Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Another visa/regreso question. Can I leave Spain (while my current visa is expired and my new one is en tramite) and re-enter as a tourist?
I went to get a regreso and found out I’m not eligible since I’m switching visa types, not doing a renewal.
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These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
“It’s a risk to try to reenter without a valid residency doc or regreso. So it’s up to you whether you want to take that risk or not. I’ve been heavily questioned and was almost denied boarding in the US on the way to Spain for not having either, so I personally would not take that risk again.”
“My partner and I did this. We brought all of our documents including our resguardo to prove that we applied for new visas and were en tramite. We left and re-entered Europe through Portugal and had no problems. But in all honestly it was really stressful the whole time so I wouldn’t really recommend unless you have to. We couldn’t find anything that laid out clearly if it was legal or not. Our lawyer told us we shouldn’t have problems if we explained our situation (we were getting married and had a wedding planned in the USA.) When we left the EU in Portugal we explained our situation to the customs agent and he was very laid back and told us not to worry. Then when we got to Portugal all the US passport holders were sent through the electronic passport line and then to get a stamp, we didn’t have to speak to anyone.”
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