Rules can change: confirm on the official site before you travel. imptbalearic.es is a hotel and travel site; it does not issue visas.
If you hold a United Arab Emirates passport, you can travel to Spain, including Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera, without a visa for short stays. You may stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, family visits or business meetings. For longer stays or to work or study, you need a national visa or residence permit. Always check the latest rules before you travel.
What the status means
Emirati citizens are visa-exempt for the Schengen area, which includes Spain and the Balearic Islands. You can enter for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is a cumulative rule: the 90 days count across all Schengen countries, not just Spain.
The exemption is based on Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. No special conditions apply. You do not need to apply for a visa at a consulate before travelling. However, you must meet the standard entry requirements at the border, such as holding a valid passport and proving the purpose of your stay.
Before you travel and at the border
Check your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area and that it was issued within the previous ten years. Also check the new EU entry and exit systems (EES and ETIAS) on the official EU travel website, as they are being introduced.
At the border, you may be asked to show a return ticket, proof of accommodation and enough money for your stay. Keep these documents ready. Border officers have the final say on entry. They may also ask for travel insurance, so consider carrying it.
Arriving on the islands
Ibiza Airport (IBZ) and Menorca Airport (MAH) receive flights from mainland Spain and some European cities. Formentera has no airport. To reach Formentera, fly to Ibiza and take a ferry from the port of Eivissa or from Playa d'en Bossa to La Savina.
Mallorca is not covered by this site, but you may transit through its airport (PMI) on a connecting flight. If you do, remember that the 90-day Schengen limit applies from the moment you enter the Schengen area, including any transit day in Mallorca.
Staying longer, working or studying
The visa exemption covers short stays only. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or to work or study in Spain, you must apply for a national visa or residence permit before you travel. These applications are handled by the Spanish consulate in the UAE.
Do not overstay the 90-day limit. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation or a ban from the Schengen area. For detailed guidance, check the official website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the consulate.
Step by step
- Check your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area and issued within the last ten years.
- Check the new EU entry/exit systems (ETIAS and EES) on https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ before travelling.
- Book your return flight and accommodation for the whole stay, keeping proof of both.
- Carry proof of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or cash.
- At the border, present your passport and any requested documents to the border officer.
- Keep track of your days in the Schengen area to ensure you do not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Documents
- Valid UAE passport (at least 3 months validity beyond departure and issued within 10 years)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds for the stay (bank statement or credit card)
- Travel insurance covering medical expenses (recommended)
ETIAS and EES: new EU entry systems are being introduced. Check travel-europe.europa.eu before you travel.
Questions
Do Emirati citizens need a visa for Spain or the Balearic Islands?
No. Emirati citizens are visa-exempt for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area, which includes Spain and the Balearic Islands.
Can Emirati citizens work in Ibiza without a visa?
No. The visa exemption is for short stays only. To work in Spain, you need a work visa or residence permit, which you must apply for at the Spanish consulate before travelling.
How long can Emirati citizens stay in Spain without a visa?
You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This limit applies across all Schengen countries, so count your days carefully.
What documents do Emirati citizens need at the border for Spain?
You need a valid passport, and you may be asked for a return ticket, proof of accommodation and proof of funds. Carry these to avoid delays.
Is there an ETIAS requirement for Emirati citizens travelling to Spain?
ETIAS is a new EU system being introduced for visa-exempt travellers. It is not yet in force. Check the official EU travel website for updates before you travel.
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Island guides: Ibiza · Menorca · Formentera