May 20, 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr. Thomson is an avid traveler and tech-geek. In leisure, he reads book and pens informative articles.

Best Escort for Applying Spanish Schengen Visa from Armenia

After providing visa guidance tailored to travelers from countries such as Kazakhstan, Tanzania, Vietnam or Tunisia, Jamaica or Uzbekistan and innumerable others, we’ve recently seen an uptick in inquiries from Armenian applicants seeking to travel to Spain. The pattern is clear: Spain is increasingly being chosen not only as a destination in its own right but as a practical entry point into the wider Schengen Area.

This guide comes in direct response to those requests, especially from first-time applicants who are unsure where to begin. From families planning a cultural holiday to professionals attending trade events in Madrid or students pursuing short-term academic programs in Barcelona, the need for reliable, up-to-date information has never been more evident.

Several Armenian travelers have shared their frustration over inconsistent advice from unofficial sources, conflicting checklists, and difficulty navigating outdated web pages. Others have encountered delays due to seemingly minor documentation errors or a misunderstanding of how early they need to begin the process. It’s clear: better clarity is needed.

Spain, with its blend of centuries-old history and modern vibrancy, holds strong appeal for Armenian visitors. But before boarding a flight to Seville or San Sebastián, there is a mandatory administrative step to complete: securing a Spanish Schengen visa.

This visa authorizes short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, not only in Spain but throughout the entire Schengen Zone, which includes 25 other European countries. It covers a range of travel purposes, tourism, business, education, family visits, and more.

For applicants residing in Armenia, all visa applications must be submitted through BLS International, the official service provider appointed by the Embassy of Spain. BLS handles appointment scheduling, document intake, and biometric data collection at their Yerevan-based visa application center.

Navigating this process may seem daunting at first, especially given the volume of paperwork and strict documentation standards. That’s precisely why this guide was created, to give Armenian applicants a realistic, well-structured understanding of what the process entails, what common mistakes to avoid, and how to prepare an application that meets consular expectations.

Clearing Up Common Misunderstandings Before You Apply

Before diving into the step-by-step process, it’s worth addressing several frequent points of confusion that often lead to incomplete applications, delays in processing, or even outright rejections. These issues are especially common among first-time applicants from Armenia, but even seasoned travelers sometimes overlook them.

One of the most persistent misconceptions concerns timing. Many applicants mistakenly assume they can submit their documents just a few days before their planned departure. In reality, the Spanish consular system requires visa applications to be submitted at least 15 calendar days in advance, but it is strongly recommended to apply four to six weeks prior to travel, especially during high-demand periods such as summer, winter holidays, and school breaks. Appointment slots at BLS International in Yerevan are limited and tend to book up quickly, so planning ahead is essential.

Another common misunderstanding is the belief that you must buy your flight ticket before you apply. This is incorrect and financially risky. The Embassy of Spain only requires a flight reservation, not a purchased ticket. Paying for flights before receiving your visa is strongly discouraged, as visa approval is never guaranteed, and tickets are often non-refundable.

Applicants also frequently underestimate the role of financial documentation. The Spanish consular authorities assess not only whether you have sufficient funds to cover your trip, but also whether your financial history reflects consistency and transparency. Sudden cash deposits, missing account statements, or vague income sources can raise concerns. It’s not just about the amount in your account it’s about how clearly and credibly it is documented.

A further area of confusion involves biometric data. If you haven’t submitted fingerprints for a Schengen visa in the last 59 months, you are required to provide them in person during your appointment at BLS. Many travelers wrongly assume that fingerprints are a one-time requirement or that children are automatically exempt. In fact, any applicant aged 12 and above must provide biometric data, unless a valid record is already on file within the Schengen system.

Finally, applicants often overlook the importance of accurate document translation. The Spanish Embassy requires all supporting documents, including financial statements, employment letters, and civil status records to be translated into English or Spanish, and in some cases, the translations must be certified or notarized. Submitting incomplete or untranslated materials is one of the leading causes of delayed applications.

Applicant Statistics of Spanish Schengen Visa from Armenia

Statistics on applications for Spanish Schengen Visa from Armenia reveal a significant volume of submissions to the Spanish Consulate. In 2023, nearly 13,387 individuals in Armenia applied for Spanish visas, and over 92% of these applications were approved.

