Spain Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi passport holders require a Schengen visa for Spain. Applications are made at the Spanish Embassy in Riyadh or through VFS Global. The fee is EUR 80. Spain attracts Saudi visitors for its art, architecture, cuisine, beaches, and shopping. Madrid and Barcelona are the main entry cities.
Saudi Arabia passport holders require a visa to enter Spain.
Apply at VFS Global (Spanish Visa Application Center) in Riyadh or Jeddah. Standard Schengen document set required: passport, photos, application form, EUR 80 fee, travel insurance, hotel bookings, return flight, bank statements, employment letter. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks.
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
Schengen Visa Application Form
Completed and signed form submitted to the Spanish Embassy or VFS Global Spain in Saudi Arabia.
Valid Saudi Passport
Valid for at least 3 months after intended departure from Schengen Zone, with at least 2 blank pages.
Passport Photos
Two recent biometric photos (35x45mm) on white background.
Bank Statements (3 months)
Showing adequate funds for your stay (guideline: EUR 50 per day).
Employment Letter
From Saudi employer confirming position, salary, and approved leave.
Travel Insurance
Minimum EUR 30,000 medical and repatriation coverage valid across the Schengen Area.
Hotel Bookings
Confirmed accommodation for all nights in the Schengen Zone.
Round-trip Flight Itinerary
Confirmed outbound and return flight reservations.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to Spain: What You Need to Know
Spain is a popular Schengen destination for Saudi tourists, combining world-class museums (the Prado, Reina Sofia, Guggenheim Bilbao), distinctive architecture (Gaudi's Sagrada Familia), excellent cuisine, and Mediterranean beaches. Andalusia (Seville, Cordoba, Granada) holds particular appeal for Saudi visitors given its deep Moorish heritage and the Al-Hambra palace.
Spain processes Schengen visa applications for Saudi nationals through the Spanish Embassy in Riyadh and VFS Global centers in Riyadh and Jeddah.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Madrid (MAD) is approximately 6.5 hours with Saudia or Iberia direct. Jeddah (JED) to Barcelona (BCN) operates seasonally with direct charters. Otherwise connect via Madrid or via other European hubs.
Money & Banking
Spain uses the Euro (EUR). Spain is moderately priced by European standards, cheaper than France or Switzerland for comparable experiences. Barcelona hotels run EUR 120 to EUR 300 per night. Spain is excellent value for dining and nightlife.
Practical Tips
The Alhambra in Granada is one of the most visited sites in Europe. Book Alhambra tickets well in advance online as they sell out weeks or months ahead.
Barcelona Gaudi Circuit: The Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Batllo are UNESCO-listed and require advance ticket booking.
Halal food: Spain has a growing halal restaurant scene, particularly in Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada. In Granada's Albaicin neighborhood (near the Alhambra), Arabic-influenced teahouses and halal restaurants cater to Muslim visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi nationals need a Schengen visa for Spain?
Yes. A Schengen visa is required for Saudi nationals entering Spain. Apply at the Spanish Embassy in Riyadh, the Spanish Consulate in Jeddah, or via VFS Global. The fee is EUR 80.
How do I book Alhambra tickets as a Saudi tourist?
Book tickets online at alhambra-patronato.es. The Nasrid Palaces (the most important section) tickets are limited and sell out weeks or months in advance, especially in summer. Book as early as possible. The ticket includes the Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces, and Generalife gardens. Entry time for the Nasrid Palaces is fixed.
What are the best cities to visit in Spain for Saudi tourists?
Madrid (museums, nightlife, day trip to Toledo), Barcelona (Gaudi architecture, beaches, food), Granada (the Alhambra), Seville (Real Alcazar, Flamenco), Cordoba (the Mezquita), and the Canary Islands (beach resorts with direct winter flights) are the most popular destinations for Gulf visitors.
Is the Great Mosque of Cordoba (Mezquita) open for Muslim prayer?
The Mezquita is now a Catholic cathedral and is primarily open as a tourist site. Non-Muslim visitors may enter for a fee. There is a small area designated for Christian worship. Muslim prayer within the Mezquita is not officially permitted, though the building is deeply significant in Islamic history. The nearby Masjid Yusuf Ibn Tashfin is a modern mosque for Muslim visitors.
What direct flights operate between Saudi Arabia and Spain?
Saudia operates nonstop flights from Riyadh (RUH) to Madrid (MAD). Jeddah to Barcelona may have seasonal direct charters. Otherwise, connections via other European hubs or Doha (Qatar Airways to Barcelona and Madrid) are the standard options.
What is the Halal food situation in Spain?
Halal restaurants are available in major Spanish cities with significant Muslim immigrant communities. Madrid's Lavapies neighborhood and Barcelona's Raval and Besòs areas have halal restaurants. Granada's Albaicin neighborhood (near the Alhambra) is historically the Moorish quarter and has Arabic teahouses and halal restaurants.
Does a Schengen visa for Spain allow travel to other Schengen countries?
Yes. A Schengen visa issued for Spain allows entry to all 27 Schengen member states during the visa's validity period. If you plan to spend more nights in another Schengen country than in Spain, apply at that country's embassy instead.