The Government of Spain has confirmed that it plans to request the introduction of an Airport Transit Visa for nationals of Vietnam, according to an official written answer submitted to the Spanish Congress on 5 November 2025. This measure is part of the State’s ongoing monitoring of migratory flows and, in particular, of cases involving misuse of airport transit to apply for international protection at the border.
This information comes from a parliamentary response in which the Government clarifies that, although there is no collapse at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, authorities continuously monitor the arrival of third-country nationals who submit asylum applications at Spanish air border posts.
⏺️ Why are transit visas adopted?
According to the Government, when an abuse or significant increase in international protection claims during airport transit is detected among nationals of a particular country, Spain may activate the mechanism to require an Airport Transit Visa (VTA).
This visa is mandatory for travellers who make a stopover at a Spanish airport without entering national territory, and it serves as a tool to regulate migratory flows and prevent irregular practices at border control points.
In recent years, this measure has already been applied to nationals of Russia, Chad, Sudan, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, the Central African Republic and Senegal. Vietnam is now expected to be the next nationality added to this list.
⏺️ No official information published yet
At this time, no official information has been published by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation, nor by the Embassy of Spain in Vietnam, regarding the future requirement, operational details or the expected date on which the visa will become mandatory.
For now, the only public reference available is the written response provided by the Government to the Spanish Congress. Official instructions and updated requirements will be released once the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consular network issue formal guidance.
We will continue to update this information as soon as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy of Spain in Vietnam publishes official instructions on the VTA requirement and its implementation timeline. Travellers are encouraged to regularly check official sources and verify all information before flying.
⏺️ How can ARC Legal help?
At ARC Legal, we assist clients with all types of immigration-related procedures, from preparing documentation to managing and monitoring administrative applications. If you need guidance to understand how a new measure may affect you or support in keeping your procedures in order, you can contact us and we will be happy to help you in a clear and personalized way.
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Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? Puedes encontrarlo aquí: España prevé exigir visado de tránsito aeroportuario a los nacionales de Vietnam
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration regulations are subject to frequent administrative and interpretative changes. At ARC Legal, we make every effort to keep our content updated and aligned with official sources, but we always recommend consulting with a specialized lawyer before starting any procedure or making legal decisions. For personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us.