IMPORTANT information.
First! Congratulations on getting that visa—you’re officially on your way to Spain! 🎉 If you’re planning to drive through France to get there, this guide is here to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Lots of travelers take this route, so we’ve got a few tips to help you out.
Step 1: Get Your Entry Stamp in France
First things first—when you cross into France, make sure you get an entry stamp at the border. This little stamp is super important because it shows you’ve entered the Schengen Area. While it doesn’t prove you’re in Spain yet, it’s the first piece of the puzzle.
Why does this matter? Well, when you drive into Spain, there’s no border control to stamp your passport. That means you’ll need to take an extra step to officially declare your arrival in Spain. Don’t worry, though—we’ll walk you through it!
Step 2: Declare Your Entry into Spain (Declaración de Entrada)
Since your passport won’t have a Spanish entry stamp, you’ll need to complete a Declaración de Entrada (Declaration of Entry). This is just a fancy way of letting Spanish authorities know you’ve arrived.
Note:
You’ve got 3 working days (72 hours!) from the moment you enter Spain to get this done.
You can do it at any Nacional Policía station or Oficina de Extranjería.
Some airports even have police offices where you can handle this.
What’s the law say?According to Real Decreto 557/2011, if you’re coming from another Schengen country (like France) and didn’t get a stamp at the border, you’ve got to declare your entry. It’s just the rules!
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
To get your Declaración de Entrada sorted, you’ll need to bring a few things:
Completed Form Declaración de Entrada: Fill out the official form (don’t stress—we’ll guide you through it below).
Passport: Bring your passport and a copy of the page with your French entry stamp.
Proof of Entry: Collect any documents that show your journey into Spain, like:
Hotel receipts
Petrol station receipts
Train or bus tickets
Extra Docs: Your visa, NIE (if you have one), and proof of where you’re staying in Spain.
Step 4: Submit Your Declaration
Head to the nearest police station or immigration office during their admin hours (usually 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM). Hand over your form and documents, and they’ll take care of the rest.
What If Things Don’t Go Smoothly?
Sometimes, getting the Declaración de Entrada can be a bit of a hassle. Here are some common hiccups and how to deal with them:
Language Barriers: If the officer doesn’t understand you, bring a Spanish-speaking friend or use a translation app to explain.
Limited Hours: Police stations usually only handle admin stuff in the morning, so plan ahead.
Unfamiliarity: Not all officers know about this process, so be patient and persistent.
If you can’t get the declaration, don’t sweat. You can still prove your entry into Spain with your French stamp and other travel docs.
No Declaration? No Problem! Try These Alternatives
If you’re struggling to get the Declaración de Entrada, here are a few workarounds:
Pop Over to Andorra: Exiting and re-entering Spain through Andorra can sometimes get you an entry stamp.
Visit Gibraltar: A quick trip to Gibraltar can give you exit and re-entry stamps.
Take a Short Flight: Book a budget flight (think Ryanair or EasyJet) out of Spain and back to get the necessary stamps.
Residency Start Date.
Your residency start date in Spain is based on when you officially declare your entry. If you don’t have a Declaración de Entrada or a Spanish entry stamp, authorities might use:
The date of your French entry stamp.
The start date of your visa.
This usually isn’t a big deal, but it could mean your residency renewal date comes a bit earlier.
How to Fill Out the Declaración de Entrada Form
We’ve made it nice and easy, below is the form and in red are the entries needed in ENGLISH!!!
One Super Important Tip!
There’s one field on the form that can trip you up if you’re not careful: the “TIEMPO PREVISTO” (Expected Duration ) field.
If you’re applying for a residence card, write 90 days (the max time allowed in the Schengen Area with a tourist visa).
If you put something short, like 2 or 3 days, your residency application could get rejected. Why? Because the Immigration Office will check this field to confirm how long you’ve been in Spain. If you’re no longer in the country when you apply, they’ll can say no (remember it’s Spanish Beaurocracy we are dealing with here.)
So, make sure you’re staying long enough in Spain to submit your application!
Final Tips
Keep Copies: Make copies of all your documents, including receipts and travel proof.
Ask for Help: If you’re unsure about anything, give us a call—we’re here to help!
Stay Organized: Being proactive will save you from last-minute stress.
By following these steps, you’ll be all set to handle your entry into Spain, even if you’re driving through France. Safe travels, and enjoy your Spanish adventure! 🌞
GOSPAIN
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