For those considering a move or already living in Spain, the strength of the local passport is a significant factor. A passport's ranking is a global measure of travel freedom, essentially counting the number of destinations its holder can visit without arranging a visa in advance. Spain consistently features near the top of these lists, offering its citizens remarkable mobility across the world.
How powerful is the Spain passport? The 2025 world ranking
The Spanish passport continues to be one of the world's most formidable travel documents in 2025. According to the Henley Passport Index, Spain holds the 3rd position in the global ranking.
This top-tier status grants Spanish passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 countries worldwide. Such a high ranking reflects Spain’s strong international relationships, offering its citizens exceptional mobility and simplifying international travel for business, tourism, or visiting family abroad.
The top 10 strongest passports in the world
Looking at the global picture, Asian and European nations continue to dominate the top of the passport power rankings. For 2025, Singapore holds the crown as the world's most powerful passport, granting its citizens visa-free access to an impressive 193 destinations.
Following closely, Japan and South Korea share the 2nd place spot, with each passport providing entry to 190 countries. Spain is firmly positioned within a powerful European cohort at 3rd place. Alongside Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, and Italy.
Spanish passport visa-free countries list
The high ranking of the Spanish passport translates into extensive travel freedom. This access generally falls into a few categories: completely visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or a required Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) obtained online before you go.
Within Europe, the benefits are most apparent. Spanish citizens enjoy freedom of movement across the entire Schengen Area and the European Union, allowing them to live, work, and travel without restriction. This access also extends to the United Kingdom for short visits, such as tourism. Across the Atlantic, travel is also straightforward. A Spanish passport allows for visa-free entry to almost all countries in South and Central America.
The same broad access extends to many countries in Asia, Oceania, and Africa, including destinations like Japan, New Zealand, and Morocco. The list of countries that require Spanish citizens to obtain a traditional visa in advance is remarkably short, numbering just 19 nations, such as Algeria, Ghana and Mali.
Can I go to the USA with a Spanish passport?
For travel to the United States, Spanish citizens do not need a visa for short stays but must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which will cost you $21.
Does a Spanish passport need a visa for Canada?
When visiting Canada, Spanish citizens require the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which costs $7.
How to get a Spanish passport
Obtaining a Spanish passport is a long-term aspiration for many foreign nationals living in the country. The most common route to citizenship is through legal residency, which generally requires living in Spain for ten years, although this period can be shorter in specific circumstances.
The path to residency, which precedes any citizenship application, varies depending on your country of origin. The process for securing residency in Spain for EU citizens is relatively straightforward due to freedom of movement agreements. For those from further afield, understanding the requirements for residency in Spain for non-EU citizens is the first essential step, including how to get a TIE. The rules for UK nationals have also changed, making it important to understand the documentation needed when moving to Spain post-Brexit.
Different visas can establish a path to long-term residency. For remote workers, Spain's digital nomad visa offers a modern route, while for younger people, understanding who can get a Spanish student visa is key, as years spent studying can sometimes count towards the residency period.
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