Entering Mallorca with your ID card: a relaxed start to your vacation

Mallorca – the sun-drenched island in the Mediterranean – is a popular travel destination for many Germans. The good news is that entry is straightforward for EU citizens. A valid identity card is usually sufficient to start your vacation on the Balearic island.

Entering Mallorca with your identity card

Travel documents: What do you need?

As a German citizen, you can enter Mallorca with the following documents.

• Identity card

• Passport

• Provisional identity card (must be valid)

• Temporary passport

• Children’s passport (for children under 12 years of age)

Please note that your identity card or passport should be valid at the time of entry. Some airlines and hotels do not accept expired documents, even if they are still officially recognized.

Traveling with children: What to consider?

A separate children’s passport is required for children under the age of 12. Since January 1, 2024, the children’s passport will no longer be reissued, but existing documents will remain valid until the expiration date printed on them.

Recommendation: If your child is traveling alone or with only one parent, a written declaration of consent from the legal guardian in Spanish is advisable. Many airlines have their own regulations – so find out in advance.

Stay over 90 days: What do you have to do?

Are you planning to stay in Mallorca for longer than three months, for example for work, study or retirement? The following steps are then necessary.

1. Registration with the residents’ registration office: You must register with the local municipality within three months of your arrival.

2. Registration in the central register of foreigners : Registration in the “Registro Central de Extranjeros” is mandatory and leads to the assignment of the NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), which is required for many administrative processes in Spain.

3. Evidence: A valid passport or identity card, proof of sufficient financial means and health insurance are required for registration.

Entry for third-country nationals

Citizens of countries outside the EU and the Schengen area require a valid passport and, in most cases, a visa to enter Spain. The stay is usually limited to 90 days within a period of 180 days.

Driving license as identification document: Not sufficient

Although the driver’s license contains a photograph and personal data, it is not recognized as a valid travel document. Airlines, hotels and authorities only accept official identification documents such as an identity card or passport.

Loss or theft of travel documents

If your ID card is lost or stolen in Mallorca:

1. Report the loss to the local police.

2. Contact the consulate: Contact the German consulate in Palma de Mallorca to apply for a replacement document.

Conclusion

Entering Mallorca is straightforward for German citizens with a valid identity card. For longer stays, however, additional steps are required, in particular registration with the Spanish authorities. Always check the validity of your travel documents to ensure a smooth stay.