Spain Tourist Visa For Indian Citizens: What Are The Requirements, Application Process, And Visa Fees

21-Oct-2022

15 min read

Spain has been a tourism melting pot for years, an extremely popular country in southern Europe. A part of the Schengen Area, the country is known for its laidback vibe, vibrant nightlife, stunning coastline, and of course, famous festivals such as the adrenaline-pumping "Running with the bulls" and the fun-filled La Tomatina.

As holders of the Indian passport, you must obtain a Spain Tourist Visa for Indians visiting the country. After reading through this guide, you can easily apply for your next Spain Tourist Visa for Indian passport holders.

Here's what I'll cover in the post:

General Information About The Spain Visa For Indians

Before jumping into the visa application and its requirements, let us address some of the most popular queries. Most travelers traveling to Spain tend to ask the following questions before applying for a Spain Schengen Visa.

If you already have a general understanding of the Spanish Visa for Indians, feel free to skip to the required documents or the visa application process.

What Is The Spain Visa For Indians?

The Spain Visa for Indians, also known as the Spain Tourist Visa from Indians, allows you to enter Spain for tourism purposes. Such purposes include vacation, site seeing, leisure, and so on.

Short business trips are also allowed under the Spain Tourist Visa from India, meaning you do not need a separate business visa. However, you can't work in the country. Acceptable business purposes include attending meetings, functions, meeting clients, etc.

If your trip to Spain does not include tourism or business, you need to apply for another type of visa.

Quick note: Some travelers refer to the Spain Schengen Visa as the Spain Tourist Visa for Indians and a short-term visa. These terms refer to a visa that allows you to enter the country (the only difference being the name). In this post, I'll use both these terms.

Do I Need A Spain Visa For Indians?

Yes. As a citizen of the Indian sub-continent, we must obtain a Spain Tourist Visa for Indians before entering Spain.

Depending on your purpose of visit, you can choose between a short stay visa (single, double, and multiple entry), an airport transit visa, and a long-term visa (1 year, 3 years, and 5 years). This post will mainly discuss the process and requirements for applying for and obtaining single and multiple Spain Tourist Visas for Indian travelers.

As Indians, we all require the above-mentioned visa to visit the country for tourism purposes or to visit friends and family in Spain.

Is the Spain Tourist Visa and Schengen Tourist Visa the same?

Well, yes. The Spain Schengen Visa and Spain Tourist Visa for Indians are the same visas. It all depends on what you like to call it. Nonetheless, this is the visa you'll need if you plan to visit Spain for tourism purposes.

How Long Can I Stay In Spain With A Schengen Visa?

The Spain Schengen Visa allows you to visit Spain for a maximum of 90 days within every 180 days.

Sometimes, you may only stay in Spain for the duration specified in your visa application form. Therefore, always check the validity period on your visa sticker before traveling.

Remember, overstaying your welcome in Spain can lead to heavy fines, jail time, and even a ban.

Where Can I Apply For The Spain Visa For Indians?

Although it was possible to apply for a Spain Tourist Visa for Indians at the Embassy of Spain and Consulate General of Spain located across the country. Now the application process is majorly handled only by BLS Spain visa application centers across the country.

You can book a Spain visa appointment at the closest BLS International Center in India by filling up a simple online form.

I have explained more on this below, so you can directly jump to the section of How To Apply For The Spain Visa For Indians?

What Is The Spain Visa Processing Time In India?

The usual processing time for Schengen visas is between 15 to 30 days. However, you can apply up to 6 months in advance. That being said, I strongly suggest you do not take a chance and apply for your visa as soon as you have a travel date.

When Must I Apply For My Spain Visa From India?

At the latest, you can start your visa application 15 days before your planned trip. However, sometimes it can take up to 45 days in case it is necessary to make a more detailed exam of the application.

Thus, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before your trip. However, I recommend starting your application as soon as possible so that you have enough time should something unexpected happen (like a longer visa processing time).

How Much Is The Spain Visa Fee For Indians?

You can expect to pay the following Spain visa fees from India for your Spain Schengen Visa at the current exchange rate:

For adults: INR 6340,63 | EUR 80
For children 6 - 11 years: INR 3170,33 | EUR 40
For children under 6 years: Free

Please keep in mind that you have to pay an additional Spain visa fees for Indian (service fee) of INR 1,329* at the BLS Spain Mumbai application center as well as New Delhi, which can be paid in cash or via demand draft.

