Travel To Spain: What Americans Need To Know

Americans can travel to Spain for up to 90 days without a visa, as long as their passport is valid for at least three months beyond the period of their stay. However, it is recommended to have a passport valid for six months to avoid any issues at the border. Travellers should also be aware of the possibility of terrorism and civil unrest in Spain and exercise caution when visiting.

Visa requirements for US citizens

US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Spain if they are staying for less than 90 days. From 2025, US citizens will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) to enter Spain, which will be valid for three years. ETIAS is not a visa and does not change an individual's visa-exempt status. It is an electronic system that will pre-screen visa-exempt travellers before they arrive in Spain or another ETIAS country.

To apply for ETIAS, US citizens need to fill out an electronic form, pay the fees, and they will be notified by email when their application is approved. The ETIAS will be electronically linked to the applicant's passport. The application must be made using the same passport that will be used to travel.

US citizens must have a valid passport for at least three months after they depart the Schengen Area. They must also have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.

If US citizens wish to stay in Spain for longer than 90 days, they will need to apply for a Spanish visa.

Travel advisories and alerts

The US Department of State has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Spain, recommending that US citizens exercise increased caution due to terrorism and civil unrest. Terrorist groups continue to plot possible attacks in Spain, and these may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, and other public areas. Demonstrations are also common and may turn violent. US citizens are advised to avoid demonstrations and crowds, be aware of their surroundings, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

The US Embassy & Consulate in Spain and Andorra has issued a Weather Alert for heavy rains and potential flooding in Valencia, as well as a Security Alert for worldwide caution.

The Government of Canada has advised travellers to Spain to exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism and water restrictions in Catalonia. Travellers are advised to follow the instructions of local authorities and confirm if water restrictions apply in their location. There is also a high risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in larger cities and during holidays, festivals, and weekends. Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers may ask to see your passport, so it is recommended to carry a photocopy or digital copy of your passport identification page. Violent crime is rare but does occur, and there is a high threat of theft from rental and parked vehicles.

The Canadian government also warns of the threat of terrorism in Spain and Europe, with targets including government buildings, airports, transportation networks, tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, shopping centres, hotels, and other sites frequented by foreigners. Travellers are advised to be aware of their surroundings in public places and vigilant when attending sporting events, religious holidays, and other public celebrations.

Demonstrations and strikes occur regularly in Spain and can turn violent, leading to traffic and public transportation disruptions. Travellers are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow local authorities' instructions, and monitor local media for information.

There is a risk of dengue fever in Spain, which is spread by mosquito bites. Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly at sunrise and sunset. There is no vaccine or medication available in Canada to prevent dengue, so travellers are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Other health risks in Spain include rabies, avian influenza, and hepatitis B.

When driving in Spain, vehicles must be equipped with two red warning triangles, a reflective jacket, a spare tire and repair kit, a full set of spare light bulbs, and snow chains if travelling in adverse winter conditions.

Entry requirements

As of June 24, 2021, U.S. citizens can travel from the United States to Spain if, upon arrival, they present a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal, obtained through the website or by downloading the "SpTH app" in the Google Play Store or iTunes App Store for each traveler, regardless of their age. This is in addition to the regular entry requirements for Spain.

U.S. citizens traveling to Spain are not subject to any COVID-19 entry restrictions. However, the United States continues to require a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days before traveling to the United States, including for vaccinated U.S. citizens.

Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement, which means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You must also have sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.

From 2025, U.S. passport holders will need to apply for ETIAS (European visa waiver) to travel to Spain. ETIAS is not a visa and does not change your visa-exempt status. It is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows you to travel multiple times for up to 90 days per 180-day period. The application process is 100% online and involves filling out an electronic form, paying the fees, and submitting your request.

Health and safety

Spain is a safe country for tourists, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Here are some health and safety tips for Americans traveling to Spain:

• Terrorism: The national terrorism alert level for Spain is 'high', and attacks could occur anywhere, anytime, and without warning. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at large gatherings. Follow the instructions and directions provided by local authorities.
• Demonstrations and Civil Unrest: Demonstrations and strikes are common in Spain and can sometimes lead to disruptions or unexpected situations. Avoid demonstrations and crowds, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for updates and adjust your plans accordingly.
• Petty Crime: Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from cars are common in large cities, especially in tourist areas. Be vigilant in crowded areas and on public transportation, and keep your valuables secure.
• Scams: Be aware of common scams such as fortune telling, charity causes, and offering directions. Trust your instincts and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
• Driving: Driving in Spain can be dangerous, especially if you are not accustomed to European driving styles. Familiarize yourself with local driving laws and regulations, and always drive defensively.
• Recreational Activities: Spain has beautiful coastlines and mountains, but it's important to exercise caution when swimming, boating, or hiking. Familiarize yourself with the beach flag system and mountain condition information, and stay informed about weather warnings.
• Health Risks: Food safety regulations in Spain are strict, and both restaurant meals and supermarket groceries are generally safe. Tap water is also considered safe to drink in most cities and towns. However, bottled water is recommended if you have a sensitive stomach. Be sure to pack sunscreen and insect repellent, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness if you plan to visit high-altitude areas.
• Medical Care: Spain has a modern and well-developed universal healthcare system. However, it may not work the same for visitors as it does for locals. Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially for unexpected medical situations. Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas, as most care providers only accept cash payments.
• Vaccinations: Stay up-to-date on all routine vaccinations and consider getting immunized for Hepatitis A and B, as well as rabies if you plan to spend time in rural areas or interact with animals.
• COVID-19: As of mid-2024, there were no COVID-19 restrictions in Spain. However, it is recommended to stay informed and up-to-date regarding COVID-19 developments in the country.

Transportation

There are several ways to get from the US to Spain. The most common methods of transport are by plane, bus, train, or car.

Flying is the cheapest and fastest way to travel from the US to Spain. The flight duration is around 6h 38m, and prices range from $65 to $360.

Taking a bus is another option, although it is the slowest mode of transportation, taking around 24h 19m. The bus fare ranges from $130 to $200.

Travelling by train is the most expensive option, costing between $320 and $600. However, it is a more time-efficient option than the bus, with a travel time of around 14h 23m.

Finally, driving from the US to Spain is possible and offers a more flexible mode of transportation. The road distance between the two countries is approximately 899 miles, and the journey takes around 13h 32m.

When planning a trip to Spain, it is important to consider the different transportation options available and choose the one that best suits your budget and time constraints.

Frequently asked questions