Visa Information

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Visa Information for Madrid, Spain (Schengen Area)
1. Schengen Visa Overview
Visa Types for Spain:
2. Schengen Visa Application Process
Step 1: Check If You Need a Visa
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Step 6: Collect Your Visa
3. Business Visa for Attending a Conference (e.g., Nanotechnology Conference)
4. Visa Fees (2025)
5. Visa Processing Time
6. Entry Requirements Upon Arrival in Spain
7. Long-Stay Visas
Useful Links for Visa Information:

Since Spain is part of the Schengen Area, the visa requirements for entering Madrid depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism, business, or study). Here's a general guide to help you navigate the visa process:

A Schengen Visa allows you to travel freely within the 27 countries that make up the Schengen Area, which includes Spain. This type of visa is typically for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.

  • Tourist Visa: For those visiting Spain for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting family/friends.

  • Business Visa: For those visiting for business purposes, including conferences (such as the International Nanotechnology Conference 2025 in Madrid).

  • Visitor Visa: For visiting family or friends for a short period.

  • Transit Visa: If you're passing through Spain en route to another Schengen country.

To apply for a Schengen visa for Spain, follow these general steps:

  • Visa Exemptions: Citizens of some countries (e.g., EU/EEA countries, U.S., Canada, Australia) do not require a visa for short stays in Spain. You can check the full list of countries with visa exemptions on the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

  • If you are not from a visa-exempt country, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa.

When applying for a Schengen visa for Spain, you will generally need the following documents:

  1. Visa Application Form: Completed and signed application form. You can download this from the Spanish consulate website.

  2. Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay, with at least two blank pages.

  3. Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos that meet the specific requirements (e.g., 35x45 mm, white background).

  4. Travel Itinerary: Flight reservation (round-trip) to and from Spain.

  5. Accommodation: Proof of hotel reservations, or a letter of invitation if staying with family/friends.

  6. Travel Insurance: Valid for the Schengen Area, covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

  7. Proof of Financial Means: Evidence that you have sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, pay slips, or a sponsor letter).

  8. Visa Fee: The application fee is approximately €80 for adults and €40 for children (fees may vary based on nationality).

You’ll need to schedule an appointment at the nearest Spanish Consulate or Visa Application Center (VFS Global or BLS International) to submit your application and biometrics (fingerprints). Make sure to apply at least 15 days before your planned travel but not more than 6 months in advance.

Attend your appointment and submit your documents. You may also be required to answer questions regarding your travel plans. The consulate may request additional documents or an interview depending on your situation.

Processing times for Schengen visas are typically 15 calendar days but can take longer in certain cases. It’s advisable to apply as early as possible to account for potential delays.

Once your visa is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport. If your visa is denied, you will receive an explanation of the decision, and you may appeal.

If you're attending the International Nanotechnology Conference in December 2025, and it’s a business or professional visit, you will need a Schengen Business Visa.

In addition to the basic documents listed above, you may need:

  • Invitation Letter: A letter from the conference organizers, confirming your attendance at the event.

  • Company Letter: A letter from your employer confirming the purpose of your trip and financial support, if applicable.

  • Adults (16 years and older): €80

  • Children (6–12 years old): €40

  • Children under 6 years old: Free

  • Multiple Entry Visa (for multiple visits within a 6-month period): A higher fee may apply.

  • Processing Time: Typically 15 calendar days, but may vary depending on your nationality and the time of year.

  • Urgent Processing: In certain cases, you may request expedited processing for an additional fee.

Once you arrive in Spain, immigration authorities may ask for additional documentation to verify your purpose of stay. Be prepared to show:

  • Proof of accommodation.

  • Proof of sufficient financial means for your stay.

  • Return flight tickets.

If you plan to stay in Spain for more than 90 days (e.g., for study, work, or residence), you will need to apply for a long-stay visa (National Visa). This process involves different documentation and approval procedures, and you will typically apply through the Spanish consulate or embassy.