Apply Spain Schengen Visa from New York, USA - Schengen Visa Itinerary - Flight Itinerary - Hotel Booking

Spain holds a mystical charm for travelers from across the world with its, historical relics, festive atmosphere, natural beauty, and laid-back life, which is far removed from the crazy hustle-bustle of modernization.

To revel in the country’s glorious charm, it is imperative for travelers to have a Schengen Visa as Spain is one amongst 26 countries of the Schengen Zone. The good news is that acquiring a Schengen Visa is very easy and inexpensive, with a global rejection rate never exceeding 9%.

Most of the laws for traveling to Schengen countries from USA are applicable to Spain as well. However, in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Schengen countries have formulated their own independent set of travel restrictions and regulations to keep their citizens safe. In this respect, the Spanish Government announced a ban on US residents to Spain, effective from July 6, 2020, until further notice.

Of course, the global traveler is ever hopeful that the Covid-19 pandemic will soon resolve, and the Spanish government will loosen travel restrictions. So, it is fair to be well-versed with the application process to obtain a Spanish Schengen Visa from New York.

Visa Types

The Spanish Consulate in NY is authorized to process Schengen Visa applications not only from the home state, but those of Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. You can apply for a Short-Stay Visa valid for 90 days or less – which includes Airport Transit Visa – or Long-Stay Visa for stays of more than 90 days.

Both visas serve different purposes of visit. For example, if you are visiting family, friends or relatives, or visiting Spain as a tourist, then you would need a Short-Stay Visa However, if you plan to pursue higher education, or seek employment in Spain, then you will need a Long-Stay Visa.

There are different Governing Authorities for short-stay and long-stay visas. For the former you must apply through the BLS Visa Service for Spain in New York. For the latter, you must apply at the Consulate of Spain in New York.

However, before preparing your application, first ascertain if Spain is indeed your main destination. This can be especially confusing if your proposed trip includes more than one Schengen country. In that case, Spain will be considered as the main destination if your duration of stay is longer than your stay in other Schengen countries. If you are spending equal number of days at each destination, then Spain should be your port of entry to be eligible for a Spanish Visa.

Visa Processing

To initiate Schengen Visa Processing for Spain, visit the official website. Download and print the Schengen Visa Application Form. Forms are available in two languages – English and Spanish. Follow the instructions to fill the various fields.

You can download the application here.

Next, book an appointment to submit the relevant papers and pay the Visa fees. Remember: both application download and appointment booking are free of cost. Only the actual Visa processing is chargeable. For short-stay visas – including ATVs – you can get an appointment through the BLS Spain Visa website itself. Phone calls and in-person appointments are not accepted. For long-stay visas, appointments are directed to the Consulate of Spain. Both Visa types are usually processed within 15 days, but it is safer to apply far earlier, up to 12 weeks in advance, to avoid hiccups in application processing.

Once the appointment is booked and you have received your appointment email validation, it is time to get the paperwork ready. This is what you must carry on the day of appointment.

Duly filled and signed application form with passport size photograph glued in the designated area.
Passport issued within the last 10 years, containing at least 2 blank pages, and valid for 3 to 4 months after completion of the trip.
Green Card or Residence Visa allowing re-entry into the US, valid for at least 3 months after your Spanish Visa expires.
2 passport-sized photographs measuring 2 x 2 inches with front-facing profile of face clicked against a white background.
Proof of accommodation in Spain such as hotel itinerary, hotel reservation, cruise itinerary, etc.
Proof of financial security such as most recent credit card statement or bank statements of the last 3 months.
Proofs of employment / self-employment.
Round trip flight itinerary or dummy flight tickets.
Travel insurance of minimum €30,000.
Minors must carry a letter of authorization/permission from their parents.
Proof of civil status such as marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, or death certificate of spouse.
Proof of financial sustenance during the period of stay in Spain amounting to €583.74 for 10 days, with €64.86 per day for all additional days.

Along with the above, you will also have to submit other papers depending upon your professional status and purpose of visit.

On the day of appointment

On the day of appointment, carry originals and photocopies of the Schengen Visa application form and all documents listed above. Also remember to carry proof of appointment to counter any shocking disparities. Dress formally and arrive before the scheduled time. Timeliness and good dressing are virtues which will win you half the battle! Submit the documents along with the visa processing fee. Also be prepared to be quizzed by the Consular authorities on the purpose of your visit. They will cross-check this with the information you have submitted.

After you complete these formalities, you will receive an Application Tracking Number. Use this number at the BLS Spain Visa website to track the progress of your application. Once the processing is complete, you will be intimated to collect your passport from the BLS Office in NY.

If the visa has been stamped, you can happily proceed to the next phases of your travel plans. However, in the rare chance that you have been denied the visa, you can re-apply or appeal to the Consular decision. The commonest reasons for visa denial are incomplete documentation, factual mismatch, or insufficient proof of finances. Surely, if you can resolve the reason specific to your visa denial, you may still stand a good chance to win the much-awaited visa to Spain next time round!

Make an Appointment

One of the crucial steps after finishing up the application is to make an appointment. We are here to inform all the hopefuls must schedule your appointment starting 180 days before your trip. Visit the office website to make an appointment. We can also help you to make appointment if you are not sure about the process. Just send us an email to help@schengenvisaitinerary.com.

BLS also provides additional services for a very small fee. Services includes Photocopy, Courier, Form Filling, SMS etc. Please find the complete information at the office website.

To Cancel appointment

To Reprint Appointment Letter

To Track Application