United States Visa RequirementsFor Spain passport holders
Spanish passport holders can travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days. An ESTA authorization ($21) is required before travel.
Spain passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to United States.
Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before your trip. The fee is $21 USD (a $4 travel promotion fee plus a $17 authorization fee), payable by credit or debit card. Most applications are approved instantly, but allow up to 72 hours. Your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and covers multiple trips. ESTA does not guarantee entry: a CBP officer makes the final decision at the port of entry.
Entry Requirements
Blank Pages
1 blank page required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport (e-passport with chip required), approved ESTA, return or onward ticket, no previous visa denials or immigration violations, and ability to demonstrate ties to Spain.
Overstaying voids your ESTA permanently. You will be barred from future VWP travel and may face a 3-10 year entry ban. All future visits require a visa interview.
Current Travel Situation
Spain to United States: What You Need to Know
Spain has been a member of the US Visa Waiver Program since 1991, reflecting decades of NATO alliance and deep cultural ties between the two countries. Spanish-speaking culture has profoundly shaped the United States: Spanish was spoken in what is now the American Southwest and Florida centuries before US independence. An estimated 700,000 Spanish nationals live in the US, and millions of Americans claim Spanish ancestry. Madrid Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona El Prat (BCN) offer some of the most extensive transatlantic route networks in Europe. Iberia, Air Europa, and Level all connect Spain to US cities. Spanish nationals holding a non-VWP second passport must use their Spanish passport for ESTA.
How to Get There
Iberia and American Airlines (codeshare) fly nonstop from Madrid (MAD) to New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), and Boston (BOS). Air Europa flies MAD to JFK and MIA. From Barcelona (BCN), Level (IAG) flies to Los Angeles and other US cities; Vueling connects to hubs with US onward flights.
Money & Banking
The US uses the US Dollar (USD). Cards are universally accepted. Tipping is a firm cultural obligation in the US and very different from Spain where service is included in prices: tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, a few dollars for taxis and hotel housekeeping. Carry some USD cash. Exchange Euros at the airport or use ATMs on arrival.
Practical Tips
Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before your flight. The 90-day limit is firm. If you plan to visit multiple times per year (Spain-US routes are very frequent), note that CBP officers may question repeated entries close together. Carry proof of financial means and return travel. Do not use ESTA for work: any paid employment requires a separate work visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Spanish citizens need a visa for the USA?
Spanish citizens can travel visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program using ESTA. Apply online at least 72 hours before departure. ESTA costs $21 and is valid for 2 years, allowing stays up to 90 days per visit.
Do Spanish citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
No. Spain has been part of the US Visa Waiver Program since 1991. Spanish passport holders can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, but must have an approved ESTA before boarding.
What is ESTA and how do I apply?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a pre-screening system for visa-free travel to the US. Apply through the official CBP website only. You'll need your passport details, travel itinerary, and payment card. Most applications are approved within minutes.
How do Spanish citizens apply for ESTA?
Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Complete the form, pay $21, and receive authorization, usually within minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days with ESTA?
No, the 90-day limit under the Visa Waiver Program cannot be extended under any circumstances. To stay longer, you must leave the US and cannot immediately return to reset the clock. For longer stays, apply for an appropriate visa before travel.
What nonstop flights operate from Spain to the United States?
Iberia flies nonstop from Madrid (MAD) to New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), and Boston (BOS). Air Europa flies MAD to JFK and MIA. Level (IAG) flies from Barcelona (BCN) to LAX.
What happens if I overstay my ESTA?
Overstaying is serious: your ESTA is permanently voided, you'll be barred from future visa-free travel, and may face a 3-10 year entry ban. All future US visits will require a visa interview where your overstay will be questioned.
How long can Spanish citizens stay in the United States on ESTA?
Up to 90 days per visit. The stay cannot be extended under VWP status.
How much money should I bring to the US?
Budget $100-150/day minimum for accommodation, food, and transport. Cities like New York and San Francisco are significantly more expensive. Credit cards are preferred almost everywhere, but carry some cash for tips and small purchases.
Can Spanish citizens work in the United States on ESTA?
No. ESTA is for tourism, transit, and business meetings only. Paid work requires a US work visa.
Does ESTA guarantee entry to the United States?
No. An approved ESTA allows boarding; a US CBP officer makes the final admission decision at the port of entry.
What happens if a Spanish citizen overstays 90 days in the US?
Overstaying is a serious violation leading to deportation, permanent VWP ineligibility, and serious difficulties obtaining future US visas.
I travel to the US frequently from Spain. Can CBP question my frequent visits?
Yes. CBP officers may ask questions if you make frequent or lengthy visits. Be prepared to explain your ties to Spain (job, family, property) and why you return regularly. Keep your entries within 90 days each.
Spain Embassy
Embassy in Washington D.C.
Main 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
+1 202-452-0100
Consulate general in New York
150 East 58th Street, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10155
+1 212-355-4080
Consulate general in Miami
2655 Le Jeune Road, Suite 203
Coral Gables, FL 33134
+1 305-446-5511
Consulate general in Los Angeles
5055 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 860
Los Angeles, CA 90036
+1 323-938-0158
Consulate general in Chicago
180 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60601
+1 312-782-4588
Consulate general in Houston
1800 Bering Drive, Suite 660
Houston, TX 77057
+1 713-783-6200