Please see the “Types of Visas” section for requirements that apply to all visa applications, as well as a simple overview of the aspects of each specific visa.
If you are traveling to Barcelona to scout out the city, get your bearings and try and get a head start on getting set-up, you should be fine coming to visit on a tourist visa. Please see the “Visa” section for more information.This type of visa doesn’t require any special paperwork provided you are from one of the following countries:
Citizens/residents of any EU country, Andorra, Anguilla, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, British National Overseas, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Japan, Korean Republic, Liechtenstein, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, St. Helena, The Cayman Islands, The Falklands Islands, The Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos Islands, Uruguay, USA, Vatican City, Venezuela.
Passports of all these countries (including UK passports) are valid to visit or stay in Spain up to the last day of their validity and/or up to 90 days.
However, if you think your reconnaissance process will require a longer stay (more than 90 days for countries previously mentioned) you will have to look into obtaining a visa and starting the residency process. Depending on your situation (if you are being transferred for work or if you are marrying a Spaniard, for example) you will have to take the necessary steps to start the process. We recommend contacting your local embassy or consulate first, to get the latest information on the visa process for your specific needs.
If you will be traveling with a child or minor, if they are included in the parent’s (your) passport, then they must be accompanied by you. Additionally, a child’s right to travel on the passport will lapse depending on the age stipulated by the issuing country. Please see the passport for details, or contact your corresponding consulate. (Please refer to our consulate and embassy pages to find the latest contact information for your country’s office).
