Schengen Visas

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Schengen visa is issued to nationals listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018 1806. This visa allows the holder to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days (in any 180-day period) for the purposes of tourism, business, visiting family, medical treatment, studies, training placements or volunteer activities that last under 3 months, or for other non-gainful activities. It also allows transit through the territory and airports.

The Schengen area encompasses 29 European countries without border controls between them: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria*, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania*, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

*For the moment, the Schengen agreement includes Bulgaria and Romania if travelling by air or sea (not by land).

The Schengen visa allows the holder to travel to any of the Schengen States and to transit through their territory, but it does not automatically entitle them to enter the Schengen area. The border authorities can refuse entry if the visa holder does not provide proof of the purpose and specifics of the trip, or if any of the other entry requirements are not met (please refer to the section Conditions for entry into Spain).

Please make sure that your main destination is Spain. If you plan to travel to different Schengen area countries, you must apply in the Consulate of your main destination, depending on the purpose of your trip and the length of stay, or in the first country of entry if the length of stay is the same in different Schengen States.

Applications for short-term Schengen visas (stays of up to 90 days, including tourist, study or business visas) must be submitted in person by appointment only to the BLS Spain Visa Application Center in Washington DC.

To find more information and schedule an appointment for Schengen visas at BLS Spain Visa Application Center in Washington DC, please follow the link: BLS Spain Visa Application Center or Direct link to book appointments

BLS Visa Application Center: 1660 L Street. NW, Suite 216, Washington, D.C., 20036

Email: info.wases@blsinternational.net

Phone number: 516-888-1169 (BLS call-center for USA)

Direct family members of EU, EEA or CH citizens are entitled to submit their applications for short-term visas at the Visa Office in the Consular Section of the Embassy if they are traveling with the EU, EEA or CH citizen, or are on the way to joining them. In this case, the applicant must request an appointment in advance to the Visa Office of the Embassy via email cog.washington.vis@maec.es attaching scanned copies of the required documentation. Please write the email subject as follows: “APPOINTMENT REQUEST. Shengen visa for EU Family member. Given Name FAMILY NAME of the applicant”. In order to accelerate the process, they can also submit their application at the BLS Spain Visa Application Center in Washington DC. Please find specific information in the section Visa for Family Members of a Citizen of the EU

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR SCHENGEN VISAS

1.- OneSchengen visa application form: Each applicant must complete and sign an application form, filling in each of its sections. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents must sign the application. Visa applications can be filled out electronically or handwritten in capital letters.

2.- One photo: Glued or clipped (not stapled) onto visa application form. Photo specifications: Passport-size, color photograph, recent (taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance), printed on matte/glossy paper, taken against a white, light, clear, uniform background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the applicant’s full oval of the face.

Photos with a dark background or with objects or people that can be seen behind your head will not be accepted. Photographs of babies must not show any part of the adult holding them.

3.- Valid, unexpired passport or official travel document. Original and a photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 90 days after your expected departure date from the Schengen area. The passport must have at least two blank visa pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted.

If the passport does not meet the requirements, it must be renewed before applying for the visa.

4.- Proof of legal residence in the United States. Non-U.S. citizens must also submit proof of legal residence in the United States: U.S. Resident Card (Green card) or valid U.S. long term Visa. Original and a photocopy.

The document proving legal residence in the United States must be valid to re-enter the US after your expected departure date from the Schengen area.

B1/B2 visa holders do not qualify to apply for a visa at this Consular Office. They must apply for a visa in their country of residence or country of origin.

5.- Proof of residence in the consular district. The applicant must be a legal resident or be enrolled in in-person studies within our consular jurisdiction (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina).

Residence must be proved by one of the following, valid documents: U.S. Driver’s License, State ID, University Student ID. Original and a photocopy.

If you do not have a US Driver's License or State ID it is possible to prove residence in our consular district through other documents, e.g. a copy of a lease agreement or utility bill.

6.- Documents supporting the purpose of the travel and specifics of the stay, as well as the intention of the visa applicant to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires.

Complete travel itinerary bookings:

Round trip from the US: Flight reservation with booking reference number.
If traveling from one city to another within the Schengen area, any of the following:

Flight reservations, train or bus tickets,
Euro pass,
Car rental reservation,
Booking confirmation from a cruise or travel company.

Travel itinerary reservations should include:

Applicant’s name,
Clear details of travel dates and times,
Booking reference number.

Proof of accommodation for the entire duration of stay (for every night staying in the Schengen Area), matching with flight/transport dates. Can be any of the following:

Copy of confirmed hotel (or tourist apartment) reservations containing the applicant’s name, hotel’s address and telephone.
If staying with family or friends who live in Spain: The Spanish citizen or foreign legal resident in Spain must request an official “Invitation Letter” (“Carta de Invitación”) to the local Police Department in Spain. The host must send the original invitation letter to the visa applicant. The applicant must submit:

The original official invitation letter issued by the Spanish Police Department.
Please add a copy of the host’s Spanish ID or passport and proof of legal residence if the host is not a Spanish citizen.

