News
Spain Morocco visa appointment 2025: understanding the procedure and securing a slot quickly
Preparing Your Travel Project to the Iberian Peninsula
Spain remains one of the preferred destinations for Moroccans, whether for tourism, business, or pursuing higher education. However, in 2025, organizing a stay on the other side of the Mediterranean starts well before booking the plane ticket. The cornerstone of this process remains obtaining the precious pass: the Schengen visa. The procedure, although well defined, can prove complex due to high demand and saturation of booking systems. Successfully completing this step requires method, anticipation, and an excellent understanding of the administrative mechanisms managed by the BLS International service provider.
In a context where economic and cultural exchanges are intensifying, it is crucial to master the rules of the game to avoid setbacks. Obtaining a Spain visa appointment in 2025 requires a proactive strategy. We will decode together the key steps, from the types of visas available to tips for securing a slot, while avoiding common pitfalls that lead to file rejection.
Identifying the Visa Type Suitable for Your Situation
Even before attempting to book a slot, it is essential to define the exact nature of your trip. The Spanish consular authorities strictly distinguish short stays from longer settlements. A category error during the application can lead to immediate rejection, forcing the applicant to start the procedure from scratch. The choice will mainly depend on the duration and the main purpose of your trip.
To clarify the options available to Moroccan nationals, here is a structured summary of the main categories:
| Visa Type | Code | Reasons and Duration ⏳ | Target Audience 🎯 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Stay (Schengen) | Type C | Less than 90 days (Tourism, Business, Family visit, Transit) | Tourists, executives on missions, visiting families. |
| Long Stay (National) | Type D | More than 90 days (Studies, Work, Family reunification) | Students, skilled workers, non-lucrative residents. |
| Airport Transit | Type A | Passage through the international zone without entry into the territory | Travelers in transit to a destination outside Schengen. |
It is important to note that the short-stay visa generally does not allow paid activity, except for very regulated exceptions. For those considering professional or academic expatriation, such as seeking a paid internship or a job in Spain, the national visa (Type D) must be applied for with the appropriate supporting documents.
The Race for a Visa Slot: How to Secure Your Appointment
The real bottleneck in the procedure lies in making the appointment. Demand far exceeds the supply of available slots, and booking platforms are often saturated. This situation is exacerbated in certain cities like Nador or Tangier, where availabilities fly off in minutes. The procedure is done exclusively online via the BLS International website, the official partner of the Spanish consulates in Morocco.
To maximize your chances, responsiveness is your best ally. The posting of new slots does not always follow a fixed schedule, although openings are often observed at the start of the week or at specific times (for example, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for certain jurisdictions). It is recommended to regularly monitor the official portal and prepare your information in advance to validate the booking as quickly as possible.
Respecting the Consular Jurisdiction
A golden rule often neglected is respecting territorial competence. You cannot submit your application anywhere. Your place of residence determines the BLS Spain center in Morocco where you must go. For example, a resident of Kenitra will generally depend on the BLS center in Rabat, while a resident of Essaouira will need to go to Agadir or Casablanca according to the current division. Attempting to submit outside your zone results in automatic file rejection at the counter.
File Preparation: Rigor and Transparency
Once the appointment is obtained, the quality of your file will make all the difference. The Spanish administration requires precise documentation proving the purpose of the trip, your means of subsistence, and your willingness to return to Morocco at the end of the stay. Any missing or suspicious document may jeopardize the visa issuance. It is crucial to present originals accompanied by photocopies and to have documents translated from Arabic or French into Spanish if necessary.
Here are the essential elements to gather for a standard tourist visa application:
- 📋 Application form: Properly completed and signed (downloadable online).
- 📸 ID photos: Two recent photos (less than 6 months old), white background, 35x45mm format.
- 🛂 Passport: Valid at least 3 months after the planned return date, with at least two blank pages.
- 🏥 Travel insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000, valid throughout the Schengen area.
- 💼 Professional documents: Work certificate, pay slips, business register (for self-employed) or school certificate.
- 💰 Financial means: Bank statements from the last 3 months proving sufficient resources.
- 🏨 Accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservation or official invitation letter.
- ✈️ Transport: Round-trip ticket reservation (plane, boat or bus).
For those who wish to better understand the subtleties of the different Schengen visa procedures, it is advisable to check specific requirements that may evolve, especially concerning proof of financial or family ties in Morocco.
Costs, Deadlines, and Vigilance Against Frauds
The process has a cost that must be planned in your travel budget. In 2025, visa fees for an adult amount to €80 (payable in dirhams according to the consular rate), plus BLS International service fees (about 186 MAD). Payment is generally made on-site and, importantly, often in cash or by bank card in the applicant’s name only. Beware of intermediaries who charge astronomical sums to “guarantee” a visa: only the consulate is decision-making.
Regarding deadlines, the standard is 15 working days for processing a complete file. However, during high season periods (before summer or year-end holidays), this delay can extend up to 45, even 60 days. It is therefore wise to submit your application between 3 and 6 months before the planned departure date. Beware of recurring scams: selling appointments is illegal and falsified documents systematically lead to refusal and registration in the Schengen information system.
Can the date of a visa appointment be changed once confirmed?
As a general rule, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to change a confirmed appointment on the BLS platform. It is often necessary to cancel the existing appointment to make a new one, at the risk of losing your place if no other slot is available.
What are the most frequent reasons for Spain visa refusal?
Refusals are often caused by incomplete files, non-compliant travel insurance, hotel reservations canceled before file processing, or financial means deemed insufficient for the length of stay. Uncertainty about returning to Morocco is also a common reason.
Is it possible to apply for a Spain visa without going through BLS?
No, for short-stay visas and the majority of national visas, passing through the BLS International center is mandatory for biometric data collection and file submission. Consulates no longer receive applicants directly for these standard procedures.
Must children be present at the appointment?
Yes, minors’ presence is generally required at the time of request submission, accompanied by their legal guardians. However, children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.