Year	Schengen State	Country	Consulate	No. of Visa Applications	Visas Issued	Visas Denied	Not issued rate for uniform visas
2022	Spain	Armenia	Yerevan	9,324	8,719	605	6.50%
2021	Spain	Armenia	Yerevan	2,385	2,158	215	9.06%
2020	Spain	Armenia	Yerevan	3,243	2,790	451	13.51%

Spanish Schengen Visa for Armenian Citizens: Your Legal Pathway to Europe

For Armenian nationals intending to experience Spain’s rich cultural heritage, historic cities, and contemporary lifestyle, the Spanish Schengen visa is the essential legal entry point. This short-stay visa authorizes travel not only throughout Spain but also within the wider Schengen Area, encompassing 25 other European countries, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Visa applications from Armenia are administered exclusively through BLS International, the authorized service provider for the Embassy of Spain. The BLS center in Yerevan is responsible for managing appointment scheduling, document submission, biometric data collection, and passport return. Whether the purpose of travel is tourism, business, education, or visiting relatives, a complete and accurate application through BLS International is the first formal step toward a successful journey to Spain and beyond.

Spanish Visa Categories for Armenian Citizens

Applicants residing in Armenia who intend to travel to Spain must apply for the appropriate visa based on the purpose and duration of their stay. Spanish visas fall into two primary categories: Short-Term Schengen Visas and the National Study Visa, which is the only long-stay visa currently available for Armenian nationals.

Short-Term Schengen Visa (Type C)

The Schengen visa allows Armenian citizens to stay in Spain and the entire Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is strictly intended for temporary stays and does not permit long-term residence or employment.

Accepted purposes include:

Tourism
For individuals traveling to Spain for leisure, sightseeing, or cultural visits.
Business Travel
For participation in meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or corporate events.
Family or Friend Visit
For visiting relatives or acquaintances legally residing in Spain. An invitation letter from the host is typically required.
Short-Term Study or Training
For enrolling in educational courses, seminars, or training programs that do not exceed 90 days.
Medical Care
For receiving short-term treatment or medical consultation in Spain.
Transit
For travelers transiting through Spanish territory en route to another country outside the Schengen Area.

Applicants must provide proof of purpose, financial means, accommodation, insurance, and intent to return to Armenia upon conclusion of the visit.

National Visa (Type D) – Study Visa Only

At present, the only available long-stay visa (National Visa) for applicants from Armenia is the Study Visa.

This visa is intended for individuals who plan to pursue full-time academic studies in Spain lasting more than 90 days. It is suitable for university students, exchange program participants, and enrollees in officially recognized Spanish institutions.

Key requirements include:

An official letter of admission from the Spanish educational institution.
Proof of sufficient financial means to support living expenses during the stay.
Proof of accommodation arrangements in Spain.
Comprehensive health insurance valid for the entire study period.
A clean criminal record certificate and a medical certificate may also be required.

Holders of this visa must apply for a residence permit (TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of arrival in Spain.

All visa applications must be submitted via BLS International, the official visa service provider for the Embassy of Spain in Armenia. Applicants are strongly advised to begin the process well in advance of their intended travel date to accommodate for document preparation and appointment availability.

Spanish Schengen Visa Application Process for Armenian Citizens via BLS International

Armenian nationals intending to visit Spain for short-term purposes whether for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term study must apply for a Schengen visa (Type C). The application process is managed exclusively by BLS International, the official visa outsourcing partner of the Embassy of Spain in Armenia.

The process involves several clearly defined steps, each of which requires careful planning and adherence to formal requirements. Below is a detailed guide designed to support applicants in successfully preparing and submitting their Spanish Schengen visa application.

Determine the Correct Visa Category

Begin by identifying the appropriate Spanish Schengen visa from Armenia based on your travel objective whether tourism, visiting family or friends, attending a business event, or participating in a short-term study program. Each visa category has specific requirements and documentation. Visit the official BLS International Armenia website to review the criteria in detail. Selecting the correct category is essential, as applying under an incorrect purpose may result in rejection or unnecessary delays.

Complete the Visa Application Form

Once the visa type has been confirmed, proceed to complete the Spanish Schengen visa from Armenia application form. The form can be downloaded from the BLS International website.
Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and in accordance with your supporting documents. Print and sign the form, and prepare the required attachments such as proof of accommodation,
travel insurance, round-trip reservation, and evidence of financial means. Incomplete or inconsistent applications are a common cause of refusal.

Schedule Your Appointment with BLS International

Book an appointment at the BLS International Visa Application Centre in Yerevan to submit your Spanish Schengen visa from Armenia application. All applicants must attend in person, including children aged 12 and above (for biometric data capture). If applying as part of a family or group, note that each individual must have a separate appointment. Appointment slots may fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. It is advisable to reserve your date well in advance of your intended departure.

Pay the Visa and Service Fees

Visa fees for Spanish Schengen visa from Armenia is to be paid at the BLS International center on the day of your appointment. The applicable amount depends on your age and visa category. Payments must be made in Armenian drams (AMD) using one of the accepted methods (cash or card). In addition to the visa fee, an official service charge applies to each application. Ensure you retain the payment receipt, as it will be required for future reference, including passport collection or inquiry follow-ups.

Attend Your Appointment and Submit Your Application

On the scheduled date, visit the BLS International center in Yerevan in person. Bring your appointment confirmation, completed Spanish Schengen visa from Armenia application form, supporting documents, and valid passport. During your appointment, a BLS staff member will review your documents, collect biometric data (photograph and fingerprints), and issue a submission receipt. Arrive at least 15 minutes early and ensure your documents are neatly organized and translated where necessary (into English or Spanish) to facilitate the review.

Track the Status of Your Application

After submission, you may track the progress of your Spanish Schengen visa from Armenia visa application via the tracking tool available on the BLS International Armenia website. Use the reference number found on your receipt. Depending on your selected preferences, you may also receive updates via SMS or email. Staying informed allows you to prepare for passport collection once a decision is made.

Collect Your Passport

Once the Embassy of Spain in Armenia has issued a decision, your passport will be available for retrieval at the BLS center. You may collect it in person or, if available, opt for courier delivery. If authorizing a third party (limited to close relatives) to collect your passport, they must present:

A signed authorization letter
Your receipt
A copy of your ID
Their own identification
Proof of relationship (e.g., birth or marriage certificate)

Upon receiving your passport, verify all visa details carefully, including validity dates and the number of entries granted.

Document Checklist for Spanish Schengen Visa Application (Short Stay – Less than 90 Days) For Applicants Residing in Armenia

To be submitted through BLS International, the official visa application center for the Embassy of Spain in Armenia

All documents must be submitted on A4 paper and translated into English or Spanish, where applicable. Incomplete or improperly prepared applications may be refused.

Completed Visa Application Form

Fully filled in Spanish or English and signed by the applicant.
For minors included in a parent’s passport: an individual application must be completed and include a photo of the child. The form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian exercising custody.

Photographs

Two recent color passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm) with a white background.

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area.
Must contain at least two blank pages and have been issued within the past 10 years.

Copies of Travel and Identity Documents

Photocopy of all pages of the current international passport.
Copies of all pages of any previously issued valid or expired passports.
Copy of all pages of the Armenian internal passport.
Minors: Copy of the birth certificate.

Proof of Accommodation

Confirmed hotel reservations or rental agreements for the full duration of stay in Spain.
Must be verifiable and include details such as name, address, and booking reference.

Travel Medical Insurance

Valid for the entire duration of stay in the Schengen Area.
Minimum coverage of €30,000, including emergency medical care, hospitalization, repatriation, and death.
Must cover all Schengen countries, and if applicable, Andorra.
Color photocopy of the policy must be submitted.
Insurance from Russian providers may be deemed insufficient due to EU sanctions; insurance from non-Russian providers is recommended.

Proof of Travel Arrangements

Round-trip travel reservation (airline, train, bus, or cruise tickets).
If travelling by private vehicle:
- Copy of the vehicle’s technical passport
- International driving permit
- Valid Green Card insurance
- Rental agreement if the vehicle is leased
- Printed itinerary of the planned trip

Proof of Financial Means

For employed applicants:
- Original job certificate indicating position, monthly salary, and approval of leave.
For self-employed individuals:
- Copy of business registration and Tax Identification Number (TIN).
Bank statements (originals on bank letterhead) for the last three months, showing regular account activity.
Applicants must demonstrate €118 per day/person, with a minimum of €1,065 for the entire stay.
Optional: currency exchange certificate.
In case of sponsorship, include a typed (not handwritten) letter from the sponsor along with their financial documentation.

Proof of Legal Residence (for third-country nationals only)

Valid residence permit, long-term visa, or FMS registration showing at least six months of legal stay in Armenia.
If employed by a Russian entity, include a copy of your work permit.

Special Documentation for Minors

If the applicant is a minor travelling without both parents:

Notarized parental consent from both parents or legal guardians, specifying:
- Name of the accompanying adult
- Responsible adult in Spain
- Dates of travel (consent must cover entire stay)
If travelling with one parent, consent from the non-travelling parent is required.
A copy of the Schengen visa and roundtrip tickets of the accompanying adult(s).
For minors under guardianship: Consent from Child Protection Services is mandatory.
Notarized consent is also required in cases where:
- One or both parents live in Spain
- The minor and guardian are returning separately
- The minor and guardian are travelling together but the guardian plans to temporarily leave Spain during the stay
- The minor and guardian are on separate flights

Please ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and professionally translated before submission. Failure to comply with official requirements may lead to processing delays or rejection of the application.