How Long Can Americans Stay in Spain?

Americans can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Here's what you need to know about entry requirements, tracking your days, and options for staying longer.

Planning a trip to Spain? The short answer is that Americans can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. But there's more to it than that simple number, especially with recent changes to European border systems.

Spain is part of the Schengen Area, which means your time there counts toward a shared limit across 29 European countries. Understanding how this works can save you from unexpected problems at the airport or, worse, fines and future travel bans.

The Short Answer: 90 Days in 180 Days

According to the Spanish Consulate, US citizens can visit Spain for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without needing a visa. This applies to tourism, business meetings, visiting family, or short-term studies.

Here's the catch: this isn't 90 days in Spain specifically. It's 90 days total across the entire Schengen Area. So if you spend two weeks in France, a month in Italy, and then head to Spain, all of that time counts toward your 90 days.

The 180-day period is also a "rolling" window, not a calendar-based one. Immigration officials look back 180 days from any given day to see how many days you've spent in the Schengen zone.

What You Need to Enter Spain

The US State Department lists the following requirements for entering Spain:

Valid US passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area, plus one blank page for stamps
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or invitation letter from host)
Return or onward travel ticket showing you'll leave within 90 days
Proof of financial means if border officials ask

Financial Requirements

Spanish border officials may ask you to prove you have enough money for your stay. The current requirements are:

Minimum €118 per day (roughly $125)
For stays of 9+ days: At least €1,065 total (roughly $1,125)

Acceptable proof includes cash, traveler's checks, or credit cards with recent bank statements. Note that bank letters or online-only statements may not be accepted.

New Border Systems: EES and ETIAS

If you haven't traveled to Europe recently, you'll notice some changes at the border.

Entry/Exit System (EES)

As of October 2025, the EU's Entry/Exit System started rolling out at European borders. This means your biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) will be collected when you enter and exit the Schengen Area. The system is designed to replace passport stamps and automatically track how long visitors stay.

ETIAS (Coming Late 2026)

Later in 2026, Americans will also need to register through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before visiting. This is not a visa, but a travel authorization you'll apply for online before your trip. It's expected to cost €20 and be valid for three years.

Neither of these systems changes the 90-day limit. They just make tracking easier for border officials.

A Warning for Students and Athletes

The State Department specifically warns that students and athletes face stricter requirements. If you're traveling to Spain for a study program or athletic competition, you typically need a visa even for short stays.

People have been detained at Madrid airport for not having the correct visa. If you're participating in any organized program, check the specific visa requirements with the Spanish consulate before booking your flight.

Tracking Your 90 Days

The 90/180 rule can get confusing, especially if you're making multiple trips to Europe throughout the year. Remember:

Days in any Schengen country count (France, Germany, Italy, Greece, etc.)
You need to look back 180 days from any point, not from a fixed calendar date
Time in the UK, Ireland, Croatia, or Cyprus does NOT count toward your Schengen days

If you're planning multiple trips, consider using a tool to track your days. Our free Schengen calculator can help you figure out how many days you have left. For ongoing tracking, the Days Monitor app automatically calculates your remaining days based on your travel history.

Want to Stay Longer? Your Visa Options

If 90 days isn't enough, you have a few options. You cannot simply extend your stay within the Schengen Area. You'll need to either leave the zone and wait for your days to reset, or apply for a long-stay visa before your trip.

Digital Nomad Visa

Spain introduced a Digital Nomad Visa in 2023 for remote workers. You'll need to show income of at least €2,800 per month from work for non-Spanish clients or employers. The visa is initially valid for one year and can be extended.

Non-Lucrative Visa

If you have passive income (retirement funds, investments, etc.) of at least €26,000 per year, you may qualify for a Non-Lucrative Visa. This visa doesn't allow you to work, but it lets you live in Spain long-term.

Other Options

Student visas are available for those enrolled in Spanish educational institutions, and work visas require a job offer from a Spanish employer. Note that Spain's Golden Visa program (which offered residency through real estate investment) was discontinued in April 2025.

What Happens If You Overstay?

Overstaying the 90-day limit is taken seriously. According to SGM Legal Spain, consequences can include:

Fines ranging from €501 to €10,000 depending on how long you overstay
Entry bans to the Schengen Area lasting 6 months to 5 years
A record in the Schengen Information System that can affect future visa applications

Spain has historically been somewhat lenient, often issuing fines rather than deportations for minor overstays. But with the new Entry/Exit System tracking exact dates automatically, accidental overstays will be much easier to detect.

Planning Your Spain Trip

For most American travelers, 90 days is more than enough for even an extended vacation. The key is knowing the rules and tracking your days if you're making multiple trips.

Before you go, make sure your passport has enough validity, book refundable accommodations until you're sure of your plans, and keep records of your entry and exit dates. If you're planning a longer stay, start researching visa options well in advance since the application process can take several months.

For help keeping track of your days, try our free Schengen calculator or download the Days Monitor app for automatic day tracking on your iPhone.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Visa requirements and immigration policies can change. Always verify current requirements with the Spanish Consulate or US State Department before traveling.