An important thing to know here is that holders of diplomatic and service passports and students and researchers traveling for research, or educational training do not need to pay for the Spain visa fees from India (to be evaluated case per case). The same applies to non-profit organizations' representatives aged 25 years or less, participating in seminars, conferences, sports, and cultural or educational events by non-profit organizations.

Can I Travel To Other Schengen Countries With The Spain Visa For Indians?

You're allowed to travel to any Schengen state with your Spain Visa from India. In your application, you need to clearly state that you plan to travel to other countries.

You can visit the following Schengen Member States with your Spain Tourist Visa: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Spain, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

What Are The Required Documents For The Spain Visa For Indians?

Now that you have a general understanding of the Spain Schengen Visa, we can look at its requirements and application process.

One of the first things you would need to do before you begin the application process is to ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready to be presented at the visa center.

General Required Documents For Spain Visa For Indians

Here are the documents you'll need to submit to the Spanish Embassy:

A duly completed and signed Spain Visa Application form
One passport photo of yourself on white background. It must meet the requirements set out by Spain.
A valid passport or travel document with at least two blank pages. It must be valid for 3 months after the end of your trip and be issued no later than 10 years ago. Old passports can also be included.
Schengen Travel Insurance/Medical Insurance provides a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 and is valid for the entire duration of stay. The insurance must cover the entire Schengen area and not just Spain. Also, Travel insurance must cover all COVID-19-related health emergencies.
Proof of accommodation. This can be private accommodation, a rental agreement, hotel reservations, etc. Still, it has to cover the duration of the whole stay and all the Schengen countries you plan to visit other than Spain. If you have booked a packaged tour, attach a detailed travel itinerary.
Proof of financial funds. This includes a cover letter as well as a bank statement of the last 3 months, stamped and signed by your bank manager, a copy of Income Tax Department Return + ITR V acknowledgment of the previous financial year, a salary slip, and a signed and stamped leave permission from your employer.
A return flight ticket that proves you plan to return to your home country.
A cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip, what you plan to do, and when you'll return home. Basically, it just proves the purpose of your trip.
If your child is traveling with you might also need to add the birth certificate when applying for the visa.

What Are the Spain Visa Requirements for Minors?

First, minors need to present the same documents as those mentioned in this post. Furthermore, they need to submit the following additional documents:

An application form signed by both parents.
A birth certificate.
Family court order – in cases where only one parent has full custody of the child.
Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents.
A notarized parental authorization signed by both parents/legal guardians if your child will be traveling alone.
If you have stepchildren - A letter from the mother or father that permits the children to travel with you.

Check this all-inclusive guide to learn the exact process of applying for a Schengen Visa requirements for minors.

What Are The Minimum Financial Requirements To Visit Spain?

You'll find that all Schengen Member States have their own minimum financial requirements when visiting. This requirement has been implemented to ensure that visitors have the financial means to support themselves during their stay.

Concerning what the European Commission informs, under the Order of the Ministry of the Presidency of Spain (PRE/1282/2007), a foreigner who seeks to enter the territory of Spain needs to attest to owning at least EUR 100 per day, with a minimum of EUR 900 per person regardless of the intended duration of the stay.

Remember, this is only the minimum amount. Your visa application will look much more compelling if you prove you have more finances. Anything within INR 8 to 10 lacs should solidify your application even further.

Document Requirements Depending On Employment Status

If you are self-employed, you need to present a copy of your business license in India, company income tax returns for the past two years, and a copy of the company's bank statement for the past 3 months, signed and stamped by the bank manager.
If you own a business in India, you need to present the certificate of registration of the company (Form B, rule 5(1) or Form ST3, rule 11)
If you are a student, you must present a copy of the enrolment paper that serves as proof that the applicant has planned to study in that school/university and a copy of the No Objection Certificate from the respective school or university.
Proof of employment/studies on official letterhead, stamped and dated; containing contact information (address, email, telephone number) and the countersigning officer's name, position, and signature. In addition, the letter must state the name and position of the applicant, salary, years of employment/studies, and approval of absence/position after leave. For unemployment: unemployment certificate and proof of income, if any (married: employment certificate of spouse, a document of the spouse's income, and a marriage certificate).

