PART 1: Passports & visas
CHECK YOUR passport
If you haven’t already applied for a passport, you should do so ASAP! Passport applications can take up to eight weeks to process. While it is possible to expedite, it is quite expensive.
If you already have a passport, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the date you plan to leave Europe.
Scan a copy of your passport and save it somewhere in your email/cloud. Keep your original in a safe place. We also recommend having a passport case in order to avoid any damage.
visa information
Do I need to get a VISA?
It is the responsibility of the participant to be sure that their passport and visa are in order. Check with your advisor to verify your program length or with any questions you may have.
Programs shorter than 90 days (holders of "visa exempt" passports):
If you hold a U.S., Canadian, or Australian passport (or one of the countries listed as exempt) you can stay for up to 90 days within the Schengen zone during a 180 day period without a visa. You will be considered a tourist and upon arrival will be given a "tourist visa," which is an entry stamp. If your academic program is fewer than 90 days, you do not qualify and cannot apply for, a student visa.
You can check exactly how many days you will be abroad (and whether or not you need a visa) using this Schengen Calculator.
Some countries always require a visa to visit Spain, so if you are a passport holder from another country, check that your passport is on the list of visa-free access.
IMPORTANT INFO if you are on a "tourist" entry (under 90 days):
If you've travelled to Europe within 90 days PRIOR to your program start, please keep in mind that these dates will also count towards how long you can stay in Europe. For example, if you visited Germany for 2 weeks in July and are arriving in Barcelona in September, those two weeks are already on your record and count toward your 90 day maximum.
Participants on "tourist" entry are responsible to keep track of their 90 day window, especially if they are planning to travel before or after the program ends.
“If you leave the Schengen Zone, the countdown clock stops and doesn’t start until you enter it again. Once you reach your 90-day limit, you have to stay out of the Schengen Zone for the next 90 days.” One option is to travel outside of Schengen for some of that time (such as by going to England, Croatia, Scotland, Ireland, Turkey or Morocco). For example, if you go to Morocco for 5 days (outside the Schengen Zone), this pauses your 90 day clock for a few days. You cannot count partial days, so if you leave for Morocco at 8am, it still counts as a day within the Schengen Zone. The same goes for the days that you arrive in Schengen - if you land at 11pm, it still counts as a day in the Schengen zone.
The consequences of overstaying your visa are difficult to judge. It honestly depends on the customs officer you face and what kind of a day they are having. If you overstay your visa, you may be able to leave without any problem at all OR you could face a fine (some sources say that this is up to 500€). In the worst case scenario, you could face a ban for up to 3 years from re-entering the region. We do not recommend participants overstay their 90 day window.
Here are a few more sites that can help explain the visas: click here and here.
Programs longer than 90 days (or holders of non-visa exempt passports):
If your program is longer than 90 days or if you are NOT a citizen of a country (see list) that allows a 90 day tourist visa, you must obtain a student visa.
Can I stay in Spain or other Schengen countries as a tourist after finishing my classes?
You can stay in the Schengen area for 90 days within a period of 180 days before your Student Visa begins or after it ends. Make sure that you contact the police in immigration to have your Visa stamped when entering or leaving Spain, so that you start or end your stay with your Student Visa.
Map of the Schengen Zone (1 visa applies to full zone)
STUDENT VISA
If a student needs a visa to stay for more than 90 days for academic purposes, you must demonstrate that your academic coursework lasts longer than the 90 day period and that you are enrolled full time (at least 12 credits) in a local institution. Students spending more than 90 days at the UB, UPF, UAB and SIS qualify for this visa (not summer or intern).
Obtaining a student visa is a lot of work and must be done BEFORE coming abroad, as visas are not issued once in Spain. Please speak to your advisor as you prep your travel to make sure that you are doing everything you need to in order to obtain your visa.
If you are staying for more than 6 months (180 days), once you have a visa and arrive in Spain, you will need to continue your paperwork by presenting your visa at a local police station to get a local ID card. It is your responsibility to take care of this, so please ask our staff if this applies to you.
Note: The Summer & J-term programs are under 90 days and do not require a visa, which means a lot less work when getting ready to come abroad, BUT limits the time you can travel within the Schengen region before or after the program. Internships that are not for academic credit do not qualify for a visa. This is why almost all our internship options run for fewer than 90 days.
