How to Apply Spain Schengen Tourist Visa from UK? Applying for UK Residents

Spain remains one of the most visited countries by the UK-based travelers. This is thanks to the warm climate, beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and the delicious cuisine . If you are a UK resident and not a British citizen, you will most likely need to apply for a Spain Schengen tourist visa from UK before planning your trip. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Spain visa process . This includes the eligibility, documentation, visa appointment, fees, and the expert tips to make the visa process smooth and successful.

Quick Summary – This blog is a complete guide for the non-British UK resident on how to apply for the Spain Schengen Tourist Visa. It explains the eligibility, required documents, appointment booking process and the processing time. The blog also highlights the common mistakes that you should avoid and offers tips for a smooth Spain visa application experience.

Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Spain from the UK?

If you’re a non-EU national residing in the UK (like an Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, or other non-EU passport holder), and you haven’t yet received UK citizenship, you will likely need to apply for a Spain Schengen visa.

However, if you hold a British passport, you can enter Spain visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period), even after Brexit. For others, it’s essential to apply for a visa beforehand.

Did you know? In 2023, Spain received close to 1,413,222 Schengen visa applications!

Understanding Spain Schengen Visa Eligibility from the UK

To apply for the Spain Schengen tourist visa from the UK, you must legally reside in the UK and possess a valid UK eVisa. The visa application must be made from the country where you are legally staying, and your primary destination in the Schengen area should be Spain. This means that if you are visiting multiple countries, Spain must be where you spend the most time or be your first point of entry.

Get this – The Schengen visa approval rate of Spain stood at a whopping 77.4% in recent years!

Required Documents for Spain Tourist Visa Application from UK

The list of the documents that are needed to apply for the Spain tourist visa includes –

Check Your Eligibility

Before you apply, confirm :

• You are legally residing in the UK (with a valid UK eVisa/Share Code, student visa, or the work visa).
• Your primary travel destination is Spain (not France or Germany).
• Your trip is for tourism or leisure purposes.

In case you didn’t know – in the last 10 years (2014 to 2024), Spain processed a staggering 10.5 million Schengen visa applications!

Gather the Required Documents

To apply for the Spain tourist visa from UK, you must collect and submit the following documents :

• A Duly filled and Signed Spain Schengen visa application form.
• Valid passport (It must have validity for another 3 months after you exit the Spain).
• UK eVisa/Share Code (valid for at least 3 months beyond the return from the Spain).
• Two recent passport-sized photos (must adhere to the guidelines of the Schengen visa).
• Proof of travel itinerary (submit the reserved flight tickets – round-trip) .
• Accommodation details (hotel bookings or invitation letter if you are invited by someone from the Spain).
• Travel insurance (minimum coverage of €30,000 for the medical emergencies) .
• Proof of financial means (bank statements for the last 3 months with the sufficient funds).
• Employment letter or proof of occupation (if you are employed, self-employed or a student).

Tip: Print two copies of every document, one for submission and one for backup.

How to Book a Spain Visa Appointment in the UK

Visa appointments are mandatory and must be scheduled in advance through trusted partners like the SPAIN VISA SERVICES . You can choose an application centre based on your location — the most common cities are London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Please note that the walk-in submissions are not allowed. Also, the appointment slots may get booked quickly, especially during the peak travel months. Therefore, it is advisable to book your appointment at least three to four weeks in advance.

You can book your appointment from cities like:

• London
• Manchester
• Edinburgh

During the appointment, you will need to submit your biometric data. This generally includes the fingerprints and a digital photo. Ensure that all your documents are arranged in the correct order and are printed clearly. If any documents are missing or unclear, your application may be delayed or rejected.

Here are the simple steps you can follow to quickly book the Spain Schengen visa appointment and complete the visa process:

• Fill the online Spain visa application form and pay a nominal fee for the appointment booking.
• An expert will contact you, understand your Spain travel needs and book a fast-track appointment.
• Visit the visa centre on the day of the appointment with all your documents for the documentation or the biometrics submission.
• In just a few days, you will receive the Spain Schengen visa and your passport in courier.

Spain Visa Fees and Payment Process

You will be required to pay the nominal Spain Schengen visa fee while applying for the visa.

