Hotel booking for a Spain Schengen visa
Applying for a short-stay Schengen visa for Spain? Here's what to prepare for the accommodation part of your file, and how to get a real reservation without prepaying.
What the consulate expects
Spain follows the common Schengen rules: applicants usually show proof of accommodation for the whole stay, most often hotel reservations in their name. The official requirements and document checklists are published by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the visa centre that handles your application may add its own checklist.
- Your name exactly as in the passport.
- Every night of the stay covered, matching your flights.
- Hotel name, address and a booking reference.
Where to book in Spain
Most visitors stay in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and Málaga. Book the cities in your itinerary for the nights you'll be there. Barcelona and the coast get busy in summer; free-cancellation rates can have earlier deadlines in high season, so time the booking close to your appointment.
Ready to book?
A real, cancellable reservation for your Spain visa, from $12.
Staying with a host
If you'll stay with a private host in Spain, they can apply for a carta de invitación through the police; it takes time, so start early. If part of your trip is with a host and part in hotels, include documents for both.
Step by step
- Enter your stay. Destination, dates, number of guests and your name exactly as in your passport.
- Pick a hotel. We show real hotels with rooms available on your dates and a free-cancellation rate.
- Pay for the service. $12 for one reservation or $29 a month for Unlimited. You don't pay the hotel.
- Get the booking reference and voucher. Usually within a minute, on screen and by email, with a PDF you can print or upload.
The reservation is held for 48 hours. You can extend it once, free, up to 14 days after booking (or shortly before the hotel's free-cancellation deadline, whichever comes first). After that it is cancelled free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a hotel booking for a Spain visa?
Proof of accommodation for the whole stay is usually required: hotel reservations, a host invitation, or both. Check the checklist of the consulate or visa centre where you apply.
Does the booking have to be prepaid?
Generally no. A reservation with free cancellation is a normal hotel booking.
My appointment is in three weeks. When should I book?
Book shortly before the appointment, then extend the hold once, free, if you need it active for longer (up to 14 days after booking).