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. 

Use the Schengen Calculator to find out how many days you'll be abroad. It will also tell you if you need a visa

Some countries need a visa to visit Spain. If you hold a passport from another country, check if your passport is on the visa-free list .

IMPORTANT INFO if you are on a "tourist" entry (under 90 days): 

• If you were in Europe in the 90 days before your program starts, those days count towards your stay. Spending 2 weeks in Germany in July counts toward your 90-day limit if you arrive in Barcelona in September.

• Participants on a "tourist" entry must track their 90-day window. This is important if they plan 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.” You could travel outside the Schengen area for a while. Good options include 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 8 am, 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 11 pm, it still counts as a day in the Schengen zone. 

The consequences of overstaying your visa are difficult to judge. The outcome relies on the customs officer you encounter and the nature of their day. 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.  

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.

If a student needs a visa to stay longer than 90 days for school, they must appear in person to the Spanish consulate and show a host of documents. Students spending more than 90 days at UB, UPF, UAB, and SIS qualify for this visa (not summer or intern). 

You need to obtain a student visa, which requires a lot of work, BEFORE coming abroad, as Spain does not issues visas when after you arrive. Talk to your advisor as you prepare for your travel. This will help you ensure you do everything needed to get your visa. 

If you stay in Spain for more than 6 months (180 days), do this: After getting your visa, go to a local police station. Show your visa 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 programs last under 90 days, so you don't need a visa. This makes it easier to prepare for your trip. However, it limits your travel time in 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.  

Check below for information about this!

Passport Update 

• Your passport must be valid for at least ONE YEAR past the program end date. 

Application Submission Update

• Applications must be submitted 2 months BEFORE you program start date. 

• For Fall 2025 - you should have your visa appointment no later than June 30th. 

Proof of Payment Update

• The consulate requires proof that you have paid your program fees in full. BSAE will provide updated documentation.

Health Insurance Update

• Your health insurance must cover 30 days PRIOR to your program start date and 15 days after. BSAE will provide updated documentation.

Visa Validity Dates Update

• Your visa will be dated to start 30 days before the program start date and end 15 days AFTER the end date. That said, you can do extra travel without needing to leave the Schengen Zone as previously advised. 

  • IMPORTANT: Still check the visa expiration dates once your receive your documentation back. 

Medical Certificate Update

• Previously, a medical certificate was not needed for stays under 180 days but longer than 90. 

• NEW: As far as we know, a medical certificate is necessary for Boston, Chicago, and Miami. So you should: 

  • Make an appointment with your primary care physician for a checkup/physical. 

  • After the appointment, ensure you receive either: 

1. The template listed on the consulate website with the doctor office stamp, signature, and doctor’s license number.

2. A letter with a letterhead from the office that says you are in good health with their signature and license number.  This should then be translated into Spanish. 

Contact Information 

• 15 Court Square, Suite 520

Boston, MA 02108

• info.boses@blsinterantional.net

• Phone: 516-888-1169

• 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.  

  • • Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.

• Collecting the visa: The visa, passport, and other original documents must be picked up in person from Monday-Friday between 3pm and 4pm within maximum of 2 months. 

Student Visa Requirements

A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:

1. Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University- Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing

2. Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)

3. A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)

4. Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)

Fees

The Consulate General of Spain in Boston accepts cash (exact amount) or Debit/Credit cards 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 $94

Additional mandatory fees: $26 (BLS service charge & SMS fee)

Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there. 

Consulate Specific Notes

• IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment. 

• An original and copy of your passport must be presented. 

• Do not paste/staple your passport photo to your application. 

• You should bring a notarized copy of your proof of residence in the jurisdiction. 

• If your parents are providing financial support, you must bring your birth certificate to show the relation. 

• Be sure you print and sign this disclaimer form. 

• Does not accept emergency passports.

• Place your documents neatly in a folder labeled with your name.

Contact Information 

• 121 W Wacker Dr. Suite 1307

Chicago, IL 60601

• cog.chicago@maec.es

• Jurisdiction: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, & Wisconsin. 

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​.  

  • • Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.

• Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person at the Consular Office in Chicago consulate by the applicant from Monday-Friday between 3pm and 4pm within maximum of 2 months. 

Student Visa Requirements

A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:

1. Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University- Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing

2. Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)

3. A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)

4. Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)

Fees

The Consulate General of Spain in Chicago only accepts cash or debit card (no credit card) as the form of payment for visa applications. All fees are non-refundable.

The current fee for U.S. citizens is $160.

The current fee for non-U.S. citizens is $94.

Additional mandatory fees: $26 (BLS service charge & SMS fee).

Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there. 

Consulate Specific Notes

• IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment. 

• Do not paste your photo on your application. Additionally, do not cut your photo. 

• If your parent is accompanying you OR assuming financial responsibility, you must also provide your original birth certificate and a copy of the parent's ID. 

• If student visa is not listed, you can choose NALCAP. 

• Ensure you include this disclaimer form.

• Provide a notarized copy of US Driver's License and/or student ID.

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 submitted either in person by requesting an appointment here OR by postal mail at BLS Application Center for Spain in Houston.

  • • Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.

