Foreign nationals planning to travel to Spain, including South African citizens, must understand the visa requirements to ensure a seamless journey. Unless exempted due to their nationality, travellers to Spain must obtain the necessary visa. In this article, we explore Spain visa requirements for South Africans, delving into different visa categories as well as how and where to apply for your Spanish visa.
Different types of visas for Spain
There are two main types of Spanish visas based on the duration of your stay:
Short stay visas
For short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, the Spain Schengen Visa is the appropriate choice. Nationals of 62 countries under the Schengen visa regime do not require a Spain Schengen visa if their visit aligns with Schengen visa purposes. However, if you’ve previously been denied entry into the Schengen territory, you must obtain a Schengen visa to visit Spain. It’s important to note that if you hold a Schengen visa for Spain, your initial visit must be to Spain before exploring other Schengen countries.
Long-stay visas
For longer stays exceeding three months, you need a Spain Long-Stay Visa, also known as a National Visa. Depending on the type of long-stay visa, you may also be authorized to work in Spain. Exemptions from applying for long-stay visas apply to specific European Union member countries including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
Short-term visas (maximum stay of 90 days)
South African nationals require a tourist visa, as South Africa is not among the visa-exempt countries for Spain. The Schengen visa permits visitors to stay in any EU/Schengen country for up to 90 days, valid for 180 days. It primarily covers purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits.
The application process for Schengen visas varies, with some allowing electronic submission while others require in-person application. Travelers holding a Schengen visa for Spain must initiate their journey from Spain before visiting other Schengen countries.
Depending on your purpose, you may apply for specific Spanish short-stay visas:
- Transit Visa: This includes Airport Transit for flight connections or Seamen Transit for port visits.
- Tourist and Visitor Visa: For tourism, sightseeing, vacation, or visiting family and friends in Spain.
- Business Visa: For business-related activities in Spain.
- Medical Treatment Visa: If you plan to receive medical care in Spain.
- EEA/EU Dependent Visa: Applicable to EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals dependents (spouse or child under 18).
- Visa for Missing Residence Permit: To regain entry if you’ve lost your Spanish Residence Permit while abroad.
- Study or Training Visa: For admission to a training or study course lasting less than 3 months in Spain.
- Visa for Diplomatic Passport Holders: Available to holders of diplomatic passports.
National Visas (Long Stay)
The Long Stay or National Visa for Spain allows individuals to enter and reside in Spain for over three months, permitting various activities not allowed under the Spain Schengen Visa.
Depending on the purpose of your travels, you may apply for one of the following Spanish National visas:
- Student Visa: For those intending to study at an educational institution in Spain for more than three months.
- Work Visa: Designed for individuals seeking paid employment in Spain.
- Family Visa: Enables family members of legal residents in Spain to reunite with their loved ones.
- Au Pair Visa: For young foreigners willing to assist a family with housework or childcare in exchange for accommodation and board.
- Retiree Visa: Intended for retired individuals with the financial means to live in Spain.
- Golden Visa: Available for those who can invest a specific amount in real estate in Spain.
- Entrepreneur Visa: For those aspiring to establish or invest in a business in Spain.
- Working Holiday Visa: Designed for individuals who want to work during holidays, such as summer vacations.
- Non-Lucrative Residence Visa: For those wishing to apply for residence in Spain, provided they have the financial means to support themselves and their dependents.
Spain visa requirements for South African citizens
Before a visa is issued, South African applicants must meet specific requirements and provide essential documents, including:
- Completed Application Form: A signed and fully filled-out Schengen visa application form with accurate information.
- South African Passport: A valid passport from South Africa with at least six months of validity from the date of issue. The passport should not be older than ten years and should have a minimum of two unused pages.
- Cover Letter: A comprehensive cover letter outlining the purpose of the trip and other relevant travel information.
- Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or details of the place of stay.
- Proof of Funds: A bank statement covering the last three months, demonstrating a balance sufficient to cover daily expenses, at a minimum of €100.
- Travel Insurance: A Schengen-recognized travel insurance policy with a minimum coverage of €30,000, including COVID-19 coverage and other medical expenses during the visit.
- Flight Bookings: Proof of flight reservations for the return journey to South Africa, indicating the intention to return after the visit.
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Do I have to submit civic documents to apply for a Spanish visa?
As part of the Schengen visa application process as well as the National Visa application process for Spain, you must submit proof of your civil status. This documentation validates your marital status and is crucial in establishing your eligibility for the visa category you are applying for.
Accepted documents for verifying your civil status include:
- Marriage Certificate: This document is necessary if you are married and wish to demonstrate your current marital status.
- Birth Certificate of Children: If you have children, providing their birth certificates serves as evidence of your parental status.
- Death Certificate of Spouse: In unfortunate circumstances where you have lost your spouse, the death certificate verifies your marital history.
These documents play a pivotal role in accurately representing your civil status. Ensure these documents are appropriately attested and translated if required, adhering to the guidelines set by the Spanish consulate or embassy. Accurate verification of your civil status strengthens your visa application, contributing to a seamless and successful process. You may also need to submit a SAPS Police Clearance Certificate, depending on the visa type you apply for.
An important note on Spanish visa applications for minors
When minors are applying for short-stay visas to Spain, or when parents are applying for a visa on behalf of their minor child, additional requirements need to be fulfilled as part of the application process. These supplementary visa requirements ensure the safety and well-being of the minors during their travels. Here’s what you need to include in the application file:
- Birth Certificate of the minor: A certified copy of the minor’s birth certificate who will be traveling to Spain. This document serves as proof of the minor’s identity and age.
- Visa application form signed by both parents: The visa application form for the minor must be signed by both parents or legal guardians. This collective consent underscores the agreement for the minor’s travel.
- Family court order (if applicable): In cases where only one parent has full custody of the child, a family court order indicating this custody arrangement should be included. This document confirms the legal custody status and authorises the application.
- Certified copies of ID/passports of both parents: Providing certified copies of the ID or passport of both parents establishes their identities and verifies their relationship to the minor.
These supplementary requirements ensure that minors’ journeys to Spain are well-regulated and compliant with legal standards. Remember that each document should be accurately attested and translated, if necessary. Addressing these additional requirements reinforces the safety and security of the minor throughout their travel experience.
How to apply for a Spanish visa
South Africans can apply for a visa through two methods:
Embassy or Consulate application
This method involves visiting the Spanish embassy or one of its consulates in Johannesburg, Pretoria, or Cape Town. Applicants must submit a completed and signed application form alongside the required documents. Following this, they are scheduled for an interview to discuss their trip. Feedback about the visa application is provided via email or phone, and successful applicants are issued visas for their travel.
Online application (short-term visas only)
This option is suitable for short-term tourist, business, or transit visas. The Spanish government strictly regulates visa submission and processing. Depending on their country of residence, applicants may need to submit their visa application at a Spanish consulate or a Visa Application Centre, such as TLS Contact, VFS Global, or BLS International.
Visa Processing Time
Typically, visa applications take up to 15 working days to process after submission to the Consulate. However, please note that processing times may vary, and these estimates do not include the time required for scheduling an appointment. These timelines specifically apply to South African passport holders, and processing times may differ for other nationalities.
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Disclaimer
All information provided in this article was accurate as of September 2023. It’s crucial to stay informed about any changes in visa requirements, as the information provided here is subject to alteration without prior notice. Compliance with these requirements does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.
