Airport Arrival Checklist for International Students Moving to Spain
Moving to Spain is exciting—but after months of applications, visas and accommodation searches, it's easy to forget the little things that make your arrival smooth.
Whether you're moving to Madrid for university or starting a new adventure elsewhere in Spain, this checklist will help you feel prepared from the moment you land.
Save it, screenshot it or tick each item off as you go.
Before You Leave Home
Before heading to the airport, make sure you have:
✅ Passport
✅ Student Visa (if required)
✅ University Admission Letter
✅ Accommodation Confirmation
✅ Health Insurance Documents
✅ Flight Tickets
✅ Emergency Contacts
✅ Some Euros in cash
✅ International Bank Card
✅ Phone Charger
✅ Copies of important documents (digital + printed)
Keep These Items in Your Hand Luggage
Never pack these in your checked luggage.
Carry them with you:
Passport
Visa documents
University documents
Accommodation details
Laptop
Phone charger
Medication
One change of clothes
Toiletries
Wallet
Lost luggage happens.
Being prepared makes a huge difference.
After Landing in Spain
Once you arrive:
✔ Go through Passport Control
✔ Collect your luggage
✔ Pass Customs
✔ Connect to airport Wi-Fi
✔ Contact your accommodation if necessary
✔ Meet your airport transfer or take public transport
Take your time. Airport arrival checklist Spain
There's no need to rush.
Airport arrival checklist Spain
Getting to Your Accommodation
Before leaving the airport, decide how you'll reach your new home.
Options include:
Metro
Cercanías
Airport Express Bus
Taxi
Uber
Pre-booked airport transfer
If you're arriving late at night or with several suitcases, booking your transfer in advance can make the journey much easier.
Your First Hour in Your New Home
When you arrive:
✔ Check every room
✔ Test lights
✔ Test hot water
✔ Check Wi-Fi
✔ Take photos of any existing damage
✔ Read your inventory
✔ Save your landlord's contact details
These simple steps can help avoid disputes later.
Your First Shopping Trip
Don't panic-buy.
Start with the essentials:
Water
Breakfast
Toilet paper
Cleaning products
Towels (if needed)
Bedsheets
Basic food
Laundry detergent
Everything else can wait.
Your First Week in Spain
Try to complete these tasks:
✅ Buy a Spanish SIM card
✅ Get your public transport card
✅ Open a bank account
✅ Complete your Empadronamiento (if required)
✅ Attend university orientation
✅ Explore your neighbourhood
Don't worry if everything isn't done in the first couple of days.
Most students need a week or two to settle in.
Living 360º Arrival Checklist
Here's your final checklist:
✅ Documents
✅ Airport arrival
✅ Transport
✅ Accommodation
✅ Shopping
✅ First week tasks
If you've ticked everything off...
You're ready to enjoy your new life in Spain.
💡 Living 360 Expert Tip
The first 24 hours in a new country can feel overwhelming.
Don't try to do everything at once.
Focus on getting safely to your accommodation, resting after your journey and completing one task at a time.
Spain will still be there tomorrow.
Need Help with Your Arrival?
At Living 360 Spain, we help international students feel at home from the moment they land.
Our Arrival Pack includes:
Airport pick-up
Accommodation check-in
Madrid orientation
WhatsApp support
Welcome Pack
So you can start your adventure with confidence.
Related Articles
Health Insurance for International Students in Spain
How to Read a Spanish Rental Contract Before Signing
The Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Area to Live in Madrid
Coming Next
🔜How to Get a Spanish SIM Card as an International Student
🔜How to Open a Bank Account in Spain
🔜Empadronamiento in Spain: Everything You Need to Know
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