To obtain a student visa, most Spanish Consulates in the US REQUIRE YOU TO TRAVEL to appear in person before an immigration officer. Others may require you to mail your documents in. See below for your consulate jurisdiction requirements.
Spanish Consulates in the USA
If you are a U.S. passport holder and your program is longer than 90 days:
You will need to visit a Spanish Consulate in the U.S. to apply for a STUDY VISA. This will allow you entry into Spain and allow you stay for more than 90 days (but less than 180 days) for the purpose of academic study.
1. You will need to determine which consulate in the U.S. you are eligible to visit. You may only apply at the consulate which serves either the state where your school is located or where you hold permanent residence. A complete list of consulates with their contact details can be found here.
2. Once you determine which jurisdiction you are eligible to apply for, you may need to make an appointment right away. Appointments fill up VERY quickly! See below for the requirements of each specific consulate. Please review the booking rules from the consulate since you cannot hold more than 1 appointment at a time, and they will cancel both appointments. Please note, if you do not yet have your passport, OR need to renew, you will be unable to make an appointment until that process is complete.
Check 2024 consular fees here.
BOSTON (Updated 1-May-2024)
Contact Information
31 St. James Avenue, Suite 905
Boston, MA 02116
Jurisdiction: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, & Vermont
Submission
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the Consular Office in Boston when they are 100% compiled. An appointment is necessary and can be booked here. Frequently check here for updates.
Collecting the visa: The visa, passport, and other original documents will be returned via express mail if you left your original passport. You must provide a self-addressed express mail envelope with a prepaid stamp from the US Postal Service during the submission process to ensure these documents are returned to you. If you left a copy, you will need to return to the consulate with your original passport.
Student Visa Requirements
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Fees
The Consulate General of Spain in Boston only accepts cash (exact amount) as the form of payment for visa applications. All fees paid are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. Citizens is $160
The current fee for most non-U.S. Citizens is $85
Consulate Specific Notes
An original and copy of all documents must be presented.
If you are traveling during the processing time, you can bring a notarized copy of your passport. You MUST bring the original when you pick it up.
Do not reach out to the consulate within 8 weeks of submission.
Chicago (Updated 1-May-2024)
Contact Information
121 W Wacker Dr. Suite 1307
Chicago, IL 60601
cog.chicago@maec.es
Jurisdiction: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, & Vermont
Submission
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the Spain Visa Application Center. An appointment is necessary. To schedule an appointment please click here.
Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person at the Consular Office in Chicago consulate by the applicant or by a legal representative within a maximum period of 2 months. The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation.
Student Visa Requirements
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Fees
The Consulate General of Spain in Chicago only accepts money orders as the form of payment for visa applications. All money ordered are made payable to the Consulate General of Spain in Chicago, and all fees are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. citizens is $160.
The current fee for non-U.S. citizens is $88.
Consulate Specific Notes
Glue your passport sized photo onto the application in the top right hand box.
If student visa is not listed, you can choose NALCAP.
Houston (Updated 1-May-2024)
Contact Information
2500 West Loop South 3rd Floor, Suite 350
Houston, Texas 77027
info.houes@blsinternational.net
Jurisdiction: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, New Mexico, Oklahoma, & Texas
Submission
Place of submission: Applications can be be submitted in person by requesting an appointment here OR by postal mail at BLS Visa Application Center for Spain.
Collecting the visa: You can collect your passport directly from the consulate in person OR they can mail back documents using the courier service which has an additional fee of $35 paid at the moment of the application.
Student Visa Requirements
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Fees
The Consulate General of Spain in Houston only accepts money orders or cash (exact amount) as the form of payment for visa applications. All money orders are made payable to the The Consulate General of Spain in Houston, and all fees paid are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. Citizens is $160
The current fee for most non-U.S. Citizens is $88
Consulate Specific Notes
Be sure to bring a color copy of your drivers license, state, or student ID.
LOS ANGELES (Updated 1-May-2024)
Contact Information
6380 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #1100
Los Angeles, CA 90048
losangeles.usa@mecd.es
Jurisdiction: California (counties: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Barbara, and Ventura), Arizona, Colorado, & Utah
Submission
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the Consular Office in Los Angeles. An appointment is necessary. Make an appointment here.
Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by a legal representative within a maximum period of 2 months. The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation.
Student Visa Requirements
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Fees
The Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles only accepts money orders as the form of payment for visa applications. All money ordered are made payable to the Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles, and all fees are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. citizens is $160.
The current fee for non-U.S. citizens is $85.
