Spain to Introduce Airport Transit Visa for Russian Citizens Starting July 12, 2025

Starting July 12, 2025, Russian citizens holding ordinary passports will be required to obtain an airport transit visa (TAP) to pass through the international zones of Spanish airports.

According to Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this rule applies exclusively to those without valid Schengen or national visas, residence permits, or diplomatic passports.

From this date forward, Russians without a TAP visa will not be permitted to transit through Madrid, Barcelona, or other Spanish airports when connecting flights via the international area are involved.

Who Needs a Transit Visa

The airport transit visa will be required for:

Russian nationals with ordinary passports;

Those transiting via international zones of Spanish airports without any other valid visa.

Exemptions apply to:

Holders of valid Schengen or national visas;

EU/EEA residence permit holders;

Diplomatic passport holders.

Transit Time and Application Process

Transit must not exceed 24 hours. Applicants need to submit:

The TAP visa application form;

A recent passport-size photo;

Passport pages with biometric data;

Proof of onward travel;

Proof of legal residence in the current country;

Payment of the consular fee.

Spain processes these visa applications within 15 calendar days, but the timeline can be extended to 45 days if further documents are required.

A Broader Trend of Visa Restrictions

Spain follows a growing list of EU countries tightening transit and entry rules for Russian nationals. Czechia already enforces similar TAP visa rules, while several others — including Baltic states and Finland — have fully suspended Schengen visa issuance for Russians amid deteriorating geopolitical conditions.