Shipping from United States to Spain: times, customs & tracking
How long parcels take, what customs expects, and how to track every step of the journey.
Typical delivery times
| Service | Working days |
|---|---|
| Postal (USPS → Correos) | 7–20 |
| Express (UPS, FedEx, DHL) | 2–6 |
| E-commerce consolidators | 10–20 |
| Semi-tracked postal | 10–25 |
Customs & duties
All commercial imports to Spain are subject to 21% VAT; parcels above €150 also pay duties. Postal shipments are cleared via Correos (with a handling fee), express shipments are cleared directly by UPS/FedEx/DHL.
Tracking tips
A USPS → Correos handoff can go silent for a week after "Processed Through Facility". The parcel reappears when Spanish customs creates the entry.
FAQs — United States to Spain
How long do US parcels take to reach Spain?
Postal services 7–20 days; express couriers 2–6 days; slower semi-tracked options 10–25 days.
Do I pay VAT on gifts from the US?
Private gifts under €45 are exempt; everything else pays 21% VAT on the declared value plus shipping.
Who clears my parcel at Spanish customs?
Correos for postal shipments, the express courier for private services. Both may ask for the invoice before release.
Can I track USPS → Correos as one shipment?
Yes — GetPackRoute merges both carriers' checkpoints into a single timeline when the handoff is detected.