TIE HoyVisiting Spain with an invitation letter: entry documents
For third-country short visits under general entry rules: separate lodging proof, visa duty and the passport/stay conditions.
What does the invitation letter cover for your trip?
It proves private lodging; it is not a visa or residence permit and does not guarantee entry.
Check visa duty using your nationality and any valid visa or residence document.
If a visa is needed, use your competent consulate’s checklist and original/copy rules.
What passport and stay limits apply?
The passport must have been issued within 10 years before entry and remain valid 3 months after planned departure from the Member States.
Short stays are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period across Schengen.
Check your dates against Interior’s entry rules.
Choose the visa or visa-free path
Visa-required visitors apply before travelling. Visa-free visitors skip that application but still prepare the short-stay entry documents.
- If a visa is needed, use the competent consulate’s list for minors and parental authorisations.
- For travel without a visa, check the minor’s actual departure and entry requirements.
Funds and return travel to document
Where economic proof is required, calculate it using current gross SMI; the applicable residence or study document can change this requirement.
- Maintenance: 10% gross SMI × stay days × persons supported; minimum 90% gross SMI per person, regardless of trip length.
- Cash, certified or travellers’ cheques, or a card with up-to-date bank evidence of available funds; the official page excludes Internet bank statements.
- For return or onward travel, prepare named, non-transferable, confirmed tickets; a proposed itinerary does not replace them.
- Check the applicable exemptions and proof rules in Interior’s document requirements.
What to do
Check eligibility and dates, then prepare the travel documents.
Bring
- Passport
- Issued invitation letter
- Visa or residence document relevant to entry
- Itinerary and prior Schengen entry/exit records
- Evidence of funds
- Named, non-transferable return/onward tickets with confirmed dates
Steps
- Check visa requirements or exemptions using nationality and your valid visa or residence documents.
- If a visa is needed, open your consulate’s checklist and follow its original/copy requirements.
- Calculate prior Schengen stays and the planned trip against the 90/180 limit.
- Check passport issue date and validity through 3 months after planned departure.
- Prepare proof of purpose, sufficient means for the stay and return, and return/onward travel evidence.
Basis
Letter = lodging proof (PRE); entry ≤90/180 days under Schengen rules (Interior); visa obligation and originals per competent consulate, not one worldwide checklist.