Spain Visa Requirements for US Citizens: 90-Day Schengen Entry 2026

Americans can visit Spain visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period. Spain is part of the Schengen Area, so days here count toward your total Schengen allowance. Starting Q4 2026, you'll need ETIAS travel authorization (€7, valid 3 years). Here's what you need to know about visiting Spain in 2026.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Spain?

No, US citizens do not need a visa to visit Spain for tourism or business purposes if staying less than 90 days. This visa-free access is part of the Schengen Agreement, which allows Americans to move freely across 27 European countries without border checks.

How Long Can Americans Stay in Spain?

Americans can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen rule that applies to all 27 Schengen countries.

Important: The 90/180 rule uses a rolling 180-day window, not a calendar period. Use our free Schengen calculator to track your days accurately.

What Counts Toward the 90 Days?

• Both entry and exit days count as days present
• Days in any Schengen country (Spain, France, Italy, etc.) all count together
• Time in non-Schengen countries (UK, Ireland, Croatia before 2023) does NOT count

Spain Entry Requirements for US Citizens

To enter Spain visa-free, you need:

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from the Schengen Area. Spain strictly enforces this requirement.

Recommendation: Have at least 6 months of validity remaining to avoid any issues.

2. Blank Passport Pages

You need at least 1 blank passport page for entry and exit stamps.

3. ETIAS Authorization (Starting Q4 2026)

Starting in late 2026, Americans will need ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to enter Spain:

• Cost: €7 (approximately $7.50)
• Validity: 3 years or until passport expires
• Processing: Completed online in minutes
• Required for: All Schengen countries

4. Proof of Sufficient Funds

Spanish immigration may ask for proof you can support yourself during your stay. While rarely enforced for US tourists, be prepared to show:

• Bank statements
• Credit cards
• Cash (minimum €100 per day is recommended)

5. Return or Onward Ticket

You should have proof of onward travel (return ticket or ticket to another country).

Do Days in the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands Count?

Yes. The Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, etc.) and the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) are part of Spain and the Schengen Area. Days spent in these islands count toward your 90/180 Schengen limit.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa

If you want to stay longer than 90 days or work remotely from Spain, consider Spain's digital nomad visa:

• Duration: 1 year, renewable up to 5 years
• Income requirement: €2,000/month (approximately $2,200)
• Who qualifies: Remote workers employed by companies outside Spain
• Tax benefits: Reduced tax rates for the first 4 years

Read our full guide: Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2026

What You Cannot Do on a Tourist Visa

The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. You cannot:

• Work for a Spanish employer
• Study long-term (courses over 90 days)
• Participate in athletic programs without a specific visa

Students and athletes: Check with the Spanish embassy before travel. Many US students have been denied entry at Spanish airports because they didn't have the correct visa.

Customs and Currency Regulations

• Cash limit: If bringing more than €10,000 (approximately $10,600) into or out of Spain, you must declare it to Spanish Customs
• Medications: Spanish rules do NOT permit the international shipment of medications. Bring all medications in original packaging with your doctor's prescription

What If I Want to Stay Longer Than 90 Days?

If you've used your 90 days, you must leave the entire Schengen Area for 90 days before you can return for another 90-day period.

Options to stay longer:

• Digital nomad visa (for remote workers)
• Student visa (for courses over 90 days)
• Work visa (requires Spanish employer sponsorship)
• Non-lucrative visa (for retirees with passive income)

Avoiding Overstays

Overstaying your 90-day limit can result in:

• Fines (€500+)
• Deportation
• Bans from re-entering the Schengen Area (3 months to 5 years)
• Immigration holds at future entry attempts

Track your days: Use our free Schengen calculator to ensure you stay within the 90/180 limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

See FAQ schema below for structured answers

Last verified: February 13, 2026 from travel.state.gov