Spain Transit Visa
If your travelling plans require you to transit at any of the Spanish Airports, then you need to apply for a Spain Transit Visa before you embark on your journey.
The Spain Transit Visa is a permit that allows you to stop at Spanish airports while you wait to catch your forwarding connection flight to a non-Schengen destination.
For more information about the Spanish Airport Transit visa, the application criterion, required documents, and how to apply, reach out to one of our skilled advisors at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online today
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Benefits of Choosing IAS‘ Spain Immigration Lawyers
When it comes to obtaining a Spain visa or permit, IAS Spain immigration lawyers are well-equipped to help you.
With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients visit or immigrate to Ireland successfully, we can help businesses and individuals achieve their goals.
Our dedicated immigration lawyers provide our services through a comprehensive and personalised approach. With IAS, you enjoy:
Expert support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success
Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.
Confidence that your case is being handled by an experienced team.
In-house document checks done by lawyers who are accredited by the IBA in Madrid and Seville.
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Overview of Spain Airport Transit Visa
The Spain Airport Transit Visa is a type of Schengen visa which is necessary to enter any Schengen country, including Spain. This travel document permits travellers to stay at any airport in Spain for up to 24 hours.
As the name suggests, it is an airport visa only, which means that travellers cannot exit the International airport transit area. Therefore, leaving the airport premise will not be possible with this type of visa.
Visas for Those Planning to Visit Spain
Consequently, there are different types of Spanish visas according to the purpose and duration of travelling to Spain:
Spain Schengen Visas
A Schengen visa for Spain allows non-EU state citizens to enter the country and remain for up to 90 days within a 180-day window.
Such a visa is mostly used by foreigners who wish to explore the country for tourism purposes.
Spain Airport Transit Visas
An Airport Transit visa is necessary for travellers who must stop over and change planes at any airport in a Schengen region.
Obtaining this visa will allow them to stop and wait at the airport without any problems.
Spain Long-stay visas
As the name suggests, the length of a long-stay visa is greater than three months.
Depending on the sort of visa they have, foreigners may also be permitted to work, study and also reside in Spain.
For more details on different Spanish visas and how to obtain a Spanish tourist visa, work visa, or study visa, and related information, please contact our support team through email or call us at +44 (0)333 414 9244 to get immediate advice.
Who Needs a Transit Visa to Transit Through Airports in Spain?
The nationality of a traveller plays a vital role in deciding whether they need a Spain Airport Transit visa or not.
If you are a national of the following countries, you will need a visa to transit through the International airport of any Schengen country, including Spain, to get a connecting flight to a non-Schengen state.
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Iran
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
Additionally, tourists having the following nationalities need a Spain Airport Transit visa to transit through the international area of any airport located in Spain.
- Cameroon
- Côta d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Djibouti
- Gambia
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- India
- Liberia
- Mali
- Republic of Congo
- Sierra Leone
- Syria
- Togo
- Yemen
- Palestine
Who Does Not Need a Spain Transit Visa?
Nationals and residents of the following countries do not need an Airport Transit visa if they have a Schengen visa and a resident card authorising their return. Applicants belonging to the following are exempt:
- EU member state citizens
- Member of the European Economic Area (EEA)
- Switzerland
- Andorra
- Canada
- United States of America
- Japan
- San Marino
- The territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- A diplomatic passport holder
- A flight crew member
Nationality / Status vs Transit Visa Requirement
| Nationality / Status | Airport Transit Visa Required? | Exemption / Condition (if any) |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DRC, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka | Yes | — |
| Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Liberia, Mali, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Syria, Togo, Yemen, Palestine | Yes | (listed as needing) |
| EU / EEA / Switzerland / Andorra | No | Citizens are exempt |
| Canada, United States | No | Provided valid visa / residence card for return |
| Japan, San Marino | No | — |
| Diplomatic passport holders | No | Relevant holders excluded |
| Flight crew members | No | Exempt from requirement |
What Are the Requirements for Obtaining the Spain Transit Visa?
Travellers who will be transiting in Spain must prepare certain documents and apply for an airport visa in advance. Below is a list of important travel documents that are necessary for obtaining the Spain Airport Transit visa.
A duly filled visa application form
All applicants must complete a signed official application form.The Spanish Airport Schengen visa application form is similar to a short-stay visa. Travellers must also ensure that all the information recorded in the Spain Airport visa form is correct, up-to-date, and error-free. Applicants must print and submit two sets of the application form and sign both copies at the end.
Recent photograph
A recent passport-size coloured photograph, according to the Spanish visa standards, must be included along with the form. It should be forward facing and against a light background. Photos of children should not be with an adult holding them.
A valid passport
Travellers must have an original, unexpired, valid passport and a photocopy of pages containing biometric data. The passport validity should be at least three months from the travel date of airport transit in the Schengen area. It should also have at least two blank pages with a passport issue date of fewer than ten years.
Proof of visa fee payment
The visa fee for the submitted documentation is 80 euros for travellers aged over 12 and 40 euros for children between the ages of 6 and 11. Application for children aged five or under is free of any charge.
