Travel Visa Information

Please review the following visa and travel guidance carefully to help ensure your travel to Barcelona is smooth, organized, and stress-free.

IMPORTANT – Apply Early

International participants who require a visa to enter Spain or the Schengen Area are strongly encouraged to begin the visa application process as early as possible. We recommend applying at least three to six months prior to the Conference.

Processing times and appointment availability at Spanish Consulates and Visa Application Centers may vary significantly by country and season. Delays are common during peak travel periods.

Participants should consult their local Spanish Embassy or Consulate for the most current visa requirements, appointment availability, and processing times.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Spain?

Spain is part of the Schengen Area. Travelers from many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and many others, may enter Spain and the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, conference attendance, or business travel.

Participants from countries that are not visa-exempt must apply for a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) prior to travel.

Please note:

  • Your passport should generally be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
  • Your passport should have been issued within the last ten years and contain at least two blank pages.
  • Border authorities may request proof of:
    • conference registration or invitation
    • hotel accommodations
    • return or onward travel
    • sufficient financial means
    • travel medical insurance (if applicable)

ETIAS Travel Authorization

The European Union’s ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is expected to become operational in late 2026. At this time, ETIAS is not yet required for travel to Spain.

Once implemented, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to complete an online travel authorization prior to entering the Schengen Area.

We recommend checking official EU travel websites closer to your departure date for the latest updates.

Visa Application Information

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and country of residence. Participants should consult the Spanish Embassy or Consulate serving their region for official instructions and application procedures.

Helpful resources:

  • Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information
  • Spanish Embassies and Consulates Worldwide
  • Schengen Visa Information
  • European Union Travel Information

It is the responsibility of each participant to determine whether a visa is required and to obtain all necessary travel documentation prior to departure.

Entering Spain and the Schengen Area

Upon arrival in Spain, travelers may be asked to present:

  • A valid passport or travel document
  • A valid Schengen visa (if required)
  • Proof of conference registration or purpose of travel
  • Hotel confirmations or accommodation details
  • Return or onward flight information
  • Proof of sufficient financial means
  • Travel medical insurance documentation (if required)

Please ensure that all travel documents are easily accessible during your journey.

Visa Invitation Letter

A visa invitation letter is available upon request and will be issued on a case-by-case basis for registered participants.

To request a visa invitation letter, please email oarsi@oarsi.org with the subject line:

“Visa Invitation Letter Request”

Please include the following information:

  • Full name (as it appears on your passport)
  • Professional credentials/title
  • Institution/company
  • Mailing address
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Passport nationality
  • Date of birth

Please note that invitation letters are intended to support visa applications only and do not guarantee visa approval.