AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES
Traveling to Spain
A Safe Trip Abroad
The Department of State has prepared some useful tips for
enjoying a safe trip abroad. This includes
Country Specific Information on
virtually every country in the world,
Travel Alerts and Travel Warnings.
(Please, see also Warden Messages page.)
Entry for Tourism / Business
American citizens can enter Spain or Andorra visa-free for
periods of up to three months. Spanish government
regulations may require a return or on-going ticket or proof of funds.
Should an American citizen wish to remain longer
than ninety days, you will be required to obtain an extension of stay from
Spanish immigration authorities. This extension, of no more than ninety days,
must be requested at a police station at least three weeks before the initial
entry period expires. It is only granted under exceptional circumstances. By
law, foreigners who have overstayed their permitted time will not be allowed to
leave Spain without first obtaining an exit permit from the Directorate of
Security of the State in Madrid or from the local police in another city. A
fine, commensurate with the time overstayed, may be charged.
Should you be considering a stay in Spain longer than three
months you should inquire with the Spanish embassy or consulate near your place
of residence outside of Spain prior to entry. You may also write directly to
the Spanish National Police at Calle Moratin, 43, 28014 Madrid; or check the
Spanish Ministry of Interior’s website.
Residency and Work Permits
American citizens wanting to study, reside, or work in
Spain must obtain the appropriate visa from the
Spanish Embassy or Consulate in their
state/country of last residence. After the visa has been issued,
foreigners have three months to apply for the corresponding permit with the
Spanish authorities in Spain. Obtaining a residence or work permit is a
complicated process; since regulations change continually, we suggest that you
check the Ministry of Interior’s website, or
call the Ministry of Interior, within Spain, toll-free at 060. The Ministry of
Foreign Affairs also manages a website.
dRIVING IN SPAIN
U.S. citizens visiting Spain who want to drive in Spain
must obtain an
international driving permit prior to their arrival in Spain. An
international driving permit (IDP) translates your state-issued driver’s license
into 10 languages so you can show it to officials in foreign countries to help
them interpret your driver’s license. The IDP is not valid by itself and must be
carried with your driver’s license. Click the following link for more
information on
driving overseas.
U.S. citizens who are residents of Spain must obtain a valid Spanish driver’s
license. At this time, there is no agreement between the United States and Spain
for the validation of a U.S. driver’s license; therefore, holders of a U.S.
license must attend a Spanish driving school and take the Spanish exam. You can
find more information on the
Spanish Minister of the Interior’s website.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please do not ship medication from the United States to Spain.
Spanish regulations do not permit the international shipment of medication.
American citizens who plan a lengthy trip to Spain should bring their medication
or obtain a prescription for that medication from a Spanish physician.
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