Applying for a Spanish schengen visa from the UK

Planning a trip to Spain from the UK? Unless you are a British passport holder, you will need to apply for a Spanish Schengen visa in the UK.

The process isn't complicated, but it does require you to prepare a tonne of documents and get ready for the appointment itself. Learn how to apply with our step-by-step guide and use a Wise account to pay for your visa application fees using the mid-market exchange rate.*

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Table of contents

Who needs a Spanish Schengen visa? Do you need a visa for Spain with a UK BRP card? What documents do you need for a Spanish Schengen visa? Applying for a Spanish Schengen visa from the UK Step 1: Decide where to apply Step 2: Choose the right visa type Step 3: Fill in the application form Step 4: Book your visa appointment Step 5: Collect your documents Step 6: Attend your appointment Step 7: Wait for a decision Step 8: Collect your passport Tips to improve your Schengen visa application for Spain Which agencies can assist with Schengen visas? Making a Spanish Schengen visa appointment in the UK How to pay for your Spanish Schengen visa Save on application costs and avoid exchange rate mark-ups Don't let the Schengen visa costs stop you in your tracks

Who needs a Spanish Schengen visa?

If you're interested in short trips, keep in mind that British passport holders can enjoy visa-free travel for short trips, up to 90 days in any 180-day period¹, for tourism, business, or family visits. However, if you're planning to stay longer, study, work, or settle in Spain, you'll need the appropriate visa before you travel.

Exceeding the 90-day limit can result in fines and bans on re-entry, so it's very important to check your travel dates.

There's also been one important update for nationals of countries that are exempt from Schengen visas and plan to visit for less than 90 days.

In 2026, they will be required to apply online via the European Travel Information and Authorization System and fill out the dedicated ETIAS form².

Do you need a visa for Spain with a UK BRP card?

The UK BRP card or UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) has now been replaced with an eVisa. An eVisa does not exempt you from needing a visa to enter Spain.

This eVisa only confirms your right to live and work in the UK, but it doesn't replace a Schengen visa. If your nationality requires a visa to enter the Schengen Area, you'll still need to apply for a Spanish Schengen visa from the UK, regardless of your eVisa status.

This means that if you plan to stay longer than 90 days in the Schengen area, or your nationality requires a visa to enter these countries, the eVisa is not enough.

Whether you need a visa depends on your passport, not your visa status. If your nationality doesn't allow visa-free travel to the Schengen Area, you'll need to apply for a visa before your trip.

What documents do you need for a Spanish Schengen visa?

Getting your paperwork sorted is one of the most important parts of the visa process. But don't worry because it's pretty easy once you know what's needed.

The documentation you'll need varies depending on factors such as your nationality, country of origin, and the purpose of your trip.

There are over a hundred countries that don't have an EU visa waiver agreement, including China, India, Russia, and more³ each with specific requirements for the application process.

Let's have a look** at the list of essential documents**⁴ you'll need in most cases when applying for a Spanish Schengen visa from the UK, plus a few tips to make sure everything's good to go:

• Completed visa application form, signed and printed, one per traveller
• A passport issued in the last 10 years, valid for at least three months beyond your visit with at least two blank pages
• Two recent passport-sized photos (colour, light background, face uncovered)
• UK eVisa (residence permit)
• Travel insurance to cover at least €30,000 for emergencies and be valid across all Schengen countries
• Round-trip flight or travel bookings and proof of stay e.g. hotel reservations or a Schengen invitation letter with the host's details
• Proof of funds such as bank statements (usually last 3–6 months), payslips, or a sponsorship letter showing you can support yourself (around €70/day for longer trips)
• Proof of occupation or ties to the UK (employment letter, student enrolment, or pension statement)
• Fee payment proof (typically €90 for adults) to be paid at the appointment
• Additional documentation for business travellers about their operations
• Cover letter (optional but helpful) to explain your travel plans and return intent.

A few more things to keep in mind – first of all, your documents should be in English or Spanish. If they're not, you might need a sworn translation⁴.

Most visa centres ask for bank statements from the last three months, but some may request six. And make sure your eVisa is valid for at least 30 days after you plan to leave the Schengen Area!

Applying for a Spanish Schengen visa from the UK

For those planning a trip to sunny Spain, getting your visa sorted is one of the first steps.

While it’s not in the top ten easiest Schengen visas to get from the UK, if you follow the process step-by-step, it isn't too complicated.

Here's how it all works⁵ when applying from the UK – from booking your Spain Schengen visa UK appointment to picking up your passport.

Step 1: Decide where to apply

When it comes to the application process, you should apply at your nearest BLS International visa centre⁴. You shouldn't go directly via the Spanish consulate (unless in special situations like urgent medical needs). When booking, make sure it's through the official BLS site. Don't fall for third-party sellers – they're not legit.

Step 2: Choose the right visa type

Next, you should pick the correct visa for your trip – tourism, business, study, or other. Most travellers get the short-stay Schengen visa for up to 90 days.

Step 3: Fill in the application form

You can complete the form online or download the PDF, then print and sign it. Just make sure your details match exactly with your supporting documents (for instance, name, passport number).

Step 4: Book your visa appointment

Log in to the BLS portal, choose your visa type, pick a convenient date and time, and pay the service fee. Appointments fill up fast, so you should ideally book 3–4 weeks ahead.

