Spain Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement. Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world and a favourite for New Zealanders.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter Spain without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for NZ citizens for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit is cumulative across all Schengen countries. NZ passport holders use the non-EEA lane or eGates at Madrid Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona El Prat (BCN). The Spanish tourism police (policia turistica) in popular areas may occasionally check ID. ETIAS may be required in the future when it launches. Carry your passport at all times as Spanish law requires identification to be carried.
Spain is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay and at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Spain, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in Spain.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in Spain.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for Schengen travel. Some countries may require it. Should cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Spain: What You Need to Know
Spain is consistently one of the world's most visited countries and a top destination for New Zealand travellers. The country offers diverse experiences: cosmopolitan Barcelona and Madrid, the beaches of Costa del Sol and Mallorca, the history of Seville and Granada, and the unique culture of the Basque Country. Spain is part of the Schengen Area, with NZ citizens able to move freely between Schengen states. The Canary Islands (Spanish territory off Africa) and Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza) are also visa-free under the same arrangement.
How to Get There
Most NZ travellers enter Spain via Madrid or Barcelona, connecting from Singapore, Dubai, or other European hubs. Iberia, Qatar Airways, and Emirates commonly serve the route. Within Spain, the Renfe AVE and low-cost carriers (Vueling, Ryanair) provide fast inter-city options. Buses (ALSA) are cheap for regional connections. The Madrid Metro is one of Europe's best urban transit systems. Ferries connect mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands and to Morocco.
Money & Banking
Spain uses the Euro (EUR). Currently around 1.80-1.90 NZD per EUR. Spain is generally affordable by Western European standards. Barcelona is the most expensive city; Andalucia cities (Seville, Granada, Malaga) are very budget-friendly. Card payments widely accepted, though some small bars and markets prefer cash. A menu del dia (set lunch) at EUR 10-15 offers excellent value. Tipping is modest: rounding up or leaving EUR 1-2 is standard.
Practical Tips
Spain has three major airports: Madrid (central hub), Barcelona (northeast), and Malaga (southern gateway). Budget airlines serve all three heavily. The AVE high-speed rail network is excellent: Madrid-Barcelona 2.5 hours, Madrid-Seville 2.5 hours. Accommodation costs vary dramatically: San Sebastian and Barcelona are expensive while Andalucia and rural Spain are very affordable. July-August peak season brings extreme heat (40°C+) in southern Spain and huge tourist crowds. May-June and September-October are ideal shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Spain?
No. NZ citizens can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement.
What are the most popular destinations in Spain for NZ travellers?
Barcelona (Gaudi architecture, beaches, food), Madrid (Prado museum, Royal Palace, tapas), Seville (flamenco, Alcazar), Granada (Alhambra Palace), San Sebastian (world-class food), the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca), the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria - visa-free as Spanish territory), and Valencia.
How do I book the Alhambra in Granada?
Alhambra tickets sell out weeks to months in advance, especially for Nasrid Palaces (the most visited area). Book at alhambra-tickets.es as early as possible. Tickets include timed entry to the Nasrid Palaces. Unauthorized resellers exist: only buy from the official website or official ticket offices.
How do I get around Spain efficiently?
Renfe AVE high-speed trains are excellent for Madrid-Barcelona (2.5h), Madrid-Seville (2.5h), Barcelona-Valencia (3h). Book far in advance for cheap fares. Budget airlines (Vueling, Ryanair, Iberia Express) are competitive for longer distances. Buses (ALSA) are good for regional connections. Madrid and Barcelona have excellent metro systems.
Is Spain expensive for NZ travellers?
Spain is moderately priced by Western European standards. The menu del dia (set lunch: starter, main, dessert, drink) at EUR 10-15 is excellent value throughout Spain. Andalucia cities (Seville, Granada, Cordoba) are cheaper than Barcelona. Barcelona prices are comparable to Paris. Accommodation in Madrid and Barcelona in summer requires early booking.
What should NZ travellers know about Spanish dining hours?
Spanish dining runs on a late schedule: lunch is 2-4pm and dinner is 9-11pm. Restaurants before 8pm may be empty or not yet open for dinner. Tapas bars serve small snacks throughout the day. Breakfast at a bar (coffee and tostada) costs EUR 2-3.
Do NZ citizens need to carry ID in Spain?
Spanish law requires all non-EU nationals to carry identification at all times. Your NZ passport is the required ID. Keep it secure but accessible. Spanish police (particularly in Catalan tourist areas) do conduct ID checks.
What is the best beach area in Spain for NZ visitors?
Costa del Sol (Malaga, Marbella, Nerja) is the classic Southern Spain beach destination. The Balearic Islands (Mallorca for families, Ibiza for nightlife, Menorca for quiet beaches) are popular. The Costa Brava north of Barcelona has beautiful rocky coves. The Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura) have year-round warmth.