• For the Tourist visa – single or the multiple entry, you will need to pay £179. For the Business visa – Single or Multiple Entry as well as for the EU/EEA Spouse Visa or visa for children between 6-12 years, the visa fee is £179. This includes the consulate fee along with the handling charges which allow us to book blazing-fast appointments for you.

The visa fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is refused. Payment is usually accepted via debit or credit card, but it’s a good idea to carry cash in case of any system issues at the centre.

Spain Tourist Visa Processing Time from the UK

Once you submit your Spain Schengen visa application, the processing time typically takes 15 working days, not including weekends or public holidays. However, during the peak seasons such as the summer or the festive holidays, processing of the visa applications may take longer. You can apply up to six months before the intended travel date, which allows you to plan well in the advance.

Applicants will receive a tracking number at the time of submission. You can use the same to monitor the application status online. Once your visa is approved, you will either receive an email or SMS alert to collect your passport . Or, if you opted for the courier delivery, you can track the delivery and successfully get your passport and visa.

What to Expect When You Receive Your Spain Schengen Visa UK

After you get your passport and the visa, check it carefully to ensure that all the details are correct . Your visa sticker will mention your name, passport number and the type of the visa that you have . It will also include the number of entries allowed (single, double, or multiple) along with the validity period. A short-stay Spain tourist visa allows you to stay in the Spain and the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you plan to visit the other Schengen countries, remember that the Spain must be your main destination as per the visa application that you submitted .

If you notice any errors on your Spain visa from UK, contact the visa centre immediately before travelling. Travelling with an incorrect visa can lead to entry denial at the border.

Also check, La Tomatina Festival in Spain 2025, Buñol near Valencia

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Spain Visa Application Process

Many applicants make the mistake of booking the non-refundable flights or the accommodation before their visa is approved. It is safer to use the temporary flight reservation services or the refundable bookings. Another frequent issue that the applicants face is submitting the bank statements without the sufficient funds. On the other hand, some applicants tend to furnish the documents that do not match the details on the application form. Inconsistent information can lead to suspicion and possible refusal of your Spain visa.

Some applicants also assume that having a UK visa or the indefinite leave to remain automatically allows them entry to the Spain, which is incorrect. A separate Schengen visa is still required for you to travel to the Spain.

Can You Travel to Other Countries with a Spain Visa?

Yes, a Spain Schengen tourist visa allows you to travel to all 29 countries in the Schengen zone. However, Spain should either be your main destination or the first point of entry. For example, you are planning to visit France, Italy, and Spain. However, you will spend the majority of your time in the Spain. In such cases, you should apply for Spain Schengen Visa from UK.

Your entry may be checked at any Schengen border. That is why, it is always important to carry all documents even after getting your visa. These generally include the travel insurance, accommodation proof, and the return flight bookings.

Is BRP holders can apply for the Spain Schengen visa appointment?

Yes, BRP holders were eligible to book the Spain Schengen visa appointment, which was recently changed. But, now you must first create your UKVI account that will allow you to get the UK eVisa/Share Code. After that, you can proceed to apply for the Spain Schengen visa appointment, complete the process and secure your visa!

Conclusion

To sum it up, applying for the Spain Schengen tourist visa from UK is a straightforward process. But, only if you are well-prepared and meet all the requirements. It involves understanding your eligibility after which you will be required to collect a complete set of the valid documents. Then, you need to proceed to scheduling and attending an appointment. After this, you will need to wait for the processing to complete.

But, many times, applicants find it hard to get a Spain visa appointment booked. This is because the slots get booked quickly booked, making the applicants wait for days, weeks and sometimes months too!

This is where professional assistance by SPAIN VISA SERVICES ensures that you get an appointment booked quickly. This will help you to fast-track the visa process and secure your visa in no time! We also assist in obtaining the express slots during the urgent travel needs!

Key Takeaways:

• UK residents (non-British citizens) may need a Spain Schengen visa before entering Spain.
• The process involves booking an appointment, submitting documents, and attending an in-person interview at a Spain Visa Centre.
• Processing time usually takes 15 working days.
• You can apply up to 6 months in advance of your travel date.
• Tourist visas are usually issued for short stays up to 90 days.

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