Spain Arrival Procedures

We have all the information you need to know for your trip, from helping with visa queries to walking you through a placement induction on your first day in Spain.

Our hassle-free approach means you can concentrate on your internship and exploring this incredible country!

Arrival airport and pickup in Spain

Barcelona

A member of our staff will be waiting for you at Barcelona El Prat Airport when you arrive. You’ll be transferred by car directly to your accommodation in the north of the city. The journey will take roughly 30 minutes and you’ll get to experience the first of the city sights along the way!

Valencia

A member of our staff will be waiting for you at Valencia Airport when you arrive. You’ll be transferred directly to your accommodation in the city. This journey will give you your first glimpse of the Mediterranean coastline and Valencia’s unique blend of historic and modern architecture.

The cost of getting from the airport to your accommodation is fully covered by your project fee.

Booking your flights to Spain

Searching for flights online is easier than ever, but it can still be a time-consuming, overwhelming, and frustrating process. If you need support, our staff have in-depth knowledge of all our destinations. We’ll let you know which airport you’ll be flying to and recommend the best way to get there.

We can advise you on booking the best return flights, ensuring you have the safest, most convenient, and most cost-effective flight options, no matter how complex your travel plans are.

Find out more about the flight booking process.

Visa requirements for your volunteer project or internship in Spain

One of the perks of volunteering with us is the visa guidance we give you. We have a dedicated pre-departure team who have up-to-date information on visa requirements for all of our destinations around the world. You can get in touch with us if you have any visa queries, big or small, and we will talk you through the process. Once you apply, you’ll also get a link to your own MyProjectsAbroad webpage, which will include all the necessary visa information.

Most visitors to Spain will not need to prearrange a visa for stays up to 90 days, as Spain is part of the Schengen Area. However, if you are staying for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit before arrival.

Your induction and orientation in Spain

On the morning of your first full day in Spain, a staff member will pick you up to show you around the city and give you an introduction to life in this vibrant country. You will be shown how to navigate the metro and bus network, as well as the location of:

Banks
Shops
Post offices
Project headquarters
Emergency services

You will also get to hear more about the way in which we run our projects in the country. This way, you can feel fully prepared for your upcoming experience in Spain.

Your first day at your volunteer or internship placement in Spain

Your first day will serve as an introductory day. You’ll take public transportation to your placement with a staff member. You will be shown what you need to do and how to get there. All of your work-related transportation costs will be covered by the programme.

Once you reach your placement, you’ll be shown around and get an introduction to how things are run.

Support, safety, and backup

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Additionally, all diving activities are conducted under strict safety protocols with certified instructors and proper equipment maintenance checks. We maintain close relationships with local emergency services and medical facilities to ensure rapid response if needed.

Find out more about safety and backup.