Barcelona
Mediterranean beaches meet Gaudí's surreal architecture and Catalan culture.
- Sagrada Família (book months ahead)
- Park Güell
- Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
- Tapas tour in El Born
🇪🇸 Destination guide
Spain
Sun, tapas and the unmatched architecture of Gaudí and the Moors.
Visa fee
€90
Processing
15 calendar days
Apply earliest
6 months before departure
Currency
Euro (€)
Visa application
Getting your visa for Spain
Where to apply
Spanish Consulate in your country (often via BLS International)
Submitted through: BLS International in most countries
When to apply
Earliest: 6 months before departure
Latest: at least 15 days before departure
Processing time
15 calendar days
Always plan with a 2–4 week buffer to be safe.
Fee
€90 for adults (€45 children 6–12, free under 6)
Service-provider fees (VFS, BLS, TLS) are extra.
Country-specific tips
- Spanish consulates accept hotel bookings via Booking with free cancellation.
- If staying with a family, an official 'carta de invitación' from the host is required.
- Spain accepts travel insurance from any reputable EU/global provider, but check it's specifically valid for Schengen.
- Be ready to show proof of return flights — not just an itinerary.
Official source: Spanish Foreign Ministry
Travel guide
Exploring Spain
Best time to visit
March–June and September–October. July and August are very hot, especially in the south.
Language
Spanish (Catalan in Barcelona, Basque in the north)
Daily cost
€80–€140 — Spain is one of the better-value Western European destinations.
Currency
Euro (€)
Top cities & regions
Madrid
Spain's elegant capital — world-class art museums and a famously late dinner culture.
- Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen museums
- Retiro Park
- Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel
- Day trip to Toledo
Seville & Andalusia
Moorish palaces, flamenco, orange trees — the soul of southern Spain.
- Alcázar of Seville
- Plaza de España
- Day trip to Córdoba's Mezquita
- Granada's Alhambra (book very early)
Practical tips
- Spaniards eat late — lunch at 14:00, dinner at 21:00.
- Siesta (afternoon closures) still common in small towns.
- Renfe high-speed trains (AVE) connect Madrid–Barcelona in 2.5 hours.
Other destinations
Explore more Schengen countries
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