Recently planning a trip to the Iberian Peninsula, I researched the visa policies of Spain and Portugal and want to share some practical information with everyone. Both countries belong to the Schengen area, so obtaining a Schengen visa from either country allows free movement throughout the entire Schengen zone with visa appointment booking.
Visa Type Selection
If your itinerary is mainly in Spain, it’s recommended to apply for a Spanish visa; if your Spain Portugal visa journey is primarily in Portugal, apply for a Portuguese visa. If you’re staying equal time in both countries, choose the country you’ll enter first. Remember, the Schengen visa principle is to apply in the country where you’ll stay the longest.
Essential Document Checklist
Document preparation is the most crucial step - nothing can be missing. Here’s the basic document checklist:
| Document Name | Specific Requirements |
|---|
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months, minimum 2 blank pages |
| Photos | Recent color passport photos (2 pieces), 35mm×45mm |
| Application Form | Completely filled and signed |
| Insurance | Medical insurance coverage minimum 30,000 euros |
| Financial Proof | Bank statements, deposit certificates, etc. |
Special reminder: All documents not in English or the target country’s language require certified translation.
Application Process Steps
First, book an appointment online for document submission, then prepare all required materials. On submission day, you must appear in person for biometric data collection. The days when you could use an agent are over - personal appearance is now mandatory.
Processing time is typically 15 working days, which may extend to 30 days during peak travel seasons. It’s recommended to start preparing 1-2 months in advance to avoid last-minute rushing. Regarding fees, short-term Schengen visa costs 80 euros, approximately 600 RMB.
Practical Advice
From my experience, the most problematic areas are financial proof and itinerary planning. Bank statements should show stable income, with a recommended balance of at least 50-100 euros per day. For accommodation bookings, choose options with free cancellation so there’s no loss if the visa is rejected. Additionally, having entry/exit records from other European countries will significantly improve your Spain Portugal visa processing approval rate.
