Citizens from abroad may need a visa to travel to Spain. Visa requirements depend on the country they come from.

Visa exempted countries are EU members Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, members of the European Economic Space, and Switzerland are also exempted. Depending on the country of origin, travellers are required to bring their passport or ID card. Minors under 18 years of age must also hold a notarised authorization letter from their parents.

For short stays of up to three months every six months, visa is not required either. This applies to citizens from the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, and Venezuela, and special administrative regions in the People's Republic of China, Macau and Hong Kong.

There are different types of visa depending on the purpose of the stay in Spain: transit, tourism, residence, work and residence, or study. People who wish to travel to Spain must apply for a visa in Spanish Consulates or Embassies in their country of residence, for only as an exception in cases of urgency are visas issued upon arrival in Spain.

Visa issuance fees vary depending on type of visa applied for, term, number of entries required or place where issuance proceedings take place.