Spain Schengen Visa Documents: Complete Checklist for UK Applicants 2026

Applying for a Spain Schengen visa from the UK requires submitting documents exactly as requested by the Spanish Consulate and BLS International. Incomplete or incorrect documents are one of the most common reasons for refusal.

This checklist is based only on the official Spain (BLS London) tourism visa checklist and should be followed strictly.

If you are applying for a Spain Schengen visa from the UK, this checklist will help you prepare everything correctly before your appointment.

Complete Document Checklist

Below is the full list of documents required for a Spain Schengen visa application submitted in the UK.

Passport Requirements

Your passport is the foundation of your application and must meet all Schengen validity rules.

• Issued within the last 10 years

• At least 2 blank pages

• Valid for a minimum of 3 months after leaving the Schengen area

• Original passport plus one photocopy of the bio page

If the passport is damaged or does not meet these conditions, the application may be rejected before review.

Visa Application Form

Spain requires the official Schengen visa application form to be completed correctly and signed. You should fill it while booking an appointment.

• Official Schengen visa application form

• All sections completed

• Signed by the applicant

Unsigned or partially completed forms are one of the most common technical rejection reasons.

Photo Requirements

Your photo must follow Schengen biometric standards exactly.

• 1 recent passport-size photo

• White background

• Taken within the last 6 months

Photos that do not meet size or background rules are often rejected at the BLS counter.

Proof of UK Residence

Only applicants who can legally prove UK residence are allowed to apply from the UK.

• Printed UK immigration status

• UKVI share code

• Status must be valid at the time of application

Without valid UK residence proof, the application cannot be accepted.

Employment or No-Objection Letter

Spain requires confirmation of your current status and permission to travel.

• Letter from employer, school, or university

• Dated and signed

• Confirms your role and approved leave (if applicable)

This document helps demonstrate strong ties to the UK.

Financial Proof

Applicants must clearly show they can financially support their trip to Spain.

• Minimum £100 per person per day

• Minimum £905 per person regardless of trip length

• Last 3 months of bank statements

• Sponsorship allowed only with notarised sponsorship letter and sponsor's documents (as bank statements, payslips, and proof of your relationship with a sponsor).

Insufficient or unclear financial evidence is a leading cause of refusals.

Travel Documents

You must show clear plans for entering and leaving Spain.

• Round-trip transport reservation (flight, train, bus, or ferry)

• Entry and exit dates clearly visible

Fully paid tickets are not mandatory, but reservations must be realistic.

Accommodation Proof

Spain requires confirmed accommodation for the entire stay.

• Hotel booking covering all nights

• OR official Carta de Invitación issued by Spanish police

Handwritten invitations are not accepted under Spanish visa rules.

Travel Medical Insurance

Insurance is mandatory for all Spain Schengen visa applicants as required by EU Schengen regulations.

• Minimum coverage of €30,000

• Valid in all Schengen countries

• Covers medical treatment and repatriation

Policies missing repatriation coverage are commonly rejected.

Minors (If Applicable)

Additional documents are required for applicants under 18.

• Birth certificate

• Parental consent documents

• Copies of parents’ passports

All non-UK or non-EU civil documents must be legalised or apostilled where required.

Document Preparation Tips

To avoid delays and rejections:

1. Bring originals and copies of all documents to your BLS appointment

2. Use bank statements from UK banks only

3. Check all dates are consistent across your itinerary, insurance, and accommodation

4. Ensure signatures are in place on the application form

5. Verify your share code is valid and matches your passport details

How Visard Helps You Book Faster

Having perfect documents means nothing if you cannot get an appointment.

Many UK applicants wait weeks for a BLS Spain appointment during peak seasons. Visard monitors BLS appointment availability every 3 seconds and alerts you when slots open.

This helps you submit your application earlier and reduces the risk of missing your travel dates.

Conclusion

A complete and accurate document set is essential for Spain Schengen visa approval. Pay special attention to Spain-specific requirements like the Carta de Invitación for private stays and stamped bank statements for financial proof.

Prepare all documents according to this checklist, apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel, and double-check everything before your appointment. Visard helps UK residents find Spain visa appointments quickly, so you can focus on preparing documents rather than waiting months for a slot.

FAQ Section

Do I need original documents at BLS Spain?

Yes. You must bring originals and copies of all required documents to your BLS appointment.

Can I apply with online bank statements?

Yes, bank statements from online apps are accepted.

Is a handwritten invitation letter accepted for Spain?

No. Spain strictly requires the official Carta de Invitación issued by the Spanish police.

Who makes the final visa decision?

BLS International only collects documents and biometrics. The final visa decision is made by the Consulate General of Spain in London.