Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Bilbao, Spain

1. Schengen Visa for Spain

Required for non-EU/EEA citizens. Allows travel to all Schengen countries including Bilbao.

Validity Period: Varies from 90 days up to 5 years, depending on the purpose and duration of stay.
Application Process: Involves submitting documents, biometric data, and an interview at a Spanish embassy or consulate.
Processing Time: Typically takes around 15 days but can take up to 60 days during peak season.

For those who wish to visit Bilbao for tourism or leisure purposes. Not required for EU/EEA citizens.

Validity Duration: Varies from 3 months up to a year.
Document Requirements: Includes proof of travel insurance, return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds.
Application Location: Can be submitted at a Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.

For those who wish to work in Bilbao. Requires a job offer from a Spanish company.

Work Permit and Visa: Obtained separately; the work permit is issued by the Ministry of Labor, while the visa is issued by the embassy.
Professional Qualifications: May require additional qualifications or certifications to meet Spanish labor standards.
Work Contract: Must have a valid work contract from the Spanish employer before applying for the visa.

For those enrolled in an academic program in Bilbao. Requires acceptance from a Spanish institution.

Student Visa and Residence Permit: Obtained together; the residence permit serves as proof of enrollment.
Proof of Financial Means: Requires evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses during the study period.
Health Insurance: Must have health insurance coverage for the entire duration of stay in Spain.

For those passing through Bilbao airport en route to another destination. Valid for up to 5 days.

Flight Connection: Requires a connecting flight within the Schengen area, with the transit taking place at Bilbao airport.
Document Requirements: Includes proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, and valid travel documents for the final destination.
Application Location: Can be submitted at a Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.

Allows EU/EEA travelers to present digital proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result.

Certification Requirements: Meets the requirements set by the European Union for interoperable digital health certificates.
Use of Certificate: Accepted as proof of COVID-19 status when entering public spaces, such as restaurants and museums.
Obtaining the Certificate: Varies by country; check with your local health authority for specific requirements.

For those who wish to live in Bilbao long-term. Requires a valid work or family connection.

Permit Type: Offered as a temporary or permanent residence permit, depending on the length of stay.
Document Requirements: Includes proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record.
Application Process: Submitted at the Spanish immigration office or consulate, with regular renewals required.

Required for stays longer than 3 months in Bilbao. Verifies your address and purpose of stay.

Form Submission: Must be submitted within 7 days of arrival at the Spanish immigration office.
Document Requirements: Includes proof of accommodation, health insurance, and financial means.
Renewal: Must be renewed every year or when address changes.

Required for travelers coming from infected areas. Proves vaccination against yellow fever.

Validity Duration: Certificates are valid for 10 years.
Yellow Fever Risk Areas: Certain countries in Africa and South America have a high risk of yellow fever transmission.
Exemptions: Infants under 9 months, those with proof of vaccination within the last 10 years, or those traveling through affected areas without staying overnight are exempt.

For those traveling with pets to Bilbao. Requires a pet passport and relevant vaccinations.

Pet Passport: Contains the pet's identification, vaccination history, and microchip details.
Vaccinations: Includes rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior to travel.
Health Certificate: Requires a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel.

Expected to be implemented in 2024; will require pre-registration for travelers from non-EU/EEA countries.

Pre-Registration: Will involve providing personal and travel information through an online application.
Fee: A small fee will be charged for the ETIAS, yet to be determined.
Processing Time: Expected to take minutes to process, unlike the visa application which can take weeks.

For traveling parents with children under 18. Requires relevant documents to prove parental relationship.

Required Documents: Includes birth certificate, consent from non-traveling parent, or court order.
Unmarried Parents: May require additional proof of paternity, such as a declaration from the child's other parent.
Adoption: Requires a final adoption decree and relevant documents for international adoptions.

Required for most types of travel to Bilbao. Covers medical expenses and repatriation costs.

Minimum Coverage: Typically covers €30,000 worth of expenses but may vary depending on the type of visa.
Covered Expenses: Includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation costs.
Providers: Can be purchased from various insurance providers that meet Spanish requirements.

For charging electronic devices in Bilbao. Uses the Europlug adaptor type F.

Type of Adaptor: Uses two round pins, unlike the Type A or B plugs used in North America.
Power Voltage: The voltage is 230V, so devices designed for lower voltages may require a converter.
Frequency: Operates at 50 Hz; ensure your device can handle this frequency to avoid damage.

Subject to change based on the pandemic situation. Check the Spanish health authorities' website for updates.

Vaccinated Travelers: May be exempt from testing or quarantine requirements.
Recovered Travelers: May need to provide proof of recovery within the past 6 months.
Testing and Quarantine: Requires a negative PCR test result before departure and possibly upon arrival, along with quarantine if positive or unable to provide proof of vaccination or recovery.