Last Updated on May 19, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
If I travel from the US with all my family (And dog) to get the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain, do we need return tickets? Is there any workaround so we don’t waste money?
Thank you!
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
Planning your move to Spain?
Get the free step-by-step roadmap used by 10,000+ expats — covering visas, budget, housing, and the mistakes to avoid.
Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“We booked fully refundable one way tickets back to the US and cancelled once we arrived in Spain. Didn’t waste a penny.”
“I just came to Spain on Friday nobody asked for return ticket they hardly looked at my passport.” – “Same!”
“Same! I also had my dog and they just glanced at him and cracked a smile and on I went.”
(Lawyer’s answer) “Very rarely they would ask. In the last 2 years and hundreds of clients coming to apply, only 2 of my US clients have been asked. There are apps that will let you book a return flight and then cancel for a small fee
Not sure which city is right for you?
Compare cost of living, weather, expat community size, and lifestyle across 13 Spanish cities in our free guide.
Explore Cities →I always recommend telling the truth if asked by immigration, there is nothing to hide, you’re coming to apply for a visa:)”
“No.”
(Lawyer’s answer) “Hi. In general my USA/Canadian clients haven’t been asked (nor any family members come to think of it!). Some have flown direct to Spain, others have changed planes elsewhere in Schengen. The only ones that got asked flew via Zurich.”
“Yeah, Spain usually wants to see a return or onward ticket when you enter as a tourist. Since you’re not planning to leave, a good workaround is booking refundable tickets or using a service that provides temporary flight reservations. Some airlines also offer flexible fares that you can cancel later. That way, you don’t waste money on flights you won’t use!”
Conclusion
According to members of the Spainguru Facebook group, travelers entering Spain to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa are rarely asked to show a return ticket at the border. Most reported smooth entry without being questioned about onward travel plans, even when traveling with pets.
However, a few cases, especially involving flights transiting through certain Schengen countries like SwiSwitzerland, did involve such checks.
To be safe, group members suggest booking refundable return tickets or using temporary flight reservation services that can be canceled for a small fee. These options offer a cost-effective workaround if proof of onward travel is requested. Overall, it seems Spanish border agents are generally lenient when the purpose is to apply for a visa.
Get your free step-by-step Spain move plan
10 emails over 2 weeks covering visas, budget, housing & the mistakes to avoid.
Join 10,000+ expats who used this roadmap.
100% free · No credit card · Unsubscribe anytime
