Everything to know about travelling from the UAE to Spain
Breathtaking scenery, gorgeous beaches and rich history — these are just a handful of the things Spain is loved for, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations. So, if you have plans for a European holiday, why not begin with the largest country in Southern Europe? Here’s everything you need to know about travelling from the UAE to Spain, including visa requirements, flight booking, travel costs and more.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a history buff, Spain is one destination with something to suit all tastes. From snowboarding in the majestic snow-capped mountains in Catalonia and exploring the deepest caves in Picos De Europa to admiring masterpieces at the Museo del Prado, there are many reasons you should visit Spain from the UAE.
STUNNING BEACHES
Spain boasts an impressive 4,000+ kilometres of coastline, offering an endless array of stunning beaches to explore.
Let’s start the list with La Concha – one of the most scenic beaches in Spain. Visitors can enjoy the sweeping sea views while strolling on the golden sandy beach. La Concha is located in the northeast of Spain near the French border. The beach is a train ride away from the capital city, Madrid.
Some other beaches that you should visit in Spain are:
- Ses Salines in Ibiza
- Palma in Majorca
- Magaluf in Majorca
- Talamanca in Ibiza
- Playa de Ses Illetes in Formentera, Balearic Islands
- Nerja in Costa del Sol, Andalusia
RICH HISTORY AND HERITAGE
When travelling from the UAE to Spain, you should explore the region’s rich history. In the past, the country was ruled by Romans, Arabs, Celts and Catholic Monarchs, and the historical sites in Madrid and other parts of Spain are worth a visit.
Here are some of the famous historical sites in Spain.
- Seville Cathedral
- Santa Eulalia Basilica in Merida
- Roman Bridge of Cordoba
- Calat Alhambra or the “Red Fortress” in Granada
- La Sagrada Família in Barcelona
- Santa Maria de Montserrat or Montserrat Monastery in Catalonia
- Badajoza Fortress
VISITING SPAIN WITH FAMILY
Visiting Spain from the UAE with your kids? Don’t fret! There are numerous activities to enjoy in Spain when travelling with your family. Discover some fantastic kid-friendly beaches on the Spanish Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.
Family attractions in Madrid, Spain, include El Retiro Park, the Zoo Aquarium de Madrid, the National Museum of Natural Sciences, Parque Warner Madrid and Faunia, to name a few.
SPAIN VISA INFORMATION FOR UAE RESIDENTS
UAE nationals do not need a visa for short stays in Spain, as they are visa-exempt for the Schengen Area. However, they will need to register for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before travelling, which is a pre-authorisation process for visa-exempt nationals. This applies to stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
UAE residents travelling from the UAE to Spain for tourism, study, business or family visits need a Schengen Visa. The short-term UAE to Spain visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days, except for these reasons:
- Does not travel specifically for medical treatment in Spain
- Do not intend to find employment in Spain
- Attend a wedding or any other event
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR TRAVELLING FROM THE UAE TO SPAIN
Here’s a list of the additional documents needed to travel to Spain from the UAE:
- Valid Passport with at least six months of expiry.
- Address of the hotel/hostel or any accommodation where you intend to stay for your visit.
- The paperwork must include a detailed itinerary with information about intercity travel within Spain.
- Visitors from the UAE are required to have supporting documents for their travel.
- Confirmed return flight to the UAE with proof of accommodation within Spain for your stay.
- Visitors must provide proof of their economic means for travel under Order PRE/1282/2007 and submit valid documentation to support their financial means for staying in Spain.
CURRENCY AND COSTS
Accommodation in a hotel in Spain costs between AED 110 and AED 1,157. For travelling around, the cost depends on the mode of transportation you choose. Also, the euro (€) is Spain’s official currency, equivalent to AED 4.31, so make sure you have it in cash.
*Exchange rate on the date of publishing the blog – 25th July 2025.
FLIGHT BOOKING
The UAE to Spain flight time is approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes. Airlines like Emirates, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai and Qatar Airways offer flights to popular cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga and Vitoria-Gasteiz.
The Emirates airfare for a round trip between Dubai and Barcelona costs a minimum of AED 2,600, whereas the FlyDubai fare starts from AED 2,605. You can also check out some of the budget airlines in the UAE to get the best rates.
ACCOMMODATION
The popular hotels in Spain are:
- Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona
- Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
- Hilton, Barcelona
- InterContinental, Barcelona
- Marbella Club Hotel Málaga
- Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
- Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
While some of the cheap options are:
- H10 Croma Málaga
- Caleta Homes – Ancha del Carmen
- Gran Vía – Behap, Madrid
- B&B HOTEL Alicante Centro
- Catalonia Sagrada Familia
GETTING AROUND
You can find multiple intercity and in-city transportation modes to travel around. Spain’s high-speed train system is the quickest and most cost-effective option for those who want to travel throughout the country. Alternatively, you can use the ferry, tram, bus and taxi services.
If you don’t understand Spanish, learning the pronunciation of the names of the places would help you interact with drivers.
FAQS ABOUT FLYING FROM THE UAE TO SPAIN
How to apply for a Spain Schengen visa for UAE residents?
From eligibility criteria to documents required, check out our full guide detailing how to apply Schengen visa from Dubai.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SPAIN FROM THE UAE?
The best times to visit Spain is from March to May and September to October.
How long can I stay in Spain on a tourist visa?
UAE nationals do not require a tourist visa for Spain if they’re visiting for leisure purposes only and their stay will not exceed 90 days within 6 months.
WHICH COUNTRIES OFFER VISA-FREE ENTRY FOR UAE RESIDENTS?
Countries like the Maldives and Sri Lanka offer visa-free entry for UAE residents.
This concludes our guide to travelling from the UAE to Spain. Now, it’s time to turn those plans into reality and experience all that Spain offers! You can also travel to the UK from the UAE, a country with a rich history, lush countryside and numerous entertainment options. A trip from the UAE to Armenia is an excellent choice for a budget-friendly holiday.
If you’re looking for a nearby destination, consider travelling to Egypt from the UAE to explore the ancient Pharaohs’ tombs, the world-famous Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Got that solo travel bug? We’ve rounded up every cool, budget-friendly and thrilling holiday spot for solo trips from Dubai that’s perfect for first-timers and wanderlust pros alike.
For more updates on the latest travel information and attractions in the United Arab Emirates, stay tuned to MyBayut.
