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🇸🇦Saudi Arabia
🇪🇸SpainSA-ES

Saudi Arabia to Spain visa requirements

Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders need a visa to visit Spain. Spain is in the Schengen Area, and Saudi Arabia is on the Schengen visa-required list (Annex I), so a short-stay Schengen Type C visa must be obtained before travel. ETIAS does NOT apply to Saudi citizens because ETIAS only covers visa-exempt nationalities. A Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holder must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Spain for tourism. Spain is a full Schengen member, and Saudi nationals are not visa-exempt — they are listed in Schengen Annex I (visa-required). This means the common Schengen 90/180 short-stay rule applies (up to 90 days within any 180-day period), and the visa must be secured in advance. Applications are submitted in person through the BLS International visa application centres acting for the Embassy of Spain in Riyadh and the Consulates in Jeddah and Al Khobar/Dammam, including biometric (fingerprint) enrollment for applicants aged 12 and over. The standard Schengen visa fee rose to EUR 90 (approximately SAR 396) from 11 June 2026, plus a BLS service charge (~SAR 85 incl. VAT). Standard processing is 15 working days, though it can extend up to 45 calendar days for cases requiring additional checks. Importantly, ETIAS (expected to launch in Q4 2026) does NOT replace this requirement: ETIAS applies only to the 59 visa-exempt countries, and Saudi Arabia is not among them — Saudi travelers will continue to need a full Schengen visa. Travelers should apply well in advance (4–6 weeks recommended) with confirmed accommodation, return flights, travel medical insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage), and proof of sufficient funds.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for tourism — visa required in advance
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen rule)
per entry
Entries
Single, double or multiple (multiple-entry possible at consulate's discretion)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 visa fee (approx. SAR 396) + BLS service charge approx. SAR 85
consular fee only
Processing time
15 working days standard; up to 45 calendar days in some cases
standard track
Validity
Visa validity set per trip; multiple-entry visas may be valid up to 5 years for frequent travelers with good travel history
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a Schengen visa
As a Saudi ordinary passport holder you are on Schengen Annex I (visa-required). Spain is your main destination, so apply for a Spain short-stay Type C visa. ETIAS does not apply to Saudi nationals.
· Visa required· Apply before travel
/02
Book an appointment with BLS International
Create an account on the official Spain visa application centre site (saudi.blsspainvisa.com) and book an in-person appointment at the BLS centre in Riyadh, Jeddah or Al Khobar/Dammam.
· Online booking· In-person required
/03
Complete the application form and gather documents
Fill in the Schengen visa application form and assemble: passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel reservations, financial proof, and valid Saudi residency (for non-Saudi residents).
· Schengen form· Supporting docs
/04
Attend the appointment and give biometrics
Submit your application in person. Fingerprints and a photo (biometrics) are captured for applicants aged 12 and over, unless already enrolled within the last 59 months.
· Biometrics age 12+· Pay fees
/05
Pay the visa fee and service charge
Pay the EUR 90 (approx. SAR 396) Schengen visa fee plus the BLS service charge (approx. SAR 85 incl. VAT) and any optional add-on services.
· EUR 90 + service fee
/06
Track processing and collect passport
Track your application online. Standard processing is 15 working days (up to 45 days for additional checks). Collect your passport or use courier return once the decision is made.
· Track online· Collect/courier
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Saudi Arabia -> Spain · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for tourism — visa required in advance
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen, with 2+ blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent passport-size photographs (ICAO/Schengen standard)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredValid Saudi residency/Iqama covering the full trip (for non-Saudi nationals resident in KSA)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage valid across Schengen
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed round-trip flight reservation
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed hotel booking or accommodation proof for the whole stay
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredBank statements / proof of sufficient funds for the trip
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RequiredBiometrics (fingerprints) enrollment for applicants aged 12 and over
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedCover letter explaining purpose and itinerary of travel
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Embassy of Spain in Saudi Arabia – Official Spain Visa Application Centre (BLS): Short-Term Tourist Visa
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90 (approx. SAR 396)Standard fee increased from EUR 80 to EUR 90 effective 11 June 2026
Schengen visa fee (child 6–11 years)EUR 45 (approx. SAR 198)Children under 6 are exempt from the visa fee
BLS service chargeapprox. SAR 85.10 (incl. VAT)Mandatory service fee per application paid to the visa centre
Optional add-on servicesVariableCourier return, SMS, premium lounge, photocopy/photo services charged separately
Total estimateapprox. SAR 481 (EUR 90 visa fee + SAR 85 service charge)approx. SAR 600+ (with optional courier and add-on services)incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Extended examination
Up to 30–45 calendar days
For applications needing additional documents or detailed scrutiny by the consulate
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Saudi Arabia is on the Schengen visa-required list (Annex I)
Saudi ordinary passport holders are not visa-exempt for the Schengen Area, so a visa must be obtained before traveling to Spain.
High
/02
Spain is a full Schengen member state
Entry is governed by common Schengen rules, including the 90/180 short-stay limit and the requirement for a Type C visa for visa-required nationalities.
High
/03
ETIAS does not cover Saudi nationals
ETIAS applies only to the 59 visa-exempt countries; Saudi Arabia is not among them, so ETIAS is not an alternative to the Schengen visa.
Medium
/04
No visa-on-arrival or eVisa channel exists
Schengen states do not offer visa-on-arrival or eVisa for Saudi tourists; the only route is a consular short-stay visa via BLS.
Medium
/05
Biometric and in-person requirements
Applicants must appear in person and provide fingerprints (age 12+), which cannot be done remotely.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Saudi Arabia to Spain route verified
Confirmed visa-required status for Saudi ordinary passport holders to Spain via official Spain (BLS) visa centre and European Commission ETIAS scope; noted Schengen visa fee increase to EUR 90 effective 11 June 2026 and that ETIAS does not apply to Saudi nationals.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Saudi citizens need a visa to visit Spain?
Yes. Saudi ordinary passport holders are on the Schengen visa-required list (Annex I) and must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Spain.
Can Saudi travelers use ETIAS instead of a visa for Spain?+
How long can I stay in Spain with a Schengen tourist visa?+
How much does the Spain Schengen visa cost?+
How long does processing take and how early should I apply?+
Where do Saudi residents apply for the Spain visa?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Saudi Arabia passport

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