Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Spain?
Official Requirement
Visa required
for South Africa citizens travelling to Spain
Passport holders from countries without a visa-free arrangement with the Schengen Area must apply for a Schengen visa before travelling to Spain. A visa or appropriate permit is also required for anyone intending to work, study long-term, or stay beyond 90 days.
Last checked 5 months ago (19 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Embassy Application Only
Spain does not offer online visa applications. You'll need to apply in person at the nearest Spain embassy or consulate. Contact the diplomatic mission for the current document checklist and appointment availability.
Official Spain government page →
Barcelona
The short answer
South African citizens need a visa arranged in advance to enter Spain. A visa has to be obtained before travelling to Spain. This covers tourist and short business visits only, not work, study or residence, and a border officer makes the final decision on entry in every case. Entry rules change without notice, so the requirement is read again from the official source on a schedule and the date above is the last time that happened. The official source for this corridor is linked on this page and should be checked before booking. Where the destination government and the traveller's own government disagree, the destination government decides, because it is the one that writes the rule. Requirements can also differ by the route taken, the purpose of the trip and the length of stay, so read the official page for the exact case rather than the general one. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Spain
- Requirement
- Visa required
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Spain
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Book an appointment at a Spain embassy or consulate. There is no online pathway for this route, so the appointment is the application.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 19 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
Wise
Your bank marks up every ZAR you spend in Spain. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Saily eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Spain.
Instant eSIM — from $3.99
Or unlimited data across 121 countries — from $59.99/mo
- eSIM delivered in minutes
- No SIM swapping or roaming fees
- Trusted by Nord Security
4.6 ★ App Store·4.5 ★ Google Play
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Apply for your Spain eVisa
Official eVisa application — processed in minutes with instant confirmation.
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Spain
Yes. South African citizens need a visa arranged before travelling to Spain. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Spain uses EUR. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →