The most common Spain trip pairs two cities: museums and the royal palace in Madrid, then Gaudí's architecture and old lanes in Barcelona.
The emergency number is 112.
The two cities use different airports, so decide where you will arrive before you buy flights.
Some places in each city need advance booking, so check tickets as soon as your dates are set.
Visa and entry requirements for Spain
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
This country is in the Schengen Area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) registers non-EU travelers at the external border, and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is scheduled to apply to visa-exempt travelers; check the official EU site for who needs it, the start date and the fee. For visa-exempt travelers, Schengen stays are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period, and days in Spain and Portugal (and other Schengen countries) are added together. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.
- Entry requirements for Spain (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) (European Union)
- EES (Entry/Exit System) (European Union)
- Emergency: 112
- Medical emergencies: 061
How is Spain divided?
In Madrid, the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace and Retiro Park each take a day. Barcelona has Gaudí architecture such as the Sagrada Família and Park Güell on one side and the lanes of the Gothic Quarter on the other. Don't see both cities in one day; plan each separately.
With four nights or more, link the two. Travel between them by high-speed train or plane, and check times and fares by date with the operator. Spanish is the main language, and some regions also use Catalan, Basque or Galician as official languages, so signs may be in two languages.
| City | What to do | Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid | Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park | Barajas (MAD) |
| Barcelona | Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Gothic Quarter | El Prat (BCN) |
Based on official information.
What do I need to enter?
For visa-exempt travelers, Schengen stays are limited to 90 days within the 180 days before your last departure. If you travel between Spain and Portugal, your days in both countries are added together.
Because there are no border checks within Europe, your movements are not stamped in your passport, so keep transport and accommodation receipts until the end of your trip. You can check your days with the EU's short-stay calculator.
How do I get from the airport into the city?
At Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), the 24-hour Exprés Aeropuerto 203 bus costs EUR 5 one way. Metro Line 8 adds an airport supplement. At Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), the R2 Nord commuter train runs to Sants and Passeig de Gràcia.
Barcelona's Metro Line 9 Sud charges a separate airport fare, distinct from ordinary tickets. High-speed train and flight times between the two cities vary by date, so check with the operator before booking.
Who do I contact in an emergency?
The local all-purpose emergency number is 112, and the medical emergency number is 061. Basic medicines are sold at pharmacies without a prescription. Pharmacies close around 9 pm, but each area has a designated 24-hour pharmacy; search "Farmacia 24 horas" in a map app.
Save your own embassy's or consulate's numbers in your phone too.
What should I check before I go?
First check that your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure. EES and ETIAS information can change, so reread the official EU pages before you go. Sagrada Família tickets are sold for a set date and time, so book them as soon as your flights are fixed. The Prado Museum is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December; note these in your plan so they don't clash with your arrival.
Pre-departure checklist
- Check your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure
- Check the EES and ETIAS information
- Confirm whether you arrive in Madrid or Barcelona
- Book your Sagrada Família date and time
- Save emergency and embassy numbers
Which city suits my trip?
- For museums: center Madrid on the Prado.
- For architecture: book the Sagrada Família in Barcelona first.
- For both cities: four nights or more; check train or flight times first.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Spain?
It depends on your nationality. Visa-exempt travelers can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area, and passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure.
Who do I call in an emergency?
Call the all-purpose emergency number 112. The medical emergency number is 061.
Should I combine Madrid and Barcelona?
With four nights or more, yes. Travel between them by high-speed train or plane, and check times and fares with the operator.
Sources
- Entry requirements for Spain · Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs · accessed 2026-10-30
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) · European Union · accessed 2026-10-30
- EES (Entry/Exit System) · European Union · accessed 2026-10-30
- Madrid airport bus · EMT Madrid · accessed 2026-10-23
- Barcelona metro and bus fares · TMB · accessed 2026-10-23
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.
