Planning a trip to the Balearic Islands can be exciting and also involve a bit of work. Located in the western Mediterranean Sea, the islands are part of Spain and include Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera. One of the top tourist destinations in the western Mediterranean, the Balearic islands have the same rules and regulations for entry as Spain. Spain is party to the Schengen Agreement, which allows U.S. citizens to enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa.

Requirements for 90 Day Travel
Depending on where you’re from, you may not be required to possess a visa if you plan to travel to Spain for under 90 days. Although a visa isn’t required for stays under 90 days for certain approved countries, the Spanish government still requires certain documents before allowing travelers into the country.

If you are a citizen that is exempted from the visa requirement, you’ll need a valid passport to enter Spain. Visitors must have a passport, however, that is valid for three months beyond the date they wish to stay. Sufficient funds are required for entry. Additionally, evidence of hotel stay or letter of invitation from friends or family they’ll be residing with are required. A round trip or return airline ticket is also a required document upon entry.

There are currently 25 European countries that are party to the Schengen Agreement. You may travel within any member country for up to 90 days without a visa. Additional information can be found on the Schengen Fact Sheet located here.

Requirements for 91 + Days of Travel
Those individuals interested in visiting the Balearic Islands for longer than 90 days will need to provide local authorities with official criminal records from their state of residence. The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services office conducts valid background checks as well. Letters of invitation are also required to apply for a visa. If you’re planning to purchase properties for sale in Mallorca or just rent a villa for an extended period of stay, you’ll need to make arrangements for a visa.

Often most countries require that your passport have available pages in your passport to allow for any required stamps. More information about the visa requirements in Spain can be found here.

Travel Resources
If you or a loved one are planning on a trip to the Balearic Islands, we suggest visiting the below websites. Find information about travel guidelines, visa restrictions, letters of invitation to Spain, and much more.

Spain and Andorra Country Specific Information – Provides additional information about the country of Spain, entry and exit requirements in addition to country specific stats and facts.

Spain Visa Application Information – Explains the process of visa application and the details involved in traveling to Spain.

Spanish Visa Information – Provides information about working in Spain and the required documents related to visas in Spain.

Requirements for Entering Spain – Detailed information from the Spanish Government about entry into Spain and the requirements related to letter of invitation, a visa requirement.

If you’re traveling to Spain in the near future, research to find out more information.