Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to travel to Spain for tourism.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Visa centre service fee Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• PassportOriginal passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen area, with at least two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.
• Schengen Visa Application FormDuly filled, dated, and signed by the applicant. For minors, both parents must sign.
• PhotographTwo recent passport-sized photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) in color, with a white background, taken within the last six months. Must meet ICAO standards.
• Cover LetterA personal cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit, itinerary, and duration of stay.
• Flight Itinerary/ReservationsRound-trip flight reservations or confirmed tickets, including internal flights if applicable.
• Proof of AccommodationConfirmed hotel bookings or other accommodation arrangements for the entire duration of stay in the Schengen area.
• Travel Medical InsuranceProof of travel medical insurance covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR, valid throughout the Schengen area for the entire duration of the stay.
• Proof of Financial MeansBank statements for the last three to six months, salary slips, income tax returns (ITR) for the last two years, or other proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay and return journey. If sponsored, a sponsorship letter and sponsor's financial documents.
• Proof of Employment/Student StatusIf employed: Letter from employer stating position, salary, and approved leave. If self-employed: Business registration documents. If student: Letter from educational institution.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC)From employer or educational institution, if applicable.
• Consent Form for MinorsIf a minor is traveling alone or with one parent, a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s) and copies of their passports.

1. 1
   Determine the correct visa type for your travel purpose (e.g., Tourist, Business, Visiting Family/Friends).
2. 2
   Gather all required documents as per the checklist provided by the Spanish Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global.
3. 3
   Fill out the online Schengen visa application form accurately. Print and sign it.

   Schengen Visa Application Form
4. 4
   Book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global Visa Application Centre or the Spanish Consulate/Embassy in India.

   VFS Global Spain in India
5. 5
   Attend your appointment, submit your application with all supporting documents, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
6. 6
   Pay the applicable visa fees at the application center.
7. 7
   Track the status of your application online using the reference number provided by VFS Global.
8. 8
   Collect your passport from the VFS Global center or receive it via courier once the decision has been made.

• Insufficient proof of financial means

  How to avoid: Ensure your bank statements show sufficient and consistent funds to cover your entire trip, including accommodation, food, and activities, without relying on last-minute large deposits. Provide salary slips and ITRs.

• Unclear purpose of travel or itinerary

  How to avoid: Provide a detailed and realistic itinerary, including confirmed flight and accommodation bookings. Your cover letter should clearly explain the purpose of your visit and your planned activities.

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation

  How to avoid: Carefully check the official checklist and ensure all required documents are submitted. All information across documents (e.g., dates, names) must be consistent. Do not submit forged documents.

• Weak ties to home country (India)

  How to avoid: Provide strong evidence of your intention to return to India, such as proof of stable employment, property ownership, family ties, or enrollment in an educational institution.

• Previous visa overstays or refusals

  How to avoid: Always adhere to visa conditions and validity periods. If you have had previous refusals or overstays, be honest and provide a clear explanation and any supporting documentation to address the past issue.

• Invalid or insufficient travel medical insurance

  How to avoid: Ensure your travel insurance meets all Schengen requirements: minimum 30,000 EUR coverage, valid for the entire duration of your stay, covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation, and is valid throughout the Schengen area.

• Always carry a copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance. Keep original documents securely stored.
• Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas like Barcelona's Las Ramblas or Madrid's Plaza Mayor. Keep valuables secure.
• Learn a few basic Spanish phrases; while English is spoken in tourist areas, locals appreciate the effort.
• Tipping is customary but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated.

• Can I extend my Schengen visa while in Spain?

  Schengen visas are generally not extendable except in exceptional circumstances (e.g., force majeure, humanitarian reasons, serious personal reasons). It is advisable to plan your stay carefully and adhere to the visa's validity period.

• Can I work in Spain on a tourist visa?

  No, a Schengen tourist visa (Type C) does not permit employment or any remunerated activity in Spain or any other Schengen country. Engaging in work activities is a violation of visa conditions.

• Can I visit other Schengen countries with my Spanish Schengen visa?

  Yes, a Schengen visa issued by Spain allows you to travel freely within all 27 Schengen member states for the duration of its validity. However, Spain should be your main destination or the first point of entry if you plan to spend an equal amount of time in multiple Schengen countries.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?

  Yes, travel medical insurance is mandatory. It must cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR and be valid throughout the entire Schengen area for the duration of your stay.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for Spain?

  Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area. If your passport expires in 5 months, you should ensure it meets this validity requirement. It is generally recommended to have at least six months of validity remaining. You may need to renew your passport before applying for the visa.

• How much money do I need to show in my bank account for a Spain tourist visa?

  You need to demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your stay in Spain and the Schengen area, as well as your return journey. The exact amount required per day can vary, so you should check the official Spanish Consulate or Embassy website for the latest figures. Accepted proofs typically include bank statements for the last three to six months, salary slips, and income tax returns.

• I want to travel to Spain next month, is it too late to apply for a visa?

  It is generally recommended to apply for your Schengen visa at least 15 days before your intended travel date, but no earlier than six months. While some applications may be processed faster, there is no guarantee, and processing times can vary. Applying at short notice risks your visa not being issued in time for your trip.

• I am self-employed, what documents do I need to provide for my visa application?

  As a self-employed individual, you will need to provide specific documents to prove your financial stability and ties to India. This typically includes your business registration certificate, company bank statements, and income tax returns for the last few years. You may also need to submit a cover letter explaining your business and travel purpose.

• I am travelling to Spain with my child, what extra documents do I need?

  When travelling with a minor child, additional documents are required to ensure their safety and consent. You will need the child's original birth certificate, consent letters from both parents (if only one parent is travelling or if the child is travelling with a third party), and copies of the parents' passports. Ensure all documents are properly attested if required.

• How much does a Spain visa cost for Indian citizens?

  There are usually two or three separate charges, and people often confuse them. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Visa centre service fee: Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for Barcelona, or does this cover all of Spain?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a Spain visa is valid for the whole country — including Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Granada. Apply once for Spain and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.