If the trip is arranged by a tour operator or travel agent: Booking confirmation (from the tour operator or travel agent) including the complete travel itinerary, specifying transport and hotels outlined day by day and indicating hotel’s address, phone number and email.
If traveling by cruise: Booking confirmation with complete Itinerary indicating ports outlined day by day.

7.- Travel medical insurance: The certificate of the Insurance Company must indicate: the applicant’s name, dates of coverage and the minimum coverage.

The insurance must cover the costs of repatriation for medical reasons or death, as well as for urgent healthcare and/or emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area, with no deductibles and no copayments.

Coverage must be of at least 30.000€, or its equivalent in local currency (approx. $32.000 USD).

If the application is for a multiple entry visa, the health insurance must be valid for at least the first planned trip. The applicant must undertake to purchase insurance for future trips.

An Insurance card is not accepted as proof of coverage.

8.- Proof of financial means: Applicant must submit the 3 latest bank statements with an ending balance that meets the minimum requirements for the length of your stay.

In 2024, sufficient financial means are considered to be:

If trip is less than 9 days: Minimum average balance of 114€ ($125 approx.) per day of stay.
If the length of stay is 9 days or more: Minimum average balance of 1021 € ($1125 approx.) regardless of the duration of the stay.

In case of financial support from a 1st degree family member (parents or children):

Notarized sponsor letter from the sponsor assuming full financial responsibility for the applicant’s stay;
Notarized copy of sponsor’s ID;
Sponsor’s proof of employment: Letter from the company that the sponsor is working for;
Sponsor’s 3 latest bank statements;
Proof of relationship:

Notarized copy of birth certificate, or;
Tax returns certifying dependence.

2nd degree relatives may be eligible for sponsorship; however, this decision lies at the discretion of the Consular Office.

9.- Proof of employment:

For employees: Updated employer letter indicating position, length of employment, position, wage or salary, and vacation period.
For self-employed: Proof of self-employment and last year Income Tax Return.
For retirees: Proof confirming monthly retirement income.
For students: Proof of enrollment (F1 student visa holders must submit a copy of the I-20 certificate).
For business and conference travelers:

Letter from their U.S.-based company indicating purpose, length of stay, and expenses coverage;
Letter of invitation from the Spanish company or conference organization, indicating the contact person and address in Spain as well as purpose of the visit and expenses coverage.

10.- Disclaimer form.

11.- Payment of the visa fee: Fees in 2024:

General visa fee:

General fee (citizens age 12 and over): $99
Children of 6-11 years: $49
Children aged 5 and under: Exempt

Countries subject to Visa Facilitation Agreements and reciprocities:

Citizens of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Belarus:

Citizens aged 12 and over: $38
Children aged 11 and under: Exempt

Citizens of Cabo Verde:

Citizens aged 18 and over: $66
Children of 12-17 years: $33
Children aged 11 and under: Exempt

Citizens of Albania, Georgia, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and Ukraine:

Holders of non-biometric passports need a Schengen visa: $38
Holders of biometric passports do not need a Schengen visa

Visa fees are revised quarterly according to current exchange rates and can be subject to changes.

ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR MINORS (UNDER 18)

Minor’s birth certificate, in English or Spanish, or translated into English or Spanish. Original and photocopy.
If the minor is travelling with only one parent/legal guardian:

Notarized authorization letter from the parent or legal guardian who is not accompanying the minor to travel abroad. Original and photocopy;
Notarized copy (and a photocopy) of the parent's or legal guardian’s passport who is not accompanying the minor;
If only one parent has full custody: Notarized copy (and a photocopy) of the Family Court Order. It must be translated into Spanish.

If the minor is traveling unaccompanied (without parents/legal guardians):

Notarized letter from both parents granting permission to the minor to travel with a person that will be responsible for the minor during the trip to and stay in Spain. Original and photocopy;
Notarized copy of the parents’ passports (please add a photocopy);
Notarized copy of the passport of the person that will be responsible for the minor (please add a photocopy);
If the minor travels with a school group: Letter from the school explaining the travel and indicating the person responsible for the minor during the trip.

Please note that if you are a minor (less than 18 years old) in the moment you are applying for the visa, you must apply as a minor. If you are 18 years old (or more) in the moment you are applying for the visa, you must apply as an adult. Different required documents apply if you submit the application as a minor or as an adult.

PROCEDURE

Who can apply for a visa: This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from legal residents or students enrolled in in-person studies at a center within our consular jurisdiction (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina).

Visa application period: Visa applications must be submitted between 6 months and 15 days before the scheduled date of travel. Seafarers may apply for the visa up to 9 months before the date of travel.

