El toro, The Sagrada Familia, Flamenco, paella, Tomatina Festival, Don Quixote, olive trees, Gaudi, Park Güell, Casa Batllo… All these values belong to Spain and everybody all around world visit here just to see these beauties. If you also want to visit this country, but don’t know how to get a visa for Spain, you’re at the right spot. Keep reading our article to learn how to apply for a Schengen visa for Spain. Let’s dive into the subject with some historical information!
The History of Spain
Before mentioning the steps of how to get visa of Spain, let’s enlighten our horizons with the information about this beautiful city. As you might guess, Spain is a country with a rich and diverse history, located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Its cultural and historical landscape has been shaped by various civilizations, from ancient Iberian tribes to the modern Spanish Kingdom, making it one of the world’s most culturally vibrant and historically significant nations. The earliest inhabitants of Spain were the Iberians, followed by the Celts and Phoenicians, who established trade outposts along the coast. In 218 B.C., Spain was conquered by the Roman Empire, which had a profound influence on the region’s infrastructure, language, and culture. The Romans introduced advanced engineering, including aqueducts, roads, and amphitheaters, remnants of which still exist today. Latin, the language of the Romans, evolved over centuries to become modern-day Spanish.
Spain’s 16th and 17th Century
Spain’s 16th and 17th centuries, known as the Siglo de Oro or Golden Age, were marked by incredible achievements in art, literature, and architecture, with figures like painter Diego Velázquez and writer Miguel de Cervantes. However, by the 18th century, Spain’s influence began to wane due to wars, economic challenges, and colonial losses. By the early 19th century, Spain had lost most of its overseas empire, signaling the end of its era as a global superpower.
Spain’s 20th Century
When we come to 20th century, the country was turbulent, marked by the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) and the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, which lasted until his death in 1975. After Franco’s rule, Spain transitioned to a democracy and became a constitutional monarchy under King Juan Carlos I. This period of modernization brought Spain into the European Union in 1986, helping transform it into a prosperous nation with a robust economy and strong ties to Europe.
Spain Today
Today, Spain is known for its cultural diversity, regional identities, and vibrant traditions. It is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with King Felipe VI as the head of state and a democratic government. Each of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions has its unique customs, dialects, and traditions, from the flamenco of Andalusia to the Basque Country’s distinct language and cuisine. Spain’s historic sites, from the Alhambra to the Sagrada Família, draw millions of visitors each year, making it one of the world’s most popular travel destinations.
Spain Visa Application
The first step on how to get a Spanish visa, is the application process. If you want to get Spain visa from Turkey, you shuld know that the process for applying for a Spain visa in Turkey involves several steps. Here’s a general overview to guide you through it:
- Visa Type: Short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C): For tourism, business, family visits, or other short trips (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). For stays longer than 90 days, such as studying, working, or residing in Spain, you should apply for long-term visa.
- Documents: Each visa type has specific document requirements, but commonly needed basic visa documents, which you will see in the next parts of this article.
- Submit Application: Spain visa applications are processed by BLS International, a visa outsourcing service in Turkey. You need to make an appointment to submit your documents and biometric data like fingerprints.
- Appointment: Arrive with all required documents, including originals and copies. Ensure that you have all documents organized, as any missing paperwork may delay the process.
- Visa Collection: The processing time for a Schengen visa is usually about 15 calendar days, though it may take longer in peak seasons or if additional documents are requested. Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a notification to collect your passport from the BLS center or, if you selected a courier service, have it delivered.
- Fees: The standard fee for a Schengen visa changes according to the age, but it is free for children under six. Note that there may be additional service fees.
Requirements for Spain Visa
The documents you need to get ready for the application procedure are as follows:
- Visa application form: Filled out and signed.
- Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond the planned stay, with two blank pages.
- Photographs: Passport-sized and in color, meeting Schengen specifications.
- Travel itinerary: Flight reservations, travel plans, and any hotel bookings.
- Travel insurance: Proof of insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation up to a certain amount across the Schengen area.
- Financial proof: This is one of other important requirements for Spain visa Bank statements, salary slips, or a letter from an employer to show financial stability.
- Additional documents: Invitation letter, proof of purpose (like work or study acceptance), or similar paperwork if needed.
