If you plan to travel to Spain with family? Traveling with kids is fun however very challenging especially on visa applications. If you are applying for a Spain visa from Dubai, it is important to know the documents and requirements needed in order to make the process simple. Preparation can go a long way in avoiding delays and aiding a smoother journey to enable you to concentrate on making irrepressible memories with your little ones.
Spain visa for UAE residents is different from other countries and for UAE residents traveling with minors there are some paperwork to be completed. Paperwork is vital to make sure all items are filled in correctly, and I need to have parental consent letters, proof of accommodation, and financial documents. In this blog, we will help you through the necessary visa requirements as well as tips on how to avoid the stress when applying for your Spain visa with children.
Here are the essential documents required for a Spain visa when traveling with kids.
1. Valid Passports for Parents and Children
Valid passports with at least three months’ validity beyond the intended stay in Spain are required for both parents and children. For visa stamps, the passports should have at least two blank pages. If your child has received a new passport recently, it is recommended to carry the old passport to avoid any application discrepancy. All passport details need to match the supporting documents for a smooth visa process.
2. Completed Visa Application Forms
Each traveler including minor must submit a separate visa application form accurately filled and signed by both parents. They can cause delays in the process of processing, due to mistakes or missing details. If the child is too young to sign, a parent must sign. Additionally, it is important that the form matches all other supporting documents such as passport information and travel plans to avoid any unnecessary complications.
3. Parental Consent Letter
A parental consent letter notarized by the absent parent is mandatory if a child is traveling with only one parent or a guardian. This document states that both parents agree to the travel arrangements. Further, the non accompanying parent’s passport and residence visa must be included as a copy. This requirement is necessary to protect the child and avoid any legal problems with parental custody during international travel.
4. Proof of Family Relationship
Applicants must submit a birth certificate in either Spanish or English to verify the parent child relationship. The embassy may also require the document to be attested by relevant authorities in some cases. If the child is adopted, legal adoption papers should be provided, certified translations. This will help to avoid delays in processing or further verification requests from the consulate.
5. Travel Itinerary and Flight Bookings
Confirmed round trip flight reservations for the whole family, showing entry and exit dates from Spain must be submitted by the applicants. It is not necessary to buy real tickets before visa approval, but it is advisable to purchase refundable flights in case of visa rejection. Some consulates may also ask for an itinerary of the planned destinations and activities during the stay.
6. Hotel Reservations or Invitation Letter
For the visa application, proof of accommodation is needed. It can be the confirmed hotel bookings or the invitation letter from a host in Spain. The host must provide a copy of his ID or residence permit, and an officially signed invitation letter stating the length of stay and the guest’s relationship to the host if the guest is staying with relatives or friends.
7. Travel Insurance Coverage
Children included in the application must obtain Schengen compliant travel insurance that covers medical expenses of at least €30,000 for the whole period of the trip. If there are unforeseen circumstances, the insurance policy should include medical emergencies, hospitalization and repatriation costs. To prevent the application rejection, it is important to make sure that the Spanish embassy recognizes the insurance provider.
8. Proof of Financial Means
Parents need to show they can afford the trip by presenting bank statements of the last three months, salary slips or a sponsorship letter (if applicable). This proof should show a stable financial situation, which will cover accommodation, travel, food and other expenses during the stay. Some consulates will also require a minimum balance in the bank account to confirm financial stability.
9. School Leave Letter (If Applicable)
A school leave letter is necessary for school going children. A letter from the child’s school, confirming the child’s enrollment, stating the duration of approved leave and signed by a school official, should be this letter. The letter may be stamped by an official school stamp for verification by some consulates. This document makes sure that the child’s education is not disrupted because of travel.
10. Visa Fee Payment
The amount of visa fees depends on the applicant’s age. Visa fees for children under six years old are usually exempt, and children aged 6–12 years old may pay a reduced fee. Payment method is different from visa application center, so it is advisable to check the specific payment requirements beforehand. Visa processing centers may charge additional service charges in some cases.
Conclusion
Applying for a Spain visa from Dubai with kids can be quite overwhelming, but with a few preparations, it can be a smooth and stress free process. 2. Avoid delays by ensuring you have all the required documents such as passports and consent letters, financial proof, travel insurance etc. If you plan and follow these, you can have a smooth application experience as well.
A Spain visa for UAE residents provides UAE residents with the freedom to visit Spain’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture and kid-friendly attractions without hassle. You can start your application early, check twice all documents and look forward to an amazing family adventure in Spain.