Bilbao Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport (EU children may use ID cards if from EU/EEA). Minors under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian, particularly if parents are divorced or separated. This letter should include contact information, travel dates, and destination. If traveling with children who are not your own, bring notarized authorization from parents. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Unaccompanied minors require airline-specific arrangements and documentation. For divorced parents, custody documents may be required.

Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) from EU countries must have: EU pet passport, microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and treatment for Echinococcus (tapeworm) for dogs from certain countries. Pets from non-EU countries need: microchip, rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate issued by official veterinarian within 10 days of travel, and rabies antibody titration test for countries not on EU approved list (test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel). Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial movement. Dangerous dog breeds face restrictions. Airlines have specific pet policies and fees. Guide dogs and assistance dogs have special provisions but still need health documentation.

Tourist stays are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period for non-EU visitors. For longer stays, you must apply for appropriate visa or residence permit before the 90 days expire. Options include: Student visa (for enrolled students), Work visa (requires job offer and employer sponsorship), Non-lucrative residence visa (for retirees/financially independent, requires proof of income around €28,000/year plus €7,000 per dependent), Golden Visa (for property investors over €500,000), or Family reunification visa. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely but should register with local authorities if staying over 3 months, obtaining a registration certificate (certificado de registro). Apply for residence permits at Spanish consulate in your home country before traveling, or at immigration offices (Oficina de Extranjeros) if eligible. Processing times vary from weeks to months.

Business visitors entering visa-free or with Schengen business visa can attend meetings, conferences, and negotiations but cannot work or receive payment from Spanish sources. Bring invitation letter from Spanish company, proof of business relationship, conference registration, or trade show documentation. Multiple-entry Schengen visas available for frequent business travelers. For actual employment in Spain, work visa and permit required before arrival - cannot be obtained as tourist. Digital nomads and remote workers technically need work authorization even if working for foreign companies, though enforcement varies. Freelancers and self-employed need specific visa category. Business equipment may require temporary import documentation (ATA Carnet) for valuable items.

Students from visa-exempt countries staying under 90 days for short courses can enter as tourists. For longer academic programs, student visa required, applied for at Spanish consulate in home country. Requirements include: acceptance letter from recognized Spanish educational institution, proof of financial means (around €600-900 per month), health insurance, clean criminal record, and medical certificate. Student visa typically granted for duration of course. Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) with proper authorization. Visa can be renewed in Spain if continuing studies. EU/EEA students don't need visa but should register if staying over 3 months.

Medical tourists coming for treatment should enter on tourist visa/visa-free entry if stay under 90 days. Bring medical documentation, appointment confirmations from Spanish medical facility, proof of payment or insurance coverage for treatment, and sufficient funds for stay. Some may apply for medical visa for longer treatments. Ensure travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions if applicable. Arrange accommodation near medical facility. Spain is popular for dental work, cosmetic surgery, and specialized treatments. Post-treatment recovery time should fit within authorized stay period.

Passengers transiting through Bilbao Airport to non-Schengen destinations without leaving the international transit area generally don't need visa, though some nationalities require airport transit visa (ATV) even without entering Spain. If changing airports or leaving transit area, normal entry requirements apply. Transit without visa usually allowed for stays under 24 hours in airport. Check if your nationality requires ATV. If collecting luggage and re-checking, you'll pass through immigration. Keep onward boarding pass accessible. Some countries' citizens need Schengen visa even for airside transit.