Visa information
If you want to attend the EPH Conference in Bilbao, you may need a visa to enter Spain. Find out more about getting a visa to come to Spain here.
Letter of Invitation
It is the delegate’s responsibility to investigate the visa requirements for Spain and to apply for a visa, if necessary. Delegates who require a visa must allow sufficient time for the application procedure.
Delegates should apply for a short-term Schengen visa at the Spanish Visa Application Centre indicated by a Spanish mission, at a Spanish embassy or consulate, or at a Schengen country mission representing Spain.
Delegates must first register for the main EPH Conference (11-13 November 2026), pay in full and submit any required supporting documents (if applicable) before a letter of invitation is issued. The EPH Conference Office will issue the letter of invitation, which must be submitted to the embassy/office when applying for a visa.
In case the visa is not granted, the registration fee minus a handling fee will be refunded after the conference. This will only be done if the visa was applied for in time and proof is given that the visa could not be granted even though all requested documents were submitted. Refund requests must be made in writing and sent together with the required proof to the Registration Officer, no later than 15 November 2026. Refund requests received after that date cannot be accepted.
The Letter of Invitation does not financially oblige the EPH Conference Office in any way. All expenses incurred in relation to the conference are the sole responsibility of the delegate. The Letter of Invitation does not guarantee an entry visa to Spain.
Delegate registration details may be shared with the immigration authorities to assist in the visa application process. However, the EPH Conference Office will not directly contact embassies/offices on behalf of delegates.
The deadline for requesting a letter of invitation is 15 October 2026.
Request a short-term Schengen visa
A Schengen visa is an entry permit for a short, temporary visit of less than 90 days in any 180-day period. The Schengen visa for short stay allows you to stay in Spain and the Schengen area for a maximum period of 90 days. It is usually requested for reasons of tourism, business, conference attendance or family visits.
The visa does not automatically guarantee entry into Spain or the Schengen area. At the border or any other control point, additional documentation may be requested to prove that you meet the legal requirements to enter the Schengen area.
To apply for a visa you need to submit the following documents
You will find general guidance on document requirements on the official website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs here. Country-specific information and appointment procedures can be found via the relevant Spanish embassy, consulate or official visa application centre.
Who should apply for a Schengen visa
Any foreign national who is not a citizen of a Member State of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, and who is subject to visa requirements, must apply for a Schengen visa for short stay.
Where and how to apply for a visa?
You must apply for a visa at the Spanish Visa Application Centre indicated by a Spanish embassy or consulate, at a Spanish mission abroad, or at a Schengen country mission representing Spain.
All visa applications must generally be submitted in person. Your biometric identifiers will be collected at the same time. Fingerprints are not taken if they were provided in connection with a previous Schengen visa application less than 59 months ago.
Book an appointment for submitting your application. Applications cannot be submitted by e-mail or fax. Country-specific instructions are available through the relevant Spanish embassy or consulate website.
General information on Spanish embassies and consulates worldwide can be found here: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In many countries, Spain works with official visa application centres operated by BLS International: Official Spain Visa Application Centres (BLS International).
Honorary consuls and honorary consulates cannot issue visas.
In some countries, Spain may be represented by another Schengen state. In such cases, delegates should apply through the mission representing Spain.
How much does the Schengen visa cost?
A visa fee will be charged for processing a visa application. When applying through a Visa Application Centre, an additional service fee may apply.
All fees must be paid in full when the visa application is submitted. Visa fees and additional information are available through the relevant Spanish embassy, consulate or visa application centre.
What is the deadline to apply for a short-term Schengen visa?
Delegates are strongly advised to submit their visa application well in advance. Applications can generally be submitted no earlier than six (6) months before the intended travel date and no later than 15 days before departure. Standard processing time is approximately 15 calendar days, although processing may take longer if additional examination is required.
