Spain

Visa Requirements for Canadian Citizens

When traveling internationally, Spanish citizens may need to apply for a visa, which can be done in person, or an eVisa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a Visa on Arrival (VOA), or, in some cases, they may be exempt from visa requirements altogether.

Spanish citizens can apply online for an eVisa or ETA for 49 countries.

For visas that require a physical stamp or sticker, Spanish citizens must visit the respective country’s embassy or consulate. Some countries may allow online appointment scheduling before visiting the embassy or consulate, depending on their policies. A Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available in 30 countries.

To enter a country with or without a visa, Spanish nationals must possess a passport valid for at least six (6) months from the date of entry.

With a passport ranked 2nd globally, Spanish citizens can travel to 122 countries without needing a visa.

Since visa requirements vary by destination, it is advisable to check the specific country’s regulations before starting the application process.

Spanish citizens can apply for an eVisa and eTA to these countries effortlessly with us:

Countries Offering eVisa and ETA to Spanish Citizens

An eVisa is a digital visa issued online, allowing travelers to apply without visiting the destination country’s embassy or consulate. Once approved, it can be stored on a smartphone or printed on paper and presented at the airport.

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a travel permit that enables entry into a country without requiring a visa application before departure. Instead, travelers can obtain their visa directly from immigration authorities upon arrival.

ETA can also be applied online, just like an eVisa. It will also be delivered to your email. While you can travel with your eVisa anytime you want, an ETA has a specific timeframe. You must approach the destination country’s immigration within that time to secure your visa. 

If the timeframe is exceeded, your ETA won’t be valid anymore, and you will have to apply for a new one. 

Here is a list of countries that offer an eVisa and ETA for Spanish citizens:

eVisa Required Countries (41)

  • Australia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Benin
  • Bhutan
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Congo (Dem. Rep.)
  • Cuba
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Guinea
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Laos
  • Libya
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Nigeria
  • Oman
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Russian Federation
  • Rwanda
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Togo
  • Uganda
  • Vietnam

eTA Required Countries (5)

  • Canada
  • Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
  • Kenya
  • New Zealand
  • Pakistan
  • Seychelles
  • Sri Lanka
  • United States of America

Visa-on-Arrival Destinations

VoA or Visa on Arrival is a type of visa that allows travelers to apply for a visa after arriving at the destination country’s airport or border. 

As the immigration authorities hold the power to change the policy of VoA at times, it is best to check the recent range in policy of your destination country before traveling. 

The countries mentioned below allow Spanish citizens to get a VoA:

VoA - Visa on Arrival Countries (30)

  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Comoros
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Ethiopia
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Laos
  • Lebanon
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Maldives
  • Mauritania
  • Nepal
  • Oman
  • Rwanda
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Zimbabwe

Visa-Free Destinations

As the Spanish passport ranks 2nd worldwide, citizens can visit 122 countries visa-free.

Here is a list of countries Spanish citizens can visit visa-free:

Visa Free Countries (122)

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Austria
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Cape Verde
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Eswatini
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • Gambia
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kiribati
  • Kosovo
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Latvia
  • Lesotho
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macao
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Netherlands
  • Nicaragua
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Palau
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan
  • Timor-Leste
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Tuvalu
  • Turkiye
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Zambia

Visa-Required Destinations

Spanish citizens must apply for a sticker visa before traveling to 16 countries worldwide. The visa application process can be completed either online or in person.

Sometimes, the online application can be completed without visiting the embassy or consulate, and travelers can send their passports by mail. However, this depends on the visa policies of the destination country.

For offline applications, travelers must visit the embassy or consulate of the respective country to submit the required documents, visa application form, and passport.

Additionally, the duration of the visa varies based on the type of visa and the purpose of travel. It is essential to review the specific requirements before starting the application process.

Below is a list of countries that require Spanish citizens to get a visa:

Visa Required Countries (16)

  • Afghanistan
  • Algeria
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Congo
  • Eritrea
  • Ghana
  • Liberia
  • Mali
  • Nauru
  • Niger
  • North Korea
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Turkmenistan
  • Yemen

General Visa Requirements for Spanish Citizens

Certain visa requirements are standard across most countries. Spanish citizens planning to travel internationally must meet the following criteria:

  • Passport Validity: The passport must be valid for at least six (6)  months beyond the intended entry date into the destination country.
  • Visa Application Form: A completed application form, which may need to be submitted online or in person at the embassy or consulate. This form typically requests personal details, travel plans, supporting documents, and the purpose of the visit.
  • Recent Photographs: One or more passport-sized photos taken within the last three months. The images should have a white background and clearly display the applicant’s face from all angles.
  • Flight Tickets: Some countries require travelers to provide confirmed inbound and outbound flight tickets as part of the visa application process.
  • Accommodation Details: Applicants may need to present proof of where they will stay, such as a hotel booking, hostel confirmation, or a letter from family or friends providing accommodation.

Travel Restrictions for Spanish Nationals

Travel restrictions may be imposed upon Spanish nationals by the government due to their safety, diplomatic relations with the destination country, and security concerns. Check the safety regulations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation before your travel before your journey.

Partners We Work With

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

How many countries can we visit with a Spanish passport?

You can visit 217 countries with your Spanish passport. As the Spanish passport is ranked 2nd globally, you can visit 122 countries without a visa.

What is the best way to prove citizenship?

The most reliable way to prove Spanish citizenship is by presenting a valid Spanish passport or a national identity card (DNI – Documento Nacional de Identidad). Other official documents, such as a Spanish birth certificate or a certificate of nationality issued by the Civil Registry, may also serve as proof in specific cases.

Can a Spanish have dual citizenship?

Yes, Spain allows dual citizenship, but with restrictions. Spanish citizens can hold dual nationality with certain Latin American countries, including Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portuga,l without renouncing their Spanish citizenship. However, for other countries, Spanish citizens are generally required to renounce their Spanish nationality unless they acquire permission or qualify under specific exceptions.

What is the validity period of a Spanish passport?

A Spanish passport is generally valid for 10 years for adults (those aged 30 and older) and 5 years for individuals under 30. For children under 5 years old, the passport is valid for 2 years. Travelers should ensure their passport remains valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, as many countries require this for entry.

  • Information Updated on:
  • March 13, 2025