Spain is one of the most popular Schengen destinations from Saudi Arabia: Madrid and Barcelona in summer, and Andalusia for history lovers. Its embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah receive applications through BLS International centres, not the unified visa centre used by other countries. This guide covers the steps and documents for citizens and residents, and tips that make a Spain file consistent the first time.

When should you apply to the Spanish embassy?

Apply to Spain if it is your only Schengen destination, the country where you will spend the longest time, or your first point of entry if the stays are equal. Example: a 10-day trip with 7 days in Spain and 3 in Portugal means applying to Spain. But if most of your nights are in France, the right embassy is the French one.

How to apply for a Spain visa

1. Open the BLS website for Spain in Saudi Arabia from the link on the Spanish embassy’s website.
2. Register an account and book an appointment at the centre that serves your city.
3. Fill in the application form with details exactly as in your passport, then print and sign it.
4. Attend your appointment for biometrics, handing in your file and paying the fees. Every applicant aged 12 and over attends in person for fingerprints.
5. Track your application with your reference number until you collect your passport.

Since April 2025, the BLS centre in Riyadh has moved to Al Andalus Mall on Olaya Street, so check the current address on the BLS website before your appointment. Jurisdiction between the embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah is divided by region, so check which centre serves your city before booking.

Documents required for a Spain visa

• A passport valid for 3 months after your return and issued within the last 10 years.
• The application form and a recent photo.
• National ID and family register, or a valid iqama for residents.
• A salary certificate or commercial register, and a recent bank statement.
• A return flight reservation and a hotel booking for every night in every city.
• Travel medical insurance with €30,000 cover valid in all Schengen countries.
• A day-by-day itinerary, especially if you will visit more than one city such as Madrid, Barcelona and Málaga. Use our day-by-day Spain itinerary.

Documents issued in Arabic may need translation into English or Spanish, and the application form itself is accepted in English or Spanish only. Check the centre’s current list for your category before your appointment.

Fees and processing time

The official fees are €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to under 12, and free for children under 6, paid in riyals at the approved exchange rate, plus the BLS service fee. Processing usually takes 15 days and can extend in peak season. Details are in our guide to Schengen visa fees.

Tips for a consistent Spain file

• Book early: Spain appointments fill up quickly before summer, so start at least two months before you travel.
• Match cities and dates: every city in your itinerary needs a hotel booking for the same nights, with transport between cities by high-speed train or domestic flight.
• Check your main country: if you add Portugal or France, count your nights so Spain stays the longest.

Frequently asked questions

Does Spain require translated documents?

It may require Arabic documents to be translated into English or Spanish; check the centre’s list before your appointment.

Can I get a multiple-entry visa from Spain?

Yes. Saudi citizens are eligible for a 5-year visa from their first application. Details are in our 5-year Schengen visa guide.

Do residents of Jeddah apply only in Jeddah?

Usually at the centre linked to the consulate responsible for their region; check the BLS website to be sure.

Do VFS centres accept Spain applications?

No. Spain works through BLS International in Saudi Arabia.

Sources

• The Spanish Embassy in Riyadh (exteriores.gob.es)
• BLS International – Spain visas in Saudi Arabia
• EU Visa Code 810/2009