• Collecting the visa: You must collect your passport directly from the consulate in person.

Student Visa Requirements

A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:

1. Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University

2. Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)

3. A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)

4. Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)

Fees

The Consulate General of Spain in Houston 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 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 $94

Additional mandatory fees: $26 (BLS service charge & SMS fee)

Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there. 

Consulate Specific Notes

• IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment. 

• Be sure to bring a color copy of your drivers license, state, or student ID. 

• If a parent is assuming financial responsibility, they must provide documentation of kinship. (student's birth certificate and a notarized copy of the parent's ID.)

• Glue photo on visa application.

Contact Information 

• 5455 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #1011

Los Angeles, CA 90036

• info.laxes@blsinternational.net

• Phone: 516-888-1169

• 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.​   

  • • Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.

• 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. This can be done Monday-Friday from 3pm-4pm. 

Student Visa Requirements

A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:

1. Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University - Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing

2. Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)

3. A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)

4. Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)

Fees

The Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles only accepts exact cash or debit card for BLS fees and money order for the visa fee, and all fees are non-refundable. Make the money order out to "Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles".

The current fee for U.S. citizens is $160.

The current fee for non-U.S. citizens is $94

Additional mandatory fees: $26 (BLS service fee & SMS fee) - can be paid in cash or debit at the consulate.

Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there. 

Consulate Specific Notes

• IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment. 

• Do not paste the photo on the form. 

• The original and a notarized 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. 

Contact Information 

• 3191 Coral Way, Suite 611

Miami, FL 33145

• info.miaminational@blshelpline.com

• Phone: 786-329-7199

• Jurisdiction: Florida, South Carolina, & Georgia

Submission

• Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person You must request the appointment here. 

  1. • Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.

• 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:

1. Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University- Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing

2. Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)

3. A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)

4. Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)

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 "Counselor Outsourcing BLS Services", 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 $94

Additional mandatory fees: $26 (BLS service fee & SMS fee)

Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there. 

Consulate Specific Notes

• IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment. 

• Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time. Notarized copy of your passport AND drivers license/student Id. 

• MUST present both original AND copies of remaining documents. 

• Do not paste your photo on the application.

• If you parent is assuming financial responsibility, you must provide you (the student) birth certificate.

Contact Information 

• 55 W 39th St. 18th Floor 

New York, NY 10018

• Info.nyc@blshelpline.com

• Phone: 516-888-1169

• 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.  

  1. • Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.    

• 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:

1. Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University- Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing

2. Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)

3. A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)

4. Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)

Fees

The Consulate General of Spain in New York only accepts exact cash or credit/debit cards as the form of payment for visa applications. All fees are non-refundable.

The current fee for U.S. citizens is $160.

The current fee for non-U.S. citizens is $94.

BLS Service Charge & SMS fee: $26

Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there. 

Consulate Specific Notes

• IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment. 

• Do not glue your photo to the application.

• Submit a notarized color copy of your passport and license/student ID. 

• If a parent is providing financial support, you will need to provide certificates proving kinship with the student (birth certificate) and a copy of  the parent/guardian ID. 

Contact Information 

• 717 Market St. Suite 425

San Francisco, CA 94103

• info.sfoes@blsinternational.net

• 516-888-1169

• Jurisdiction:  Alaska, Northern California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, & US Pacific

Submission

• Place of submission: Applications must be submitted in person You must request the appointment here. 

  1. • Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.

• Collecting the visa: You must return and pick up your passport/visa in person. The consulate will let you know when your documents are available for pickup. 

Student Visa Requirements

A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:

1. Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University- Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing

2. Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)

3. A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)

4. Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)

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 "Consulate General of Spain in San Francisco", and all fees paid are non-refundable. 

The current fee for U.S. Citizens is $160 (money order)

The current fee for most non-U.S. Citizens is $94

BLS Service Charge & SMS fee: $26 (pay with Debit Card)

Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there. 

Consulate Specific Notes

• IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment. 

• Original and copy of Student or State ID. 

• 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. 

• You may glue or paper clip your photo to the application form. 

Contact Information 

• 1660 L Street. NW, Second Floor, 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.

  1. • Arrive 10 mins before your appointment start time, any late arrivals will be asked to return with a new appointment.

• Collecting the visa: The visa must be picked up in person from the BLS office once they notify you via SMS that the visa/documents are ready to be picked up.  Must be picked up one month after notification.

Student Visa Requirements

A list of student visa application requirements can be found on this website. Barcelona SAE will be providing you with:

1. Acceptance letters from both Barcelona SAE and Spanish University- Includes Proof of Accommodation/Housing

2. Verification of Health Insurance (this may also be provided by your home institution)

3. A template letter of Proof of Financial Means (to be completed by you and/or your parents)

4. Medical certificate template (to be completed by a medical doctor to show you are in good health to travel)

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 $94

Additional mandatory fees: $26 (BLS service charge & SMS fee)

Take a look at the "Additional Services" page to see what additional charges may be added on should you choose to use a service while there. 

Consulate Specific Notes

• IMPORTANT: If your documents are incomplete, you will have to make a new appointment. 

• 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. 

• Glue/clip your photo to your application.