Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
“I have heard that it is possible to not have the consulate keep your passport while processing your Spain non lucrative visa application. In my case I will have to use it to fly home from Houston to Nashville as I don’t have a Real ID.
I will also need it because I currently spend a few months in Mexico and will need to fly there while waiting on my NLV. Does anyone know if this is usually possible? I read that people also get duplicate passports. Thanks!”
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These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“We just applied for a second passport. I was afraid it would be denied since the site says for urgent travel if another country kept yours as part of the visa application. Since our travel is planned I thought it would be a waste of time.
But I’ve read so many comments of people getting approved. We got the email that it’s been received. We are now just waiting to see if it gets approved. Good luck to you!”
“Google ‘department of state second passport’. I was able to get one. Or search this group for my related posting in the past.”
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Explore Cities →“You need to get a duplicate passport then. Not all consulates keep your passport, but Houston does and it’s not an option.”
“Go get duplicate passport. Good luck with process.”
Conclusion
Spainguru community members confirm that the Houston consulate requires applicants to leave their passport during the Spain non lucrative visa process.
Unfortunately, retaining your passport while the application is being processed is not an option at this consulate.
The most recommended solution is to apply for a second U.S. passport. Although the State Department suggests this is for urgent travel, many travelers with planned trips have successfully received approval. Getting a duplicate passport allows applicants to travel domestically and internationally while awaiting visa results.
Read: “Spain Non Lucrative Visa: How I Obtained a Second Passport (US Consulates)“
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