Madrid

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Spain, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

As it is located in the heart of Spain, Madrid boasts a predominantly dry climate with minimal rainfall or snowfall throughout the year. This makes it a great destination for travelers to visit all year round. During the summer, the city can become crowded with tourists, while locals seek respite from the heat by heading to the coast. In spring and autumn, mild temperatures and reduced accommodation prices make it an ideal time to explore the city.

With over 300 stations and 12 lines serving the city and its suburbs, Madrid's metro system is the most efficient way to travel around the city. The metro operates from 6 am to 1:30 am daily. Additionally, the EMT bus network includes approximately 200 lines, including a useful "circle route" (marked with a C) that passes through key attractions such as El Retiro Park, Gran Vía, Paseo del Prado (and all the museums on that street), and the Royal Palace. Buses run from 6 am till 11:30 pm on weekdays and from 7 am till 11 pm on weekends and public holidays, with slightly less frequency. After 11:30 pm, the city operates night buses known as "búhos" (the Spanish word for owls).

When taxis are available for hire, this is indicated by a “Libre” sign on the front windshield and a green light on the roof. Radio-Taxi Independiente +34 914 05 12 13 Tele Taxi +34 913 71 21 31 Rideshare companies such as Uber and Cabify are also available in Madrid.

Spain’s power grid operates at 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz, using Type F (Schuko plug) and Type C (Europlug) outlets. Both types accept plugs with two round prongs, common across continental Europe.