Passport / Visa

Passport

Please ensure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity from your date of return from Barcelona, Spain.
Kindly renew your passport if the validity expires before 3 November 2025.

Visa Requirement

Currency & Payment Type

Currency

The currency used in Spain is EUR.

Payment Type

Card payments which are widely accepted in Spain. Most credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard are accepted in all eating and drinking establishments and shops in Spain. Alternative payment methods in Spain include Apple Pay & Google Pay.

VAT Refund

The standard VAT rate in Spain is 21% and the reduced rate of 10% applies to food and beverages (excluding dining out and alcoholic drinks).

VAT Refund Eligibility
You are eligible for a VAT refund before leaving Spain if you meet all of the following requirements:

• You are a resident of a non-EU country at the time of purchase.
• You are at least 18 years old.
• The goods must be unused at the time of the tax refund.
• The total amount per receipt (tax-inclusive) must be greater than EUR 90,15.

VAT Procedure

1. Look for Tax-Free Shopping Stores: Usually indicated by “Tax-Free Shopping” or “Global Blue” sign or logo.
2. Request and Complete Tax-Free Forms: Ask for a Tax-Free form at the shops where you make purchases and fill up the form.
3. Show Proof of Visitor Status: Be ready to show your passport to prove you are a non-EU resident.
4. Before leaving Barcelona, proceed to the Customs Office at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport with the following to validate your tax form:
   • Completed VAT refund form,
   • Passport
   • Purchased (unused) items with Original receipts
   • Boarding pass
   • Note: Purchased items must be unused and available for inspection. Customs will often checks the goods before validating the form.
5. After Customs validation, visit the refund service desk for final processing, for either credit card or cash refund.

Customs Office Locations
Terminal T1. Floor 3. Check-in hall
Terminal T2 B. Floor 0. Departures hall

Refund Service Desk
Option A: Refund via Credit Card

• Scan the barcode on the tax refund form at the DIVA Kiosk.
• If a green tick appears, your refund will be processed to your credit card.
• If a red cross appears (often for expensive items),
  • Go to the Customs counter with your form, receipt, and credit card.
  • After validation, mail the form using the yellow post tube at the counter.
  • Tip: Take a picture of the tax refund form before mailing it.

Option B: Refund via Cash

• After Customs validation, go to the cash refund counter next to the Customs office for immediate cash processing.

Video Explanation: Click here
Airport Map on Mobile: Click here

Embassy Information