Travelling to Barcelona from the USA: steps to take

A trip begins once you start planning it, and as exciting it might be, making it work in the long run can be tricky.

First of all, congratulations for choosing Barcelona as your destination, you certainly won’t be dissappointed: the capital of the Mediterranean has enough attractions to entice practically anyone.

If you’re on the early stages of your planning, you’re probably still deciding on tickets, accommodation and sightseeing, however there are plenty of other important steps you must take care before your trip.

Entry requirements

Spain is a member of the Schengen Agreement, and the requirements to enter are the same for any other country of the European Union.

You’ll need your passport to be valid for at least for 3 months beyond the duration of your stay. There’s no need of a visa if you’re an American citizen, however, you can only stay in the country for a 90 day period.

If for any reason your passport gets lost or stolen, the U.S. Consular Agency in Barcelona can help you deal with this situation and other related services.

Health information

We always assume everything will be fine in our trip, but it’s better find out before you travel if your health insurance will cover any medical bills while you’re overseas.

U.S. citizens do not have access to free medical assistance in Spain, so if your regular insurance doesn’t cover health care in other countries, you may consider buying an international travel insurance.

Security issues

Barcelona is generally a safe city, however almost all incidents usually happen around tourist areas: the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, Plaza Real, Parc Güell, Montjuïc, Sagrada Familia and Sants train station. This is also common along the Olympic Port and the beaches.

The most common types of incidents are not particularly violent and it’s very unlikely to have firearms involved. Pickpockets have a preference for tourists and will wait for a distraction in order to steal your belongings, so the best advice is to be aware especially in crowded areas.

Recommendations

• Avoid leaving your personal effects unattended at any time.
• When riding the metro or bus, keep your backpack on the front and have your wallet, bag or phone always closed and in sight.
• If you carry your camera outside, better place it hanging on your neck, and preferably not on your hand or shoulder, some pickpockets operate by ripping cameras or bags off pedestrians while driving a motorcycle.

For any situation regarding the robbery of your personal items, or any other emergency, the number for emergencies in Spain is 112.

Driving

If you’re thinking of renting a car for taking a trip outside Barcelona (we don’t recommend renting a car to move around the city, check out our Transport section), you must apply for an International Driving Permit before arriving to Spain, as your regular U.S. license won’t be valid.

If you do end up renting a car, note that it must be equipped with a triangle warning sign, reflective vests and you should always pay for full coverage insurance in case of accidents.

U.S. Consulate in Barcelona

Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23-25
08034 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: (34) 93 280 2227
E-mail: [email protected]

Website: U.S. Consulate General Barcelona

How to get there

FGC Railway Line 6: Reina Elisenda Station
Bus: 22,64, 68, 75

Location