Spain Entry at Immigration

[Seawind]

I'm excited about starting my VERY first Camino this September which will be the Norte and after checking visa requirements on my Airline site, it states that I need to list my accommodations when entering Spain/Madrid. Can any of you experienced Camino Pilgrims offer insight on this subject? I will be staying at different albergues along the route.

 

[Grousedoctor]

Immigration/customs will be quick and easy for you. They’ll simply look at your US passport and stamp it. You will NOT be asked for a list of accommodations while in Spain. Sometimes the only annoyance is that if a lot of planes come in at the same time, there might be a bit of a wait in line to clear immigration. Otherwise, it should be a very quick process so you can be on your way. Buen Camino.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

TBH, I haven't had that information requested in over 20 years. I did have to provide it -- last time I can recall -- was 1998...
But if you're concerned, print out a list of every municipal auberge/stop you intend to make.
Customs in Spain is very accustomed to pilgrims arriving...

 

[Stephan the Painter]

I'm excited about starting my VERY first Camino this September which will be the Norte and after checking visa requirements on my Airline site, it states that I need to list my accommodations when entering Spain/Madrid. Can any of you experienced Camino Pilgrims offer insight on this subject? I will be staying at different albergues along the route.

In 2022 when I arrived they asked me where I was staying. That might've had something to do with Covid although the restrictions were over when I arrived.
The other two years I came in no one asked. It's unlikely, but it doesn't hurt to have the name of the first place you're going to stay handy in case customs takes a dislike to you!

 

[Kathar1na]

after checking visa requirements on my Airline site, it states that I need to list my accommodations when entering Spain/Madrid

I am not sure what you read. It sounds as if you misread something. To clarify:

• If you have a US passport you do not need a visa for travelling to Spain. And you do not have to provide a list of your accommodations when you enter Spain at Madrid airport.
  
  
• If you have the passport of a country whose nationals don't benefit from the EU visa waiver program (examples: South Africa, India, many other countries) you must get a visa before you board your plane to Madrid. During the process of application for your visa you will be asked to provide a list of where you stay in Spain.

 

[Lindsay53]

They are more likely to ask the reason for your visit. When you mention the Camino the Spanish authorities will understand.

 

[Seawind]

Immigration/customs will be quick and easy for you. They’ll simply look at your US passport and stamp it. You will NOT be asked for a list of accommodations while in Spain. Sometimes the only annoyance is that if a lot of planes come in at the same time, there might be a bit of a wait in line to clear immigration. Otherwise, it should be a very quick process so you can be on your way. Buen Camino.

Thank you for your prompt reply. All good Information.

 

[Seawind]

In 2022 when I arrived they asked me where I was staying. That might've had something to do with Covid although the restrictions were over when I arrived.
The other two years I came in no one asked. It's unlikely, but it doesn't hurt to have the name of the first place you're going to stay handy in case customs takes a dislike to you!

I think that is wise.....since I will be staying the first night in a hotel in Irun....then on to albergues continuing on. Thank you.

 

[Seawind]

I am not sure what you read. It sounds as if you misread something. To clarify:

• If you have a US passport you do not need a visa for travelling to Spain. And you do not have to provide a list of your accommodations when you enter Spain at Madrid airport.
  
  
• If you have the passport of a country whose nationals don't benefit from the EU visa waiver program (examples: South Africa, India, many other countries) you must get a visa before you board your plane to Madrid. During the process of application for your visa you will be asked to provide a list of where you stay in Spain.

Yes.....I was updating the International Information on the American Airlines for my flight upon entry and it was then, that the accommodation names were requested. That's the only place that I read and was asked to enter such. No worries...my Passport is current and I'm Good to go! Thanks all.

 

[lt56ny]

I don't even remember ever filling out paperwork on the plane. If I did I would always write down the name of an albergue or hostel I saw on Gronze. This year after my arrival in Barcelona I will immediately head up to Jaca. If I have to say where I am staying I will just write the municipal albergue. I have done 8 caminos and each time the customs agent took my passport, looked at my face and stamped it. I was asked a few times my purpose for travel and I said the Camino, (with my backpack on). I think I got a buen camino once.

 

[nickyvee]

Don't worry, It's the Camino season. The hiking backpack and walking stick will be a giveaway. And if asked what your purpose of travel is, then just say you're doing the Camino de Santiago. Buen Camino!

