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If you are planning your trip to Spain or another European destination that is part of the Schengen Zone, one of the most frequent questions travellers ask is, “Do I require a Schengen visa?”
The answer depends on your citizenship, residency status, and purpose of travel. While millions of travellers apply for a Schengen visa each year, there are a large number of people who do not require a visa at all.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline who doesn’t require a Schengen visa, the exceptions, how long you can stay visa-free, and what documentation is still required even if you’re exempt.
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Before you can understand visa exemptions, it is important to understand what the Schengen Area is.
The Schengen Zone is an association consisting of 29 European nations (as of 2025) that have removed internal travel borders. This allows seamless movement between member countries.
If you’re in one Schengen country, for example Spain, then you are able to move freely between other countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal without any additional border checks.
This unified travel policy makes Europe one of the most enjoyable regions to visit. However, the rules for entry differ depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.
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Travelers from non-EU countries and those that are visa-free (such like India, China, the Philippines and Pakistan) generally require a Schengen visa to enter Spain as well as the other Schengen members state.
This visa permits a stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period to fulfill purposes such as business, tourism or for visiting family.
However, there are a few nations and travel categories that do not require to applying for the Schengen visa prior to traveling. Let’s find out the different categories and nationalities.
In general, citizens of Schengen countries or EU are allowed to travel around the Schengen area without Visa or passport.
For example, a person who is from France is able to travel to Spain, Germany, or Italy similar to traveling within their own country with no border checks and no visa required.
These 29 Schengen countries include:
Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and the most recent newcomers Bulgaria as well as Romania (2024).
If you’re a member or a resident of European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you can reside, travel, or work in any Schengen nation without needing a visa.
For example:
Freedom of movement is one of the biggest advantages of EU membership.
Since Brexit has taken place, the UK is no longer to be part of EU as well as the Schengen Zone – but British citizens can still travel visa-free in Schengen countries for brief durations.
From 2025 onwards, UK passport holders can remain for up to 90 days in Spain and in any Schengen country for as long as 90 days within a 180-day timeframe without the need for the visa.
However they must possess an active passport (issued in the last 10 years, and valid for at minimum three months after the date of the date of departure).
Important:
From 2026, UK citizens will also be required to sign the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) registration before entering the Schengen zone — an easy online security screening but not the same as a visa.
More than 60 countries around the world are included on the Schengen visa-free list, which means that their citizens can travel to Spain as well as other Schengen member states without requiring the visa for shorter stay (up to 90 days).
This includes:
Travelers who are short-term visitors can get visa-free entry, however they have must provide the proof of their accommodations, return tickets and sufficient funds to the immigration officer.
If you are a non-EU citizen who already has an EU residence permit or a long-term visa from any Schengen country, you typically do not require a Schengen visa to travel within the Schengen zone for short-term stay.
Example:
A resident of India who lives in Germany with an official residence card may travel to Spain within 90 days without applying for an additional visa.
In the same way, employees, students or family members who have valid residence permits in France and the Netherlands can travel to Spain for leisure or short trips without requiring additional documents.
TIP: Always carry your residence permit and passport when crossing Schengen borders. You could be asked to show them at the time of spot checks or at check-ins to hotels.
Family members (spouse or child dependent parents) who are EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens are granted visa-free entry when they accompany or join the EU relatives.
For example:
An Indian citizen married to an Italian citizen does not require a Schengen visa to enter Spain if they travel together or join the EU relative.
But, they must also be able to carry:
This exemption is based on Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament, which ensures free movement rights for EU families.
If you’re a visa-free (like the UK or US citizen) can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period across the entire Schengen Zone.
This means that you can spend:
…and still remain within the 90-day limit
After 90 days, you must exit the Schengen Zone and wait until the 180-day period resets before re-entering.
Tips: Keep track of the length of your stay as overstaying could result in fines or exclusions from entry.
Even if you’re one of the visa-free countries border agents can request:
These requirements will ensure that travellers satisfy entry criteria, even if they don’t have having a visa.
If you’re a non-exempt nation such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, or the Philippines , you need to apply for the Schengen visa prior to traveling to Spain.
You can find the complete list of countries that require visas through your country’s official Schengen information portal, or by contacting trustworthy agencies like SPAIN VISA SERVICES
Many travellers are unaware of the 90-day time limit or mistakenly believe that visa-free travel allows study or work — it does not.
Knowing your visa status can help you avoid immigration issues, penalties, or future entry bans.
Whether you are a British tourist visiting Spain for Christmas, a Canadian cyber-nomad exploring Madrid or an Indian relative of an EU citizen, knowing your rights and limitations ensures peace of mind while travelling.
So, who doesn’t want the Schengen visa?
In short, residents of EU/EEA Schengen member states as well as the UK and more than 60 visa-free countries are able to travel visa-free on short visits.
In addition, non-EU residents with valid residence permits, as well as relatives from EU residents have also been exempted.
All travelers should have valid travel documents, and be in compliance with the 90/180-day travel rule.
If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, seek advice from Spain Visa Services, Our team can help you determine you require an entry visa or are visa-exempt, making sure you have a safe and secure trip to Spain
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