Spain Entry Requirements

Children traveling to Spain need their own valid travel document, whether a passport or, for EU nationals, a national ID card. Spain does not routinely require consent letters for minors traveling with one parent. But some countries of departure do, and airlines may ask. If a child is traveling with only one parent, a grandparent, or an unrelated adult, carrying a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent or parents is strongly recommended. Spanish border officers have the authority to question any adult-child pairing if something seems irregular. For children with different surnames from their accompanying adult, having documentation that establishes the relationship, such as a birth certificate, can prevent delays.

Pets entering Spain from within the EU need an EU Pet Passport showing a valid rabies vaccination. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are covered under this scheme. Pets arriving from outside the EU need an official veterinary health certificate, a microchip for identification, and proof of a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel. Some countries outside the EU also require a rabies antibody titer test performed at an approved laboratory. Spain does not have a quarantine requirement for pets arriving with proper documentation. But incomplete paperwork can result in the animal being held at the point of entry. Check with the Spanish embassy or the Ministry of Agriculture for the specific requirements from your country of origin, as the rules differ depending on the rabies status of your home country.

If you plan to stay in Spain beyond the period allowed by your visa-free entry or short-stay visa, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit. This is typically done at a Spanish consulate in your home country before travel, as switching from a tourist entry to a residence permit while already in Spain is difficult and not always possible. Options include student visas, work permits, the non-lucrative residence visa for those who can support themselves without working in Spain, and the digital nomad visa for remote workers employed by companies outside Spain. Each has distinct financial, documentation, and timeline requirements. Starting the process well in advance is important, as consular appointments and processing times can stretch to several months. Once in Spain on a long-stay visa, you will typically need to register with the local foreigners' office and obtain a foreigner identity card within a set period of arrival.

Visitors from EU and EEA countries can drive in Spain on their home country's driving license. Travelers from outside the EU generally need an International Driving Permit alongside their national license, though some bilateral agreements allow direct use of a foreign license for short stays. An IDP is inexpensive and available from motoring associations in most countries. Spain drives on the right. Toll roads are common on major routes, and speed limits are enforced by fixed and mobile cameras. If renting a car, the rental company may have additional documentation requirements.