Spain is known as the second-largest country in the European Union in terms of territory, covering an area of 505,990 km2. It is located primarily on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe and has a population of 46,710,000 people who speak Spanish as their official language.
Spain’s tourism industry is the second-largest in the world, generating approximately 40 billion euros annually. Popular Spanish cities include Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and more.
Do Children Require A Special Schengen Visa?
It’s common for people to feel uncertain about the type of visa their children need when travelling abroad. Many believe their kids require a specific kind of visa, which is not the case. Even I had this misconception when planning my initial trip to Spain.
However, it’s essential to know that when visiting the Schengen Area, you’ll only need to apply for a Schengen Visa for yourself and your children, and there’s no need for a separate visa for your children.
Cost Of Visa
Bullfighting, the tomato festival, Ibiza parties, and flamingos are some of the well-known cultural events in Spain. Cost of a Spanish Schengen visa depends on the age limit of the child and is different for different age groups.
Also Read: Schengen Visa For UAE Residents: How To Visit Schengen Areas From The UAE?
You can expect to pay the following visa fees:
- 80€ for adults
- 40€ for Children of age between 6 – 12
- Free for children younger than 6
General Documents Need For Spanish Schengen Visa Application
When you will apply for a Schengen Visa for your children, you need to keep some specific document requirements in mind. However, let’s start with the essential documents that you will need to submit:
- You need to show proof of your plan to travel back to your home country during your Schengen Visa appointment. You can provide copies of your flight itinerary for visa, return flight ticket or flight reservations. Alternatively, you can use free tools like Atlys flight itinerary & hotel tools.
- You must complete a Schengen Visa Application form with accurate and correct information. I recommend using your passport as a reference when filling in personal details. If you have stepchildren, make sure to use the same surname as mentioned on their passport.
- You must submit two photocopies of your valid passport. The passport should be in good condition and at most 10 years old. It should be valid at least three months before your departure date back to your home country.
- You must provide two recent, colour passport photos that meet the photo requirements.
- You should submit copies of your previous visas. You must also have at least two blank visa pages .
- If you plan to visit your friend or family member, you must attach a letter of invitation with an application form. The letter of invitation should include all relevant information like your friend’s personal details, address, phone number, occupation, etc.
- It would help if you show that you have the enough financial means to support yourself and anyone coming with you while visiting the Schengen Territory. Each Schengen country has its financial requirements. You can check the financial requirements for each country online.
- You must submit a document proving where you will be staying while visiting the Schengen Area. This can be a rental agreement, hotel reservation, or an Airbnb booking.
- You must have valid dummy insurance for visa that covers all medical expenses (including emergency repatriation) and is valid across all Schengen States. The policy should provide a minimum coverage of €30,000 and be valid for your stay.
Processing Time For Visa Application
Typically, a Schengen Visa takes about 15 business days to be processed. However, certain factors can delay the processing time. These factors may include a sudden increase in demand for Schengen Visas at the Embassy, new travel laws being implemented in a country or other political reasons.
Summary
In summary, applying for a Spanish Schengen visa with kids can seem overwhelming at first, but by following the steps outlined in this article, the process can be much smoother.
It is important to plan ahead, gather all necessary documents, and make sure to schedule appointments early to avoid any last-minute stress. With proper preparation and organization, obtaining a Spanish Schengen visa for your family can be a straightforward process.
Recommended: How To Apply For Austrian Schengen Visa From Philippines
If your main destination cannot be determined, you should submit your visa application at the consular office of the country of entry into the EU. Applications must be submitted in person.