 

[Kathar1na]

I was updating the International Information on the American Airlines for my flight upon entry and it was then, that the accommodation names were requested. That's the only place that I read and was asked to enter such

I am a little confused now and just curious: Reading the thread title and first post I understood it to mean that the question was about personal data information that one might have to provide upon arrival at Madrid airport.

But this clarification makes me think that it is personal data information that a passenger has to introduce into the database of the airline, i.e. API data - Advanced Passenger Information. The airlines have to collect API data by law and transmit it to government agencies, both from their own country and the destination country.

If so, then you enter the data before your flight and that's it. Nobody will ask you about it upon arrival. Buen Camino!

 

[longlost18]

They are more likely to ask the reason for your visit. When you mention the Camino the Spanish authorities will understand.

When we arrived at Madrid immigration, the official looked at us with our backpacks and said “Camino?” “Si.” Then we heard our first “Buen Camino!” After six months of planning and waiting, and 12 hours of flying, I got really emotional hearing that.

 

[howardd5]

I'm excited about starting my VERY first Camino this September which will be the Norte and after checking visa requirements on my Airline site, it states that I need to list my accommodations when entering Spain/Madrid. Can any of you experienced Camino Pilgrims offer insight on this subject? I will be staying at different albergues along the route.

It has never been an issue , just say I’m hiking the Camino, that always been enough

 

[Seawind]

I am a little confused now and just curious: Reading the thread title and first post I understood it to mean that the question was about personal data information that one might have to provide upon arrival at Madrid airport.

But this clarification makes me think that it is personal data information that a passenger has to introduce into the database of the airline, i.e. API data - Advanced Passenger Information. The airlines have to collect API data by law and transmit it to government agencies, both from their own country and the destination country.

If so, then you enter the data before your flight and that's it. Nobody will ask you about it upon arrival. Buen Camino!

I'm thinking you are correct....it was only the API information that was being requested! Thank you.

 

[Seawind]

When we arrived at Madrid immigration, the official looked at us with our backpacks and said “Camino?” “Si.” Then we heard our first “Buen Camino!” After six months of planning and waiting, and 12 hours of flying, I got really emotional hearing that.

As I am....6 months of planning, selecting proper items, staying under 17lbs and training (difficult as it may be in 90 degree FLAT Florida). I'll be as excited as you "hearing" my FIRST Buen Camino!!!!

 

[Curacion59]

I'm excited about starting my VERY first Camino this September which will be the Norte and after checking visa requirements on my Airline site, it states that I need to list my accommodations when entering Spain/Madrid. Can any of you experienced Camino Pilgrims offer insight on this subject? I will be staying at different albergues along the route.

Ok deep breath. It’s all ok.

All visitors outside EU theoretically need to provide evidence that you have resources to fund your visit to Spain. If you are asked, unlikely but it is legally enforceable, all you need to provide is the first night of accomodation in Spain etc. Technically immigration can ask for proof that you have medical insurance for your stay or adequate funds for your trip.

Non EU countries like US and Australia (and others) have bilateral Agreements with EU (and Switzerland etc) that they don’t need a visa for a stay of up to a maximum of 6 months in the EU ( & Switzerland). How strict immigration are on imposing this restriction varies. The consequence of being caught overstaying could be an immigration ban on future travel to the EU.

 

[Ella L.]

Usually just your first night's accommodation is all that is required.

 

[Kathar1na]

I'm thinking you are correct....it was only the API information that was being requested! Thank you.

I wish you an excellent flight and a splendid Camino! I am still a little curious though. Was it actually the address of your first accommodation that you had to enter or just the name of the first town where you plan to stay? I remember vaguely that during the Covid period one had to indicate the first town in Spain that was the first destination of one's trip.

Most of us assume that it is Spain who wants to know. I wonder whether it is actually, or at least also, the US Homeland Security Department. Google their APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) for more info; private passenger data are collected for them by the airlines for both incoming and outgoing flights.

Does everybody on commercial flights from the USA to Spain have to enter details about the first town and first accommodation in Spain into their airline's database? When I go to Britain I am sometimes asked, as a non-national and non-resident, where in the UK I plan to go to and what the purpose of my visit is but it's more a casual conversation without written record and I've never been asked about an address for my accommodation. I can't say anything about Spanish border control ("immigration control") as I am not subject to it. But I'm curious nevertheless.

