The ranking of the Spain passport is significantly important, both in terms of prestige and diplomatic power, as it occupies a high position. This clearly shows the country’s strength.

Spain, one of Europe’s oldest countries and located on the Mediterranean coast, ranks third in the passport ranking. This high position indicates the definite strength of the Spanish passport. You can find answers to all your questions about this in our content.

What is Spain’s Position in the Global Passport Ranking?

The Spain passport ranks third, clearly showing the country’s strength in many different aspects. Citizens holding a Spanish passport can travel to 191 countries without any visa issues. However, there are some details to note:

• 12 different countries provide eTA visas, which are electronic in nature.
• 30 countries provide visas on arrival and at entry points for Spanish citizens.
• Additionally, 149 countries never request visas from those holding this passport.

This situation is a significant convenience and advantage for those who hold the Spanish passport.

What are the Types of Spanish Passports?

In our article on Spain passport ranking, it’s also necessary to know what types of passports are available. Let’s list them:

• The normal passport, also known as “Ordinario,” is used by Spanish citizens for both business and leisure travel abroad. To obtain it, all required documents must be completed and submitted to the official state institution.
• Another type of passport provided by the Spanish government is known commonly as the collective passport. It is intended for group travels. It can cover only a single trip or event. The maximum validity period accepted is 3 years.
• The “Pasaporte Diplomático,” a high-ranking and prominent diplomatic passport, is issued to diplomats, their couriers, and their families, as well as government officials.
• Lastly, there’s also an official passport, known as “Pasaportes Oficiales y De Servicio.” This is intended for individuals officially representing Spain or its government during travels to foreign countries.

What is the Design of the Spanish Passport?

Given that the Spanish passport consistently ranks third, it is undoubtedly very powerful. This passport is issued not only to citizens residing within the borders of Spain but also to those living in the Balearic Islands, Melilla, Ceuta, and the Canary Islands. Therefore, its use is widespread.

The Spanish passport comes in various colors and types, with the standard version being red. The Spanish state’s name is written on it in Spanish, and the royal coat of arms is also a prominent feature of the design. Additionally, as Spain is a member of the European Union, those who obtain this passport have the right to move and travel freely within the European Economic Area.

The passport now standardly includes a special chip. This feature, first introduced by the state in 2006, ensures security. The current version of the chip used in passports is 3.0, updated in 2015, and considered very successful in terms of security. The passport can be issued for 5 or 10 years, and the fee requested is 30 Euros.

Although the passport contains a chip, the owner’s information is clearly and writtenly expressed, which is a great convenience and advantage. The validity period is also written. Those wishing to obtain a passport must first decide on its type and then submit all requested documents and papers through official state departments. The process usually concludes within a few weeks, after which the passport is sent to the address.

Which Countries Can Be Visited Visa-Free with a Spanish Passport?

Countries that do not require a visa for the Spanish passport: Given the high ranking of the Spanish passport, the number of countries that can be visited without a visa by those holding this document is quite substantial, totaling 149 countries.

Countries including Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cayman Islands, Denmark, East Timor, Dominican Republic, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Armenia, Estonia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Morocco, Fiji, Finland, France, Greenland, South Africa, Croatia, Netherlands, Honduras, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Switzerland, Cyprus, Kyrgyzstan, Colombia, Kosovo, Lesotho, Latvia, Luxembourg, Hungary, Moldova, Nicaragua, Norway, Uzbekistan, Poland, Portugal, Saint Lucia, Senegal, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, St. Helena, St. Maarten, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Thailand, Taiwan, and more do not require visas from Spanish citizens.

Countries Offering Visa-on-Arrival for Spanish Passport Holders:

The visa-on-arrival system is also in place. Its main feature is that applications made under this system are never rejected. Looking at the countries with this system, we find:

Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Togo, Oman, Jordan, Zimbabwe, Maldives, Egypt, Mauritania, Nepal, Niue, Rwanda, Seychelles, Cambodia, Qatar, Comoros, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malawi, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Iraq.

Countries Providing eTA for Spanish Passport Holders:

eTA, a document similar to an electronic visa and recently drawing attention, is also irreversible. Thus, Spanish citizens can complete their travels without any obstacles or problems.

Countries such as Guam, Canada, Northern Mariana Islands, Norfolk Island, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, the United States, American Samoa, and Australia are known for having this system.

Which Countries Require Visas for Spanish Passport Holders?

Countries requiring online visas for the Spanish passport: It’s important to know that some countries always require a visa. Some of these countries request online visas, and they include Cameroon, Kenya, Myanmar, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Russian Federation, Uganda, Djibouti, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Benin, Bhutan.

Countries that require a visa for the Spanish passport: Despite the high ranking of the Spanish passport, there are countries that require permission or, in other words, a visa from holders of this passport. Therefore, Spanish citizens must apply for a visa before traveling to these states.

Countries such as the Central African Republic, Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Yemen, Eritrea, Ghana, Congo, Cuba, Afghanistan, Chad, Algeria, China, Equatorial Guinea are prime examples. Therefore, it is necessary to apply for a visa in accordance with all rules before traveling to these countries.