Spain
United States
United States visa for Spanish citizens
Entry requirement
Spanish citizens do not need a visa for the United States, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 90 days.
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Where to apply
- 4 missions
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 31 October 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at es.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days per visit
- Fee
- US$40.62
All visa types for the United States
For the ETA, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62, and applications are made on esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Longest stay on the ETA: Up to 90 days per visit.
Where to apply in Spain
- Embassy of the United States in Madrid
Calle de Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid
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- Consulate General of the United States in Barcelona Today 09:00–13:00
- Consulate of the United States in Valencia
Carrer del Doctor Romagosa 1, Valencia
US visas issued to citizens of Spain
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 16,945 | 20,368 |
| Student (F, M) | 4,993 | 4,679 |
| Exchange (J) | 14,178 | 13,645 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 7,080 | 7,049 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 3,634 | 2,944 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 1,393 | 1,359 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 149 | 71 |
| Other | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 48,372 | 50,116 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 16.4% | 23.7% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 50,116 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Spain, the 31st highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 41%, exchange visitor visas 27% and work and treaty visas 14%. That is 4% more than in fiscal year 2024 (48,372).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Spain received 13,570, 25% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 23.7% for citizens of Spain in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 16.4%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Spain anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Spain.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Spain
United StatesSpain Visa-free, 90 days Spain visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Spanish citizens planning a trip to the United States can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.
Good to know
How long Spanish citizens can stay in the United States
Spanish citizens may stay in the United States for up to 90 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to the United States.
How Spanish citizens apply
Spanish citizens apply for the ETA for the United States online on its official government portal before departure; it is linked to the passport they travel with.
The United States’ neighbours for Spanish citizens
Mexico admits Spanish citizens visa-free.
US citizens travelling to Spain
US citizens can visit Spain without a visa for up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Spanish citizens need a visa for the United States?
Spanish citizens do not need a visa for the United States, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 90 days.
How long can Spanish citizens stay in the United States?
Spanish citizens can stay in the United States for up to 90 days with an ETA.
How much does the United States ETA cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$40.62 for the ETA.
Do US citizens need a visa for Spain?
US citizens can visit Spain without a visa for up to 90 days.
Can Spanish citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Spanish citizens need an ETA for the United States.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 31 October 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.