How To Apply For The Spain Visa For Indians?

You now know the documents you must submit for a successful Schengen Visa application. Next, I'll walk you through the steps you need to take when you start your application.

Step 1 - Collect The Required Documents

Start collecting the required documents first.

Why?

It's the most time-consuming part of the process. However, doing this first will allow you to leave enough time for unexpected delays, such as collecting an incorrect document, finding accommodation, etc.

When gathering all your required documents, make a list of what you need to get. It's the easiest way to keep track of the documents you've collected.

Step 2 - Fill In Your Spain Visa Application Form

Okay, so you've got all the required documents.

Now download and start filling in the Spain Schengen Visa application form. Remember, all the information you provide must be correct and accurate.

The form is self-explanatory, but ensure you fill in all the details carefully.

Quick tip: Keep your passport close when filling out your visa application form. Always refer to your passport when entering your personal details.

Did you know:

Most visa applications get denied due to incorrect information on a visa application form. Here's a guide highlighting the mistakes you should avoid when applying for your Schengen Visa.

Step 3 - Find Where You Need To Apply At

As I mentioned, not all countries have a local Spain representative. Therefore, before submitting your application, you should always check where you need to apply.

Step 4 - Schedule Your Spain Visa Appointment

After you've determined where you need to apply, you must schedule a visa appointment.

Be mindful that you might not find an appointment time suitable to your needs. As a result, you may have to keep your schedule open for the next few weeks, or at least until you find an appointment. This is another reason you should start your visa application procedure soon to receive your Spain Visa For Indians in time for your travel.

Step 5 - Attend Your Spain Visa Appointment

On the day of your appointment, visit the visa application center at the scheduled time. Arrive at least half an hour early in case of a rush at the center, and make sure you carry all the documents.

Once the visa officer checks your document, they might interview you for a short while, but there is nothing to be nervous about. Answer each question truthfully, and it should be okay.

Quick tip: You can use your required documents to support your answers. For example, should they ask where you plan to stay in Spain, you can present your proof of accommodation.

After attending your interview and submitting your documents, you'll be requested to submit your biometric information.

What's that?

It's just your fingerprints and a digital photo of yourself. This is not required if you've been to the Schengen Area in the last 59 months.

Step 6 - Receive Feedback From The Embassy

After completing steps 1 - 5, you're basically done. The only thing left is to wait for your Spain Visa For Indians to be processed. As mentioned, this can take between 15 - 30 days.

After it's processed, you'll receive feedback from the visa application center via email, a call, SMS, or your preferred contact method. You can Track Your Application here.

You can travel back to the visa application center to collect your passport if your Spain Tourist Visa For Indians is approved. Attached inside, you'll find your brand new Spain Visa from India.

Now you know how to apply for your Spain Tourist Visa For Indians!

Ensure that you follow my exact steps, and you'll have your Spain Visa For Indians in no time. The final step is to make some unforgettable memories in Spain!

Enjoy and Happy Traveling!

Written By: Aditi Roy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Indians Travel to Spain?

Yes, Indian citizens can travel to Spain; however, they need a relevant Spain Visa For Indians to enter the country. For example, You must get a tourist visa for Spain from India to travel for tourism or short business trips.

How Can I Pay for My Tourist Visa for Spain From India?

You can pay your Spain visa fees for Indians in cash or via a credit/debit card. BLS Spain Visa India - Application Center also accepts Demand Drafts.

Are There Any Additional Charges to Be Paid Apart From the Spain Visa Fees for Indians?

Depending on your chosen services, for instance, courier, SMS, printing, etc., you may be required to pay extra. Here is a detailed list of BLS Spain Visa India - Application Center Fee and Charges.

What Do I Need to Present When I Plan to Visit a Friend?

When visiting a friend in Spain, you must include an invitation letter alongside your required documents. The letter must include the host's (your friend's) contact details and your details, such as name, date of birth, address, passport number, and purpose and length of visit.

is It Difficult to Get a Schengen Visa to Spain?

Not at all. As long as you meet the Spain Tourist Visa For Indians' requirements as well as the entry requirements, you'll receive your visa. The only "difficult" part of the Spain Schengen Visa application is finding out where you need to apply for your visa. As mentioned, not all countries have local Spanish representatives.

