Citizens of the United States can visit Spain for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business. Those staying longer or studying require a national visa, which can take up to 15 weeks to complete. The visa application process involves 10 steps, including obtaining fingerprint records from the FBI, which alone can take 15 weeks. Applicants must submit their completed application in person at a Spanish diplomatic mission along with application fees and criminal background check results. Most visa decisions are made within 30 days of application.

1. How Can I Get a Visa to Go to Spain?
Citizens of the United States may visit Spain on tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Those staying longer or studying in Spain require visas. Some of the
requirements for obtaining a national visa take up to 15 weeks to complete. For this reason, begin the visa process immediately when anticipating a stay of over three months or
for the purpose of study. There is no rush or expedited service for the longest segment of the process, so begin at once.
How to Apply for a Visa
Step 1
Obtain the four-page national visa application document. Read it thoroughly to anticipate what data is required for completion of the form.
Step 2
Make an appointment with a notarial service to submit a letter to the U. S. Embassy requesting a letter of authorization for obtaining a set of roll-inked fingerprint impressions,
which you need in order to get a criminal records check from the FBI.
Step 3
Contact a local police department for fingerprinting once your letter of authorization arrives.
Step 4
Submit a written request for a criminal records check to the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services office. Include your name, date and place of birth, official fingerprints and
payment. Payment should be made by money order or certified check. This step can take up to 15 weeks, according to the U. S. Department of State. If you have no criminal
record, you receive a report stating that information.
Step 5
Check the expiration date on your passport. Apply for a renewal, if needed.
Step 6
Answer the national application visa form. Collect the data required, which includes your expected contact information in Spain, including address of residence. Contact the
Spanish Diplomatic Mission for clarification on any points you need assistance.
Step 7
Photograph yourself for the visa application. Have two copies printed.
Step 8
Locate the nearest Spanish Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office.
Step 9
Appear in person at a Spanish Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office to submit your national visa application. Take your completed application, application fee, completed FBI
criminal records report.
Step 10
Wait for notification of visa acceptance. It is usually 30 days or less. You will need to appear in person to collect your visa.