 

[Aggie79]

Somewhat related, keep a watch on when ETIAS will be implemented for entry. ETIAS is a new “visa-like” requirement to enter EU (Schengen) countries from non-EU countries. Please note implementation has been delayed many times. Currently the website says it will start first half of 2025. As I understand it, the application will be online only, prior to departure from your home country.

 

[WGroleau]

If you have a US passport you do not need a visa for travelling to Spain. And you do not have to provide a list of your accommodations when you enter Spain at Madrid airport.

Confirm: I’ve entered Spain by bus, train, ship, and by air at BCN, BIO, & BCN at least eleven times and never been asked about lodging or plans or income. And for what it’s worth, wasn’t asked when landing in four other Schengen countries. For a bit more details, https://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/179380/proof-of-funds-proof-of-exit

 

[WGroleau]

Ok deep breath. It’s all ok.

All visitors outside EU theoretically need to provide evidence that you have resources to fund your visit to Spain. If you are asked, unlikely but it is legally enforceable, all you need to provide is the first night of accomodation in Spain etc. Technically immigration can ask for proof that you have medical insurance for your stay or adequate funds for your trip.

Non EU countries like US and Australia (and others) have bilateral Agreements with EU (and Switzerland etc) that they don’t need a visa for a stay of up to a maximum of 6 months in the EU ( & Switzerland). How strict immigration are on imposing this restriction varies. The consequence of being caught overstaying could be an immigration ban on future travel to the EU.

The Schengen region is most (not all) of the EU countries and a few non-EU countries. The rule for them is no more than ninety days in any consecutive 180 for citizens of a list of countries that includes USA. Not six months, although there are at least two Schengen countries with treaties that allow US citizens an additional ninety days within that country. But if you take advantage of that, be aware: Ninety days in Schengen countries followed by two or more days in Poland or Denmark is legal for a US citizen, but if you change planes in Paris on the way home, bingo! you become in violation of the 90/180 rule and if the person stamping your passport is finicky or grouchy, you could be banned from Schengen for ten years!

 

[henrythedog]

The ‘where are you staying’ and ‘sufficient funds’ criteria are technical requirements for entry and are not applied other than for a tiny fraction of potential entrants. Most countries have similar provisions - they are there to allow the border staff to stop and question those of whom they have some degree of suspicion whilst they come up with more concrete reasons to review their entry.

Mrs HtD’s best friend used to be in charge of the UK Border Force at one of our largest airports and still can’t help appraising random passers-by whilst we’re out and about. Apparently behaviour and demeanour in the queue for immigration are studied more than you might imagine.

 

[David61]

The UK government website states the following but they apply to any "third states" ie non-EU countries. Note the operative word is "may", as most people commented above they usually do not ask.
At Spanish border control, you may need to show:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of your travel insurance
• you have enough money for your stay - the amount varies depending on your accommodation
• a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if you’re staying at your own property
• an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts.

 

[trecile]

Somewhat related, keep a watch on when ETIAS will be implemented for entry. ETIAS is a new “visa-like” requirement to enter EU (Schengen) countries from non-EU countries.

This has been in the works for years, and is not a visa, but an electronic travel authorization, like the ESTA for the US and the ETA for Canada. The time frame has changed multiple times. Please use the official website for information:

ETIAS

Official EU website on ETIAS, the new travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries. Applications should be filled in this website from mid-2025.

travel-europe.europa.eu

When it finally does go into effect, I'm sure that it will be big news.

 

[ginniek]

Not only was I not asked where I was staying Monday but I was sent to in the European Union line, since it was faster.

 

[emmanuel]

Ok deep breath. It’s all ok.

All visitors outside EU theoretically need to provide evidence that you have resources to fund your visit to Spain. If you are asked, unlikely but it is legally enforceable, all you need to provide is the first night of accomodation in Spain etc. Technically immigration can ask for proof that you have medical insurance for your stay or adequate funds for your trip.

Non EU countries like US and Australia (and others) have bilateral Agreements with EU (and Switzerland etc) that they don’t need a visa for a stay of up to a maximum of 6 months in the EU ( & Switzerland). How strict immigration are on imposing this restriction varies. The consequence of being caught overstaying could be an immigration ban on future travel to the EU.

You mean 90 days.

 

[Kathar1na]

You mean 90 days.

No, the poster did mean 6 months. It is about the bilateral agreements facility. These agreements are international legacy law but still valid. A real evergreen topic on the forum and of no relevance for the OP. Also, the description of this facility in the post is inaccurate.