Regulations that govern travel to Spain differ depending on the country of origin, the length of stay and the purpose of the visit. Citizens of the United States may visit Spain for personal or business reasons for up to 90 days without a visa, as long as they carry a valid passport that is good for at least 90 days past the end of the visit.
The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that was signed by five of the 10 members of the European Union in 1985, revising the existing border control policies of the individual member nations. The agreement---named for Schengen, Luxembourg, the city in which it was signed---provided for the removal of border restrictions to allow less restricted travel between these nations, which include Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Sweden, Greece, Hungary, Malta, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Slovakia and Luxembourg.
Passport and visa requirements for other countries are generally similar to those that apply to U.S. citizens: A valid passport, which is good for the length of the intended stay as well as for a period of time after the stay, is all that is required to enter Spain. Citizens of some nations may be required to file additional paperwork. Because the United Kingdom opted out of the Schengen Agreement, its citizens may be required to obtain a visa before they are allowed entry into Spain.
Increased concern about child abduction and international terrorism has caused a tightening of some regulations governing travel with children. Accordingly, minors traveling to Spain require additional identification and custody documentation. Minors may travel on their parents' or legal guardians' passports, but if either or both of the parents or legal guardians are not accompanying the minor(s), notarized or authenticated documents of permission to travel must be carried by the adults who accompany them.
Foreign visitors to Spain will need to obtain a "Carta de Invitacion" to travel within Spanish borders, which is a special addendum document required by the Spanish government that can be obtained at any local police facility. It is valid for the entire length of stay that is requested by the visitor when they enter the country.