Place of submission: The application must be submitted in person by appointment only to the BLS Spain Visa Application Center for Spain in Washington DC.

BLS Visa Application Center: 1660 L Street. NW, Suite 216, Washington, D.C., 20036

Email: info.wases@blsinternational.net

Phone number: 516-888-1169 (BLS call-center for USA)

Please note that there are different sections for Short-term (Schengen) visas and for Long-Term (National) visas appointments.

Please be sure that you have all required documents before scheduling an appointment, as only complete applications with all requirements will be admitted.

Every applicant (including minors) must come to the BLS Office to submit the application in person.

Applications accepted at the Spain Visa Application Center will be submitted on the next working day to the Consular Section.

Biometric data capturing: The applicant's fingerprints will be captured during the visa application procedure. Applicants under 12 and applicants whose fingerprints have been taken in the last 59 months are exempt from fingerprint taking. However, in the latter case, if the applicant's prints are of poor quality, the Consular Office will request to have their fingerprints retaken.

Rectifying the application: The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview.

Decision period: The legal period for reaching a decision is of 15 calendar days as of the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended to 45 calendar days if an interview or additional documents are requested. The time frame to receive a resolution may be extended and cannot be expedited.

Visa applications submitted by nationals of certain States require consultation with the central authorities that could affect the duration of the visa processing. The period to receive a resolution may be extended and cannot be expedited.

The Consular Section does not provide information about the status of a visa. If extra documents are needed you will be contacted.

Collecting the visa: The applicant must collect the visa and/or other documents in person at the BLS office once BLS notifies the applicant (via SMS text) that the visa or documents are ready to be picked up.

At the moment of collecting the visa, the applicant must check all the details on the visa sticker (personal information –name, surname, Passport number; validity period of the visa, etc.) in order to confirm they are correct. Should you find any mistake, misspelling or inaccuracy on your visa sticker, please inform the visa officer.

Validity period of the visa: The Schengen visa indicates:

The dates (dd/mm/yy) are the first day and the last day of visa validity;
The number of days you are allowed to stay in Schengen territory;
The number of entries and exits allowed in the Schengen territory.

Please note that a Schengen visa is valid for staying in the Schengen territory for no more than the number of days indicated on the visa during any period between the dates indicated on the visa. For example: A Schengen visa for 30 days from 01/04/24 to 15/05/24 is valid for entering the Schengen territory any day starting April 1st, to stay in the Schengen territory no more than 30 days, and to exit the Schengen territory any day up until May 15th, 2024.

The number of entries and exits (1, 2 or multiple) must be made during the validity period between the dates indicated on the Schengen visa. The number of entries does not increase the validity period of the visa; this means that the visa holder must leave the Schengen territory no later than the last date of validity of the visa. The number of entries does not increase the number of days allowed. For example: A Schengen visa for 15 days and 2 entries is valid to stay no more than 15 days in the Schengen territory regardless of how many times the holder has entered and left the Schengen territory with this visa; it does not mean that the holder can stay 15 days after each entry in the Schengen territory.

Permission granted by the visa: A Schengen visa is a document that allows you to travel to Schengen territory (including Spain). However, it does NOT grant an automatic right to enter the Schengen territory. The traveller must meet all legal entry requirements (see section Conditions for entry into Spain).

The police of the Schengen states are the competent authorities to authorize or deny entrance to their state. The visa holder may be asked by border control officers to provide information or supporting documents concerning the trip. The final decision for border crossing is made by the police officer who carries out the border inspection at the post of entry.

Compliance with immigration laws is the responsibility of every citizen who visits the Schengen territory.

Refusal of the visa: Refusals of the visa will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted was based.

Appeals: If a visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court of Justice in Madrid within the 2-month period beginning the day after the date on which the applicant receives notification of the visa refusal or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.

Complaints or suggestions about the service received or about the visa application procedure can be submitted online through this website. They may also be submitted in writing at this Consular Office.

DATA PROTECTION

The processing of personal data of visa applicants is done in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation.

Persons wishing to exercise their rights of access, rectification and erasure of their personal data in the Visa Information System (VIS) may do so by addressing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation:

Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación
Inspección General de Servicios
Postal address: Plaza de la Provincia, 1, Madrid, España
Email: dpd@maec.es

The following forms may be used to do so:

Right of access (Spanish-English version).
Right to rectification (Spanish-English version).
Right to erasure (Spanish-English version).

Persons whose visa application has been refused because they are banned from entering the Schengen area may exercise their rights of access, rectification and erasure of their personal data in the Schengen Information System (SIS) by addressing the Ministry of the Interior.

To obtain more information on your rights and duties and on how to exercise your rights of access, rectification and erasure of data included in the SIS, please refer to the website of the Spanish Data Protection Agency

BASIC LEGISLATION

Community Code on Visas (Visa Code)

Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code).
Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 amending Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code).