Do Spanish citizens need a visa to visit the United States?

No, Spanish citizens do not need a traditional visa for tourism or business trips to the United States. However, they must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling, which is an electronic travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA allows stays of up to 90 days and must be approved before departure.

Can Spanish passport holders work anywhere in the European Union?

Yes, as EU citizens, Spanish passport holders have full freedom of movement and the right to work in all 27 EU member states without requiring work permits or visas. This right extends to Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein (EEA countries), and Switzerland. Spanish citizens can live, work, study, and retire in these countries with minimal administrative requirements.

Is military service mandatory for Spanish citizens?

No, mandatory military service in Spain was abolished in 2001. Spain now maintains an all-volunteer professional military force. Spanish citizens are not required to perform military or alternative civilian service, though voluntary enlistment is available for those who wish to pursue a military career.

Which countries require Spanish passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Spanish passport holders must obtain a visa in advance for 16 countries including Afghanistan, Algeria, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (Rep.), Eritrea, Ghana, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Sudan, Turkmenistan, and Yemen. Additionally, countries like Russia, India, China (for stays beyond visa-free transit), and Cuba require e-visas or traditional visas arranged before travel.

Can Spanish citizens travel to the UK visa-free after Brexit?

Yes, Spanish citizens can still travel to the United Kingdom visa-free for tourism and short stays. However, starting in 2025, they must obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling, similar to the US ESTA system. The ETA is required for stays up to 6 months for tourism or business. For work or study, appropriate visas are required.

Do I need a visa to visit Australia or Canada with a Spanish passport?

Spanish passport holders do not need a traditional visa but must obtain electronic travel authorization before visiting these countries. For Australia, an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or eVisitor is required. For Canada, an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is mandatory for air travel. Both authorizations are applied for online, typically approved within minutes to days, and allow multiple entries for tourism or business.

What are the visa-on-arrival options for Spanish passport holders?

Spanish passport holders can obtain visas on arrival in 27 countries including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Madagascar, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Requirements vary by country but typically include a valid passport (6 months validity), return tickets, proof of accommodation, and visa fees payable at the port of entry.

How long does it take to renew a Spanish passport and what documents are needed?

Spanish passport renewal typically takes 2-4 weeks when applied for in Spain, and 4-8 weeks when processed through Spanish consulates abroad. Required documents include: the current or expired passport, completed application form (solicitud de pasaporte), recent passport photo meeting biometric standards, proof of Spanish nationality (DNI or birth certificate), and payment of the fee (approximately €30 as of 2025). Appointments are usually required and can be booked online through government portals.

Can Spanish passport holders travel to China visa-free?

Yes, but with limitations. As of 2025, Spanish passport holders can visit China visa-free for transit stays up to 144 hours (6 days) in certain cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, or for tourism purposes under specific bilateral agreements for stays up to 15 days. For longer stays, work, or study, a visa must be obtained in advance from a Chinese embassy or consulate. Requirements and eligible cities change periodically, so verification before travel is recommended.

Spain Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 188 Countries

The Spanish passport ranks 4th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations worldwide. As one of the most powerful travel documents, it has consistently maintained a top-5 position since 2006, reaching its peak at rank 1 in 2024 with access to 194 countries. Spanish citizens enjoy exceptional global mobility, making it highly valuable for international business, tourism, and relocation opportunities across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond.

Global Rank

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

188

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Spain passport

145

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Spanish Citizens

Popular destinations where Spain passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Japan	Up to days	JP
Singapore	Up to days	SG
Thailand	Up to days	TH
United States	Up to days	US
Mexico	Up to days	MX

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Spain passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

145 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

27 countries

🔐 ETA Required

16 countries

💻 E-Visa

22 countries

❌ Visa Required

16 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Spain's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Maintained stable ranking from 2006 to 2025

Official Spain Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Passports

🔗

Spanish Ministry of Interior - DNI and Passports

🔗

Spanish Police - Passport Appointments

🔗

Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Travel Recommendations

🔗

Spanish Consulates Information

Compare Spain Passport with Other Passports

See how Spain's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Spain (You are here)	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Switzerland	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Germany	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100
Finland	#5	187	95/100	80/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Spanish passport holders can access 188 countries and territories without a prior visa. This includes visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, and electronic travel authorization destinations. Spain currently ranks 4th globally on the Henley Passport Index, having previously reached 1st place in 2024 with 194 visa-free destinations.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Spain's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Spain Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 188 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Historical Ranking Trend

Spain's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Maintained stable ranking from 2006 to 2025

Compare Spain Passport with Other Passports

See how Spain's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Spain (You are here)	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Switzerland	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Germany	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100
Finland	#5	187	95/100	80/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Spain passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Spanish Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Spain's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Spain Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Spain Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Spanish passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Do Spanish citizens need a visa to visit the United States?

Can Spanish passport holders work anywhere in the European Union?

Is military service mandatory for Spanish citizens?

Which countries require Spanish passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Spanish citizens travel to the UK visa-free after Brexit?

Do I need a visa to visit Australia or Canada with a Spanish passport?

What are the visa-on-arrival options for Spanish passport holders?

How long does it take to renew a Spanish passport and what documents are needed?

Can Spanish passport holders travel to China visa-free?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Spain passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Spanish Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Spain's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Spain Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Spain Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Spanish passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Do Spanish citizens need a visa to visit the United States?

Can Spanish passport holders work anywhere in the European Union?

Is military service mandatory for Spanish citizens?

Which countries require Spanish passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Spanish citizens travel to the UK visa-free after Brexit?

Do I need a visa to visit Australia or Canada with a Spanish passport?

What are the visa-on-arrival options for Spanish passport holders?

How long does it take to renew a Spanish passport and what documents are needed?

Can Spanish passport holders travel to China visa-free?

Explore More Passport Rankings