Travelling through Spain to another international destination? If your flight itinerary requires a layover at a Spanish airport, you may need a Spanish Transit Visa (Airport Transit Visa- ATV). This visa ensures that you can legally pass through the international zone of a Spanish airport without formally entering the Schengen Area.
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the Spain Transit Visa, from eligibility and requirements, application procedure, fee, and exemptions.
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About the Spain Transit Visa?
A Spain Airport Transit Visa is a type of Schengen Visa that allows a visitor to remain within the international transit area of a Spanish airport until a connecting flight to a non-Schengen country is available. It does not allow entry into Spain or any other Schengen state. If you must exit the airport or change terminals that involve passport control, you will require a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) instead.
In simple terms, this visa allowed the traveller to spend up to 24 hours at any Spanish airport. Travellers are unable to leave the international airport transit area since it is an airport visa only, as the name suggests. As a result, this kind of visa will not allow you to leave the airport grounds.
Also Read: How to Get the Spain Work Visa Application Form?
Types of Spain Transit Visa
There are two main types of Spain transit visas: the Airport Transport Visa (ATV), which allows travellers to stay in the international zone of a Spanish airport without entering the country, and the Short Stay Schengen Visa, required if you need to exit the airport or spend time in Spain during transit. Here are some of the common types of Spanish transit visas.
- Airport Transport Visa (ATV): This allowed the traveller to pass through the international zone of a Spanish airport without entering the Schengen Area. It is required for Indian citizens even if they remain inside the airport during their layover, as long as their final destination is outside the Schengen zone.
- Short Stay Visa (Schengen Visa): This visa allows travellers to either transit or stay in Spain or other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is needed if you plan to exit the airport or spend some time in Spain during your journey.
Who is Eligible for a Spain Transit Visa to Transit Through an Airport In Spain?
A traveller’s nationality is a major factor in determining whether or not they require a Spain Airport Transit visa.
To get a connecting flight to a non-Schengen state, you will require a visa if you are a citizen of any of the following nations and want to travel through the international airport of any Schengen nation, including Spain.
| Afghanistan | India | Somalia |
| Nigeria | Sri Lanka | Iraq |
| Ghana | Ethiopia | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Cameroon | Sierra Leone | Republic of Congo |
| Djibouti | Cuba | Liberia |
| Guinea | Gambia | Côta d’Ivoire |
| Iran | Yemen | Togo |
| Pakistan | Bangladesh | Syria |
| Palestine | Mali | Guinea-Bissau |
Spain Transit Visa Requirement
In order to obtain a Spanish transit visa, visitors are required to submit a valid passport, a filled application form, a recent photograph, a confirmed flight ticket, and other documentation of their final destination visa or entry permit. Here is a list of supporting documents that are mandatory to submit for a Spain transit visa:
- Proof of Finances: You may need to demonstrate that you can support yourself during the transit in Spain.
- Flight Ticket: A copy of your confirmed ticket is also required if you are travelling to another country.
- Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months.
- Health Insurance: Travel health insurance that covers medical costs during your stay in Spain is advised; obtaining a transit visa may not strictly require it.
- Medical certificate: Before entering Spain, foreign visitors must fulfil strict medical requirements. As a result, you must submit a medical report that has been verified by an authorised healthcare professional.
Also Read: Easy Part-Time Jobs in Spain to Boost Your Income
Spain Transit Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Spain transit visa varies based on the specifics of each application and the processing authority’s workload. On average, though, it takes 10 to 15 working days to process.
Additionally, for an additional fee, you can select a premium visa processing option in case of an emergency. In this case, it would take 3 to 4 days to process your Spain transit visa application.
| Spain Transit Visa Processing Time | 10-15 working days |
Spain Transit Visa Fee
The Spain Transit Visa has a fixed fee depending on the age group and applicant type. In addition to the visa, a service charge at VFS Global or at the consulate may have to be paid by the applicant. Here is an average idea for the Spain transit visa fee:
| Aged | Fee in EUR | Fee in INR |
| Adults | EUR 80 | INR 7,200 |
| Children (6-12 years) | EUR 40 | INR 3,600 |
| Children under 6 years | Free | Free |
How to Apply for a Spain Transit Visa Online
A transit visa to Spain can be obtained from India in two ways. You can apply for a transit visa to Spain at a Spanish visa application centre or at the Spanish embassy in New Delhi. Here are the main points to help you know how to apply for a Spain transit visa online.
Spain Transit Visa for Indians via Online
- Visit the official website of the Spanish embassy.
- Download and complete the transit visa application form with correct information.
- Book your appointment for a visa with the help of the Spanish Embassy.
- Make an appointment and submit your important documents.
Spain Transit Visa via Application Centre
- Contact the Spain Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your region to schedule an appointment to apply for a visa.
- When you visit the VAC on the specified date, bring all required paperwork.
- Complete the application for a visa and submit all necessary documentation.
- Once the visa application fees have been paid, request an acknowledgement receipt.
Also Read: Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs In Spain 2025
The Spanish Airport Transit Visa is necessary for Indian travellers passing through Spanish airports en route to non-Schengen countries. King the requirements, carefully preparing documents, and applying well in advance ensures that you have a hassle-free, smooth travel experience. Always verify the latest rules with the Spanish Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global before applying, as regulations may change.
FAQs
Before you leave on your trip, you must apply for a Spain Airport Transit Visa if your itinerary calls for you to make a stopover at any of the Spanish airports.
A transit visa is necessary even if you are not leaving the airport when the layover lasts more than a specific number of hours. Although this usually varies from nation to nation, layovers of less than 24 hours are exempt from the transit visa requirement.
First, please confirm if you need a transit visa for the airport. In general, Indian citizens need an airport transit visa in order to enter the Schengen area. This visa only permits a brief layover at a foreign airport. You cannot spend the night at a hotel or leave the international transit area of the airport.
We hope you now understand all about the Spain digital nomad visa requirements. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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