Before you go · Valencia
Valencia essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 23 October 2026. Entry rules change: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated October 2026
Entry to the EU (checked 23 October 2026)
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has been in full operation since 10 April 2026: it registers travellers from outside the EU electronically at the border.
ETIAS, the travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, is due to start in the last quarter of 2026; the date is still to be announced. Check the EU’s official ETIAS website, and never pay a third-party