Step 5: Collect your documents

Gather all essentials, such as the completed form, passport, photos, BRP, travel insurance (€30,000 medical cover), travel bookings, accommodation proof, proof of funds, and a cover letter (if helpful).

Step 6: Attend your appointment

It's important to arrive on time with your documents. BLS staff will check everything, take your biometrics (photo and fingerprints), and collect the visa fee, which is usually €90 (about £78).

Step 7: Wait for a decision

Processing usually takes up to 15 calendar days, but it can stretch to 45 in complex cases. You can apply 6 months before your trip, but you should do it at least 15 days before travelling.

Step 8: Collect your passport

Once your passport is ready, you'll be notified. You can pick it up in person or choose the optional courier service (which is around £24.95).

Tips to improve your Schengen visa application for Spain

The visa application process seems really stressful. People can easily get stuck or delayed simply because they miss a document or rush through the process.

The best part is that a bit of planning will help you keep everything in order. When you take the time to stay organised and follow all the steps and rules, your chances of getting that visa approved go way up.

Here are a few simple tips to help you feel confident and avoid the common mistakes that trip people up:

• Apply early on, and don't leave everything up to the last minute
• Always run a double-check on all the paperwork to be sure everything's complete, up to date, and matches across the board
• Think about bringing the extras because a short cover letter explaining your travel plans and ties to the UK can make a good impression
• Answer all questions truthfully, and only provide genuine documents
• Have proof that you'll return, and include job letters, school enrolment, or anything that shows you have a reason to come back to the UK
• Make sure you're presenting your documents clearly and in order

Which agencies can assist with Schengen visas?

If you'd rather avoid handling everything on your own (there's always a chance of forgetting something important), there are a few trusted agencies in the UK that can help with your Spanish Schengen visa journey.

Keep in mind that each agency offers slightly different levels of support including application assistance, help managing appointments, checking documents, taking biometrics, and returning your passport via courier.

Here’s a list of agencies so you can pick the one that works best for you:

• BLS International (official partner of the Spanish consulate in the UK)
• Schengen Visa Ltd
• Scott's Visas
• Skytravel Global

Making a Spanish Schengen visa appointment in the UK

If you're applying for a Spanish Schengen visa, your first move is to book an appointment. with BLS International (or your agency of choice). As we've mentioned before, you'll need to:

1. Visit the BLS website
2. Select your region (e.g. London, Manchester, Edinburgh etc.)
3. Register your details
4. Choose the visa type
5. Pick an available slot.

It’s important to note that if you're travelling with family or a group of people, individual appointments need to be made and you may need to have your biometric information taken.

Appointments can get snapped up quickly, especially in summer.

If you don't see any slots, keep checking for cancellations, try a different city, or consider using services like VisaBot⁶ to alert you when openings appear.

Remember if the process feels overwhelming or schedules are fully booked, visa assistance agencies (like those listed earlier) can handle the booking for you - sometimes even with fast-track options.

Just be sure to go through recognised providers to avoid third-party resellers or unauthorised appointment sellers.

How to pay for your Spanish Schengen visa

The fee for an adult short-stay Spanish Schengen visa is usually €90, and it's payable in person at your BLS appointment.

Payments are accepted in euros, either in cash or using a debit/credit card, and sometimes a bank transfer is an option, depending on the centre.

However, some centres also charge a service fee (typically an additional £24–30) for handling the appointment and submission. Once that's paid, you'll be all set.

Save on application costs and avoid exchange rate mark-ups

The Spanish visa payments are in euros, and that's where things can get a bit pricey, especially if your bank adds extra charges or uses a poor exchange rate. Suddenly, that €90 visa ends up costing more than it should.

With a Wise account, you can pay your visa fees in euros using the mid-market exchange rate for a low, transparent fee*, and not a marked-up rate that some banks often apply.

That means more of your money goes towards your trip, not hidden fees. It's a simple way to keep more of your money, especially when every penny counts.

Even better? Wise isn't just handy for paying your visa fee. You can also use the Wise multi-currency card to hold and convert money in over 40+ currencies, and to spend worldwide in 150+ countries, including Spain.

Whether you're heading to Barcelona for the beaches, Madrid for the art, or Seville for the tapas, Wise can help you pay with ease and confidence, just like a local. It's a great travel companion for future trips, too, and helps you have a smoother experience from the start.

Learn more about the Wise card 💳

Don't let the Schengen visa costs stop you in your tracks

Sure, things can get pricey fast if your bank adds extra fees or uses a poor exchange rate. That's why it makes sense to pay with Wise. Wise doesn't give you any mark-ups or hidden surprises. Since you're applying from the UK, that small switch could mean big savings.

In essence, planning a trip to Spain shouldn't include any stress, even when paperwork's involved. With the right prep and tools like Wise to help you save along the way, you'll be one step closer to enjoying your jamón, beaches, and sunshine.

Sources used in this article:

1. VisaRequirements.info - visa requirements for Spain
2. European Union - ETIAS information
3. AXA Schengen - Schengen visa requirements
4. Exteriores.gob.es - Spanish consulate list of essential documents
5. Schengen Travel Guide - Spanish visa appointments
6. Visabot - visa appointment alert service

Sources last checked on 7-Aug-2025