Spain entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Spain in 2026. Spain is part of the Schengen Area, so you'll apply for a Schengen visa. Plan ahead — appointments at the Spanish consulate in Riyadh or Jeddah can fill up weeks in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Schengen visa before travel | Saudi passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Spain. Apply at the Spanish consulate in Riyadh or Jeddah — expect biometrics and an interview. Processing takes 15 calendar days, so start at least 3 weeks before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay in Schengen | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen | Immigration officers at Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation for every night of your stay, or a signed letter from your host if staying with friends. Border officers in Spain sometimes ask for this during secondary checks. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Spain requires €100 per person per day of stay, with a minimum of €900 total regardless of trip length. Have bank statements or a credit card statement ready — officers rarely ask but can deny entry if you can't show funds. | Recommended |
Appointments fill up fast
Spanish visa appointments in Saudi Arabia can be booked out 3-4 weeks in advance, especially before summer (June-August) and during school holidays. Book as soon as you know your travel dates.
Biometrics are valid for 5 years
If you've applied for a Schengen visa in the last 5 years and your fingerprints were taken, you may not need to give them again. Check with the consulate — it can save you time.
What happens at the border
1
Determine where to apply
You apply at the Spanish consulate or a designated visa application center (like BLS International or TLScontact) in Saudi Arabia. If you live in Riyadh or the eastern region, you'll likely use the consulate in Riyadh. If you're in Jeddah or the west, use the consulate in Jeddah. Check the official Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the exact address and jurisdiction.
2
Book an appointment
Appointments are mandatory. Book online through the consulate's appointment system or the visa center's portal. Slots fill up fast — especially before summer and holidays. Book at least 3-4 weeks in advance. You'll need to provide your passport number and travel dates.
3
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, travel insurance, flight reservation, hotel bookings, bank statements, and proof of employment or leave. Make photocopies of everything — the consulate will keep copies and return originals. Organize them in the order listed on the checklist.
4
Attend the appointment
Show up on time at the consulate or visa center. You'll submit your documents, pay the fee, and give biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The officer may ask about your trip — be clear and honest. Answer in English or Arabic. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes.
5
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days from the date of application. It can take up to 45 days if more checks are needed. You can track your application online if the center provides a tracking number. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
6
Collect your passport
You'll get a notification to collect your passport from the center or have it couriered to you. Check the visa sticker carefully: name, passport number, validity dates, and number of entries. If anything is wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
Download Spain Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year or more
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost€80 (~$87 USD) plus additional fees
For work, study, or family reunification.
work visa
Work Visa (Autorización de Residencia por Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee plus employer costs
For those with a job offer in Spain. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test.
student visa
Student Visa (Visado de Estudios)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For enrolled students in accredited Spanish institutions. Allows part-time work.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visado de Nómada Digital)
1 year, renewable up to 5 years
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from outside Spain. Requires proof of income and health insurance.
investor visa
Golden Visa (Visado de Inversor)
1 year, renewable
€500,000 (~$545,000 USD) minimum real estate investment
For investors in real estate, business, or public debt. Grants residency and Schengen access.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day, max €1,000 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Spain
Transit visa required
Saudi Arabia passport holders need an airport transit visa to change flights in Spain, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Canada visa
Transit hubsMadrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) · Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) · Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
Health & vaccines for Spain
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare, but present in some rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but travelers' diarrhea can occur; practice good hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Madrid
Oficina de Extranjería de Madrid
Calle de la Princesa, 5, 28008 Madrid
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
Handles residence permits and extensions. Appointment required.
Barcelona
Oficina de Extranjería de Barcelona
Carrer de Mallorca, 278, 08037 Barcelona
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
For visa renewals and residence matters.
Practical information for SA travellers
Country basics
CapitalMadrid
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+9h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in most cities. Some travellers prefer bottled.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Spain
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Spain — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the day you submit your application. It can take up to 45 days if the consulate needs additional documents or verification. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel.
Yes. The Spanish consulate in Riyadh covers the entire eastern and central regions. If you live in Jeddah or the western region, you apply at the consulate in Jeddah. Check the consulate's website for your specific jurisdiction.
No. You only need a flight reservation — a hold booking from a travel agent or airline. Don't buy non-refundable tickets until your visa is approved. If the visa is denied, you'll lose the money.
Apply at the embassy of the country where you'll spend the most days. If you're spending equal time in multiple countries, apply at the embassy of the country you enter first. For Spain, that means you apply at the Spanish consulate.
Extensions are only possible in exceptional circumstances — like a medical emergency or force majeure. You cannot extend a tourist visa just because you want to stay longer. Overstaying can get you banned from Schengen for up to 3 years.
You'll receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the Spanish consulate, or reapply with corrected documents. Common reasons: insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or incomplete paperwork.
Yes. Employed applicants need a letter from their employer confirming leave and salary. Self-employed applicants need a business registration certificate and bank statements. Students need a letter from their school. Retirees need proof of pension.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.