Can I Submit My Spain Visa Application via Post?

Unfortunately, no. It is mandatory for you to be present while submitting your Spain visa application so the officers can personally verify your documents and take your biometrics. Alternatively, you can send any authorized representative to submit your visa application. To be authorized, the representative must hold an original letter signed by you, an identification document (Photo ID proof copy), and an original acknowledgment receipt from BLS. Applications by post are not accepted and shall be returned without processing the application. Additionally, suppose you cannot visit the BLS Spain visa application center. In that case, you can avail a Visa at your doorstep facility by paying a premium fee of INR 11,000 + logistics per person.

What is the Process of Getting My Passport Back Once the Spain Tourist Visa For Indians is Processed?

Once the application has been processed by the Spain Embassy/ Consulate General and your passport has been returned to the Visa application centre, you will need to bring your receipt and acceptance proof with you for the collection of your passport.

Can Someone Else Collect My Passport From the Visa Center on My Behalf?

The Consulate General of Spain/Embassy of Spain has implemented a change in the arrangement for the collection of passport(s) from the BLS Visa Application Centre; hence it will no longer be possible for third parties to collect the documents on behalf of an applicant, except in the following cases: - Immediate Family Member (i.e., Parents, Children, Siblings) - One member of a group collecting for the entire group - A person collecting on behalf of Govt. officials, if authorized on the Govt. letterhead or department - Representative of a company - Authorization letter on the letterhead of the company and the official ID card If any of the above come for passport collection, they need to carry the following documents: - Photocopy of Govt. ID card - Original ICR - Authorization Letter from the applicant

What Can I Do if My Spain Tourist Visa Application Has Been Rejected Once Already?

Although you can always re-apply for a Spain visa for Indians after a few days of rejection, it may be better to appeal the initial decision within the given time, i.e., 30 days from the date of rejection. It is extremely critical that you arrange for the missing documents or information that caused the rejection and write a compelling Appeal Letter.

What Documents Do I Need to Show if I Am a Housewife With No Proof of Income?

For homemakers or those without proof of income, you need to have a sponsorship letter from your spouse/family member who is willing to sponsor your travel. The Spain Tourist Visa For Indians requires that you show proof of income, income tax returns, and bank statements to be eligible for the visa. In some cases, they may also ask for a marriage certificate if your spouse sponsors your visa.

What Should I Do if I Can Only Present the Income Tax Returns for the Current Year and Not for the Past Two Years?

A Spain Tourist Visa for Indians requires you to present your Income Tax Returns for the past two years. In the absence of such documents, you need to produce an additional cover letter that describes why you cannot produce the required documents. Also, in such cases, maintaining a good bank balance and an existing tourist visa from the US or UK or any such first-world country may help solidify your case.

What Sort of Income Documents Can a Retired Person Present?

For retired personnel, pension documents accompanied by a bank statement showing an acceptable balance are required as proof of income.

What Are Some of the Common Reasons for Visa Rejection?

There are no specific reasons for Spain Tourist Visa For Indian's rejections as it varies from case to case; however, past criminal records, inability to show sufficient proof of funds, and an improper cover letter/itinerary could cause potential rejections for your Spain Tourist Visa.

What if I Have Been Rejected by a Different Schengen Embassy Recently?

Even though most visa centers and information online would tell you that one embassy's decision does not affect the other, you should keep in mind that if you apply too soon after a rejection (say, a couple of days), it is highly likely to be rejected by the second embassy as well. In such cases, it is best to wait a couple of weeks before applying for the Spain Tourist Visa and keep the initial reason for rejection in mind to avoid repeating it.

Do I Need to Show a Confirmed Return Ticket While Applying for My Visa?

The answer to this depends entirely on the country of visa application. While some embassy websites mention that you can present a dummy ticket or a flight itinerary, others may not specify. For instance, Spain mentions that you can show a copy of your return ticket reservation as proof of return flights and recommend not to book a flight until you obtain your visa. However, remember that if you're presenting a dummy ticket or a flight reservation, it must be valid for at least 7 days or for the time it takes for the Spain Embassy to decide.

Who Must Visit Bls Spain Mumbai?

Indian citizens residing in Andra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Pondicherry must visit BLS Spain Mumbai.

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