What you should know about visas and documents before travelling to Spain for a football programme, depending on how long you stay.
One of the first questions families ask is whether their child needs a visa to train in Spain. The answer depends on two things: how long the stay is and the player's nationality.
Stays of up to 90 days (1 to 3 months)
Spain is part of the Schengen area. Citizens of many Latin American countries —such as Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile or Uruguay— can enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Other nationalities do need a Schengen visa even for short stays, so always check with the consulate.
For these stays you are usually asked for:
- A valid passport.
- A return ticket.
- Travel medical insurance.
- An invitation letter or confirmation of the programme and accommodation.
- Sufficient funds for the stay.
Bear in mind that the European Union plans to require ETIAS, an electronic travel authorisation for travellers who are currently visa-exempt. Check the official information before buying tickets.
Stays longer than 90 days
Longer programmes require a student visa from the Spanish consulate in your country before travelling. It usually requires enrolment at a school, medical insurance, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds and, for minors, additional authorisations. Processing times vary, so we recommend starting at least two or three months in advance.
Minors
If the player travels without their parents, they will need a notarised travel authorisation signed by both parents and, depending on the country, additional exit formalities. This is where we see the most mistakes.
How we help
At VC Sports, guidance on documents is included in every programme: we advise you according to your country of origin, give you a step-by-step document checklist, help you prepare the application and support you until the trip is confirmed.
This information is for guidance only and does not replace checking with the consulate or the relevant official website: requirements may change.
Questions about your specific case? Leave your details and we will advise you with no obligation.