days per 180-days
  • Visit Spain and any other Schengen counties

How, when, and where to apply for ETIAS Spain from the U.S.

U.S. passport holders can apply for ETIAS from 2026. ETIAS will be a mandatory entry requirements. You need to apply for ETIAS every 3 years, earlier if your U.S. passport expires sooner.

The application process is 100% online. You can access the electronic application form from the U.S. using a computer, tablet, or mobile.

To apply, you need to fill out the ETIAS Spain application form, pay the fees, and submit your request. ETIAS is linked to your U.S. passport electronically on approval.

Why do U.S. citizens need ETIAS to travel to Spain?

All visa-exempt third-country nationals need ETIAS for Spain, this includes U.S. citizens. ETIAS is being introduced to:

Make the European Schengen Area safer

ETIAS will pre-screen visa-exempt travelers before they arrive in Spain, or another ETIAS country. Information is checked against international and Schengen security databases allowing possible threats to be detected.

Anyone who presents a health or security risk can be stopped from traveling to Europe, making Spain safer for locals and visitors.

Improve European border security

ETIAS, together with the Entry/Exit System (EES), provides European authorities with more information about third-country nationals entering and leaving the Schengen Area.

EES will replace passport stamping. Passports will be scanned electronically, streamlining border processes for international arrivals.

Spain’s Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Requirements to travel to Spain as a U.S. citizen depend on how long you wish to stay. You need your U.S. passport to travel to Europe. In addition, you must hold either:

  • ETIAS (from 2026) to stay 90 days or under
  • Spanish visa to stay more than 90 days

You should check all the latest entry requirements before your trip to Spain Restrictions may be updated at short notice.

How long does my U.S. passport need to be valid for to get the Spain ETIAS? Toggle faqs

To apply for ETIAS, your U.S. passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you will depart the Schengen Area.

As an example, your passport must be valid until at least December 31 if you will leave the Schengen Area on September 31.

You must travel to Spain and apply for ETIAS with the same passport. If you renew your U.S. passport, you must reapply for ETIAS.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS to visit Spain if I already have a Schengen visa? Toggle faqs

No, if you already have a Schengen visa, you will not need to apply for the ETIAS when you travel to Spain.

When your visa expires, you can apply for ETIAS for future short trips to Spain, provided you meet the visa-waiver conditions.

What information do I need to provide on the ETIAS application form for Spain? Toggle faqs

To complete the ETIAS application form for Spain, you need to provide:

  • Basic personal information
  • Passport details
  • First country you will visit and accommodation address
  • Security information such as criminal convictions and travel to conflict zones

About Spain

Capital: Madrid

Language: Spanish, Catalan, Aragonese, Basque, Galician

Area: 505,990 km²

Population: around 47 million

Timezone: UTC/GTM 1

Currency: euro (€)

Code: +34

U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain

The United States embassy in Spain is located in Madrid.

Address: Calle de Serrano, 75, 28006 Madrid, Spain

There are several other U.S. representations in Spain including in Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.

Spain has more than 30 representations in the United States. The embassy is in Washington D.C.

You do not need to visit the embassy to apply for ETIAS for Spain. However, you can contact the embassy if you need to apply for a visa or for other consular assistance.

Visiting Spain from the U.S. with ETIAS

With ETIAS, citizens of the United States can visit Spain for tourism, business, and short-term study.

Tourism:This includes vacations and visiting family and friends living in Spain. Barcelona, Ibiza, and the Costa del Sol are popular tourist destinations.

Business: American travelers can attend meetings, conferences, and other business events in Spain with ETIAS. Madrid and Barcelona are 2 of the most important cities for business in Spain. You cannot work in Spain with ETIAS—a visa is required.

Study: ETIAS allows for short-term study in Spain. The course or training must not exceed the 90-day per 180-day limit. The travel authorization is suitable for short language programs or other recreational courses. A visa is required to study in Spain long term.