Proof of onward travel with a valid visa
Travellers should provide proof of travelling to their final destination country following the planned transit. This means that they need to present documentation that provides evidence of an international airport layover in Spain. Additionally, they must also possess a valid ticket to their final destination and also have a visa for entering the country, if required.
Health insurance
Health-related emergencies and unforeseen accidents can occur while travelling and even at airports while transiting. This is why during your transit in Spain, even if you are not stepping outside an airport transit area, you will still need health insurance as it is compulsory for visa application to be considered. Travellers need to ensure that the insurance provides coverage of at least 30,000 euros in life insurance that also covers repatriation.
Consular district residence proof
The consular officer may require additional documentation or ask the applicant to come for an interview. Therefore, proof of residence is significant, so the officer can call the person whenever they want.
Required Documents Checklist for Spain Transit Visa
| Document / Requirement | Details / Conditions | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application form | Two signed copies | Ensure all information correct and error-free |
| Recent photograph | Colour, forward-facing, light background | Do not have a child held by an adult |
| Valid passport | Valid at least 3 months beyond transit, <10 years old, 2 blank pages | Include photocopy of biometric data pages |
| Proof of visa fee payment | 80 € (age >12), 40 € (age 6–11), free for ≤5 years | Obtained from consulate/payment portal |
| Proof of onward travel & visa | Ticket / itinerary to final destination, valid visa if required | Must show transit in Spain and final leg |
| Health insurance | Covers at least 30,000 € and includes repatriation | Even though you remain in transit zone |
| Proof of residence / consular district | Local residence permit, utility bill, etc | Helps confirm applicant’s local jurisdiction |
| Additional documents (if requested) | e.g. interview, further evidence of intent | Consulate may ask for extra proof |
Application Process for Spain Airport Transit Visa
- Applicants must submit their visa documents in person. In the case of a minor, the legal guardian should hand over the documents.
- Applicants must schedule an appointment at their local Spanish Embassy or Consulate General of Spain and deliver all documents to the Consular Office or the visa application centre.
- The documents should be submitted six months and 15 days before the intended travelling date. Seafarers may apply nine months before the travel date to prevent any last-moment issues.
- After document submission, the consular office will provide the applicant with a receipt of the application with a code. The applicant can use this code to check the status of their application.
- The estimated legal period for reaching a decision is 15 calendar days. However, if a personal interview or additional documents are needed, the period can extend to 45 calendar days.
- The consular office will reach out when ready to hand the passport and original documents back to the applicant.
- The visa does not allow the traveller to enter the Schengen area. Rather only to transit through the international zone of airports.
- In case the visa is rejected, a document will be provided to the candidate pinpointing the reason behind its rejection.
- The applicant can go for a reconsideration appeal in case of visa rejection. However, the candidate must submit this appeal within one month from the date on which the refusal was received.
Application Process & Timeline
| Step / Stage | Action / Description | Timeframe / Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule appointment | Book a visa appointment at local Spanish embassy / consulate | — |
| Submit documents in person | Submit full application (or legal guardian for minors) | Up to 6 months + 15 days before travel; seafarers up to 9 months before travel |
| Receipt & tracking | Receive tracking code / receipt at submission | Immediately at submission |
| Decision period | Processing by consular office | Typically 15 calendar days |
| Extended review (if needed) | Additional time for interview / document checks | Up to 45 calendar days |
| Passport & document return | Collection of passport and documents | After decision |
| Appeal (if refused) | Submit appeal / reconsideration | Within 1 month of refusal notice |
How Can IAS Help?
If you are looking to apply for the Spain Airport Transit visa, you need to know about all the documents you need to include in your application for it to be accepted, preferably in a single attempt.
You will also need to prepare for the interview process, in case you are requested by the consulate, before applying for the Schengen visa.
Immigration Advice Service (IAS) has a team of skilled officials and legal advisors who can guide you through the whole process.
From document collection and submission to interviews and visa delivery, experts from IAS will ensure that you have the most seamless visa application experience.
For more information on the services we offer and to explore the several ways we can help you with your Spain Airport Transit visa application, get in touch with our expert advisors. Call us today at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online via our live chat.
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Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a Spain Airport Transit visa is necessary for all non-EU residents from the lists of countries mentioned above. The validity for an Airport Transit visa is for 24 hours and allows staying within the premises of the International transit area of a Schengen airport.
Travellers must apply for this visa even if they only have to transit without leaving the airport premises. Only individuals from exempted countries can travel without an Airport Transit visa to Spain.
If a traveller is going to catch a connecting flight from Madrid and does not belong to the EU member state, they will need a transit visa. If somehow, they are exempt from a transit visa because of some reason, then they are excluded from applying for an Airport Transit visa.
An area within an international airport where the traveller can stay until they are ready to board their next flight is called the transit zone. These areas allow stopping at the airport without going through immigration.
No, you cannot enter Spain with a transit visa, as this visa only allows you to remain in the airport’s transit area until you catch your connecting flight. The validity of the Spain Airport Transit visa once you enter it is only 24 hours. Leaving the airport with this visa is not possible.
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