Consulate Specific Notes
The original and a copy of a driver's license, voter registration, state, or student ID Is needed
Bring an original and copy of financial means
Must include a notarized copy of the parent/guardian ID, original and notarized student birth certificate, and parent/guardian three most recent bank statements.
Visa must be collected IN PERSON by the applicant.
Miami (Updated 1-May-2024)
Contact Information
3191 Coral Way, Suite 611
Miami, FL 33145
info.miaminational@blshelpline.com
Jurisdiction: Florida, South Carolina, & Georgia
Submission
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person You must request the appointment here.
Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by a legal representative within a maximum period of 2 months. The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation. Collection hours are Monday-Friday between 3:00pm and 4:30pm.
Student Visa Requirements
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Fees
The Consulate General of Spain in Miami only accepts money orders or cash (exact amount) as the form of payment for visa applications. All money orders are made payable to the The Consulate General of Spain in Miami, and all fees paid are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. Citizens is $160
The current fee for most non-U.S. Citizens is $88
Consulate Specific Notes
Notarized copy of your passport, drivers license/student Id.
MUST present both original AND copies of remaining documents.
Visa MUST be picked up in person. COLLECTION HOURS: M-F from 3:00pm-4:30pm.
New York (Updated 1-May-2024)
Contact Information
55 W 39th St. 18th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Info.nyc@blshelpline.com
Jurisdiction: New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, & New Jersey
Submission
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person at the Consular Office in New York. An appointment is necessary. You can book an appointment here.
Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by a legal representative within a maximum period of 2 months. The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation.
Student Visa Requirements
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Fees
The Consulate General of Spain in New York only accepts money orders as the form of payment for visa applications. All money ordered are made payable to the Consulate General of Spain in New York, and all fees are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. citizens is $160.
The current fee for non-U.S. citizens is $88.
Consulate Specific Notes
Visa/Passport must be collected by the applicant within two months after approval notification.
Submit a notarized color copy of your passport.
If a parent is accompanying you to the consulate, you will need to provide certificates proving kinship with the student (birth certificate) and a copy of the parent/guardian ID.
San Francisco (updated 1-May-2024)
Contact Information
1405 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
cog.sanfrancisco.vis@maec.es
Jurisdiction: Alaska, Northern California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, & US Pacific
Submission
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted by mail. They only accept USPS. You will need to send your passport and application to the San Francisco Consulate.
Collecting the visa: The visa will be sent back via mail. You must include a self-addressed and prepaid US “Express-Mail" envelope from the Post Office along with your application to have your passport returned by mail.
Student Visa Requirements
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Fees
The Consulate General of Spain in San Francisco only accepts money orders as the form of payment for visa applications. All money orders are made payable to the The Consulate General of Spain, and all fees paid are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. Citizens is $160
The current fee for most non-U.S. Citizens is $85
Consulate Specific Notes
Original and copy of financial means and MUST include a notarized copy of the parent/guardian ID, original and notarized student birth certificate, and parent/guardian three most recent bank statements.
Does not provide updates/information regarding the status of the visa. If additional documentation is needed, the consulate will reach out via email.
Self-addressed & Pre-paid US "Express-Mail" envelope is needed from the Post Office - BE SURE YOU GET A TRACKING NUMBER
Washington DC (Updated 1-May-2024)
Contact Information
1660 L Street. NW, Suite 216
Washington, DC. 20036
info.wases@blsinternational.net
Jurisdiction: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia, & North Carolina
Submission
Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person. You will need to request an appointment here.
Collecting the visa: The visa must be picked up from the BLS office once they notify you via SMS that the visa/documents are ready to be picked up.
Student Visa Requirements
A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:
Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University
Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)
A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)
Fees
The Consulate General of Spain in Washington DC only accepts money orders or cash (exact amount) as the form of payment for visa applications. All money orders are made payable to the The Consulate General of Spain in Washington DC, and all fees paid are non-refundable.
The current fee for U.S. Citizens is $160
The current fee for most non-U.S. Citizens is $85
Consulate Specific Notes
Original and copy of financial means and MUST include a notarized copy of the parent/guardian ID, original and notarized student birth certificate, and parent/guardian three most recent bank statements.
Required Documents
All consulates will require you to submit supporting documents (originals and copies) in addition to your passport and these requirements vary by location. Please refer to the above links to see specific requirements and contact your advisor to ensure you have everything needed, but these are the documents most consulates will ask for:
***All Documents must be printed IN COLOR***
Two National visa application forms (one original and one copy)
The application form must be completed either by hand (in capital letters) or word processed, and duly signed. Make your copy once you have filled out the application form and signed it.
