Spain to Enforce Airport Transit Visas for Russian Citizens from July 12
Spain to Enforce Airport Transit Visa Requirement for Russian Citizens Starting July 12
Beginning July 12, 2025, Russian citizens holding ordinary passports will be required to obtain an Airport Transit Visa (TAP) in order to transit through the international zones of Spanish airports, according to a recent announcement by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
New Entry Rule for Russian Transit Passengers
Once the regulation takes effect, only Russian nationals with a valid TAP visa will be permitted to transit through Spain’s international airport zones. Those without the visa will be denied onward travel from Spanish airports, even if they are not entering the Schengen Area.
"Citizens of the Russian Federation holding ordinary passports must have an airport transit visa (TAP) for transit through the international zones of Spanish airports. This measure will come into force on July 12, 2025," stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Who Is Exempt From the TAP Visa Requirement?
The requirement does not apply to all Russian nationals. Several categories are exempt from needing an airport transit visa:
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or other long-stay visas
- Russian citizens with residence permits issued by an EU/EEA country
- Holders of diplomatic passports
These individuals may still transit through Spanish airports without needing a separate TAP visa.
Transit Time Must Not Exceed 24 Hours
Under existing transit rules, travelers holding an airport transit visa must ensure that their time spent in the international area of Spanish airports does not exceed 24 hours. The transit visa does not grant the right to enter Spanish territory or leave the airport's secure zone.
Application Process for Russian Citizens
To apply for a Spanish airport transit visa, Russian applicants must:
- Complete the official TAP visa application form
- Submit a recent passport-size photo
- Provide the biometric pages of their passport
- Present proof of onward travel from Spain
- Submit proof of legal residence in their current country
- Pay the mandatory consular visa fee
Applications are typically processed within 15 calendar days, but this period may be extended to up to 45 days if additional documentation is required.
Spain Joins Other EU Countries With Similar Measures
Spain is not the first EU country to implement such restrictions. Czechia has already introduced a similar airport transit visa requirement for Russian nationals, and several other EU member states have suspended the issuance of Schengen visas for Russian passport holders altogether.
The new rule reflects a growing trend among EU countries to tighten travel policies for Russian citizens amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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