Please use the international date format DD/MM/YYYY.
For visa validity, you must fill out numbers 21 (date of intended entry into Spain) and 28 on the application form (further instructions on how to answer each question is attached - please read through before filling out).
The intended date of entry in Spain should not be over 15 days from the beginning of the studies. All the student visas will be issued to start aprox. 15 days prior to the first day of studies.
Original passport along with a photocopy (an old fashion photocopy made at a copy machine, not a copy printed of a picture taken from your phone). The passport must be valid for a minimum of 1 year, with at least two continuous blank pages to affix the visa. Your passport will remain at the Consulate during the process.
A copy of your student ID issued by your university. You do not have to give your original student ID, only a copy of it.
One recent professional passport size colour 2”x 2” photo, white background on photo paper, glued to the application form in the designated spot. You can get this done at Walgreens or CVS photo centers, or the post office.
Evidence of funds in Spanish (template attached). THIS MUST BE NOTARIZED (this means the document must be certified and signed by a notary public). This is to be completed by your parents, and they must replace the capitalized and highlighted fields by deleting and typing in the correct answer (do not print and cross out to replace those fields).
Items that Barcelona SAE will provide to you:
Proof of admission to Spanish study abroad program
Acceptance letter from Spanish University
Proof of medical insurance
Some consulates will allow you to bring a USPS prepaid envelope to return mail your completed visa and passport. Review the consulate requirements for your jurisdiction carefully - otherwise, you may need to return to the consulate for pickup.
TIPS:
Organization is the KEY to a successful visa appointment:
Make sure you have the original and 2 copies in color of all of your documents.
Have these documents organized in a folder.
Required documents examples
Example Visa Application
Click the photo on the left and notice the following:
ALL CAPS was used throughout.
DD-MM-YYYY for every date.
Program beginning and end dates were used.
All information was input using the Student Visa Application Instructions.
Here, you can find a video filling out the Visa Application step-by-step.
Passport Photocopy
The copy of your passport should look like the one above. You should be able to see both pages clearly. This SHOULD NOT be a photo. Be sure to sign the top page of your passport on the line provided.
student id
This is to show you live in the jurisdiction of the consulate. You should not submit the original, ONLY a copy.
Passport sized photo
This can be taken at a post office, Walgreens, CVS, Staples, etc. You can search "passport photo center near me" into Google. This cannot be a photo from your phone.
Bank statements
The provided bank statements should include:
Statement beginning and end dates.
Parent information so the consulate can see the statements belong to them (Name, address, etc). Account number can be blurred out if you wish, but this is not a requirement.
Total BEGINNING balance in the account. This should be $2100 OR MORE - no less.
No withdrawals/transactions need to be included. Only the cover page.
Three of the most recent statements should be provided. For example, if you are applying in August, you should provide May, June & July.
Proof of Financial Means
If you are NOT providing a letter from your school covering your program expenses or your own bank statements, you must provide:
Notarized proof of financial means form AND parents bank statements from the last three months totaling $2100 EACH MONTH.
In the example to the left, notice:
The typed red words have been replaced with student information - not crossed out and written over.
All pronouns are match with student identity.
No typed Red font anywhere.
The Spanish and English translations are present. Both are needed for the consulate.
BATCH ONLY: Aknowledgement Form
This signed document acknowledges that you understand/agree that you cannot request your passport/visa before the batch is ready.
BATCH ONLY:
Authorization Form
This document grants permission for the BSAE representative, Jalan Gunning, authorization to drop-off/pickup your documents. This MUST be notarized; therefore it must be signed in the presence of a notary. The Spanish and English translation must be present.
Questions still not answered?
This process can be very daunting and at times, frustrating. You have three additional options in order to get assistance with this process.
Attend a Visa Webinar: First Monday of every month from 2pm-3pm EST.
Pop into Jalan’s office hours: Every Tuesday from 2pm-4pm EST.
If you attend both and are still confused, only then should you send an email to Jalan with your question at jalan.gunning@barcelonasae.com
Work Visa
Getting a visa to live and work in Spain is quite expensive and very difficult. Most of our former participants that decide to return come either on an internship program, to teach English in Spain with a visa, or to study a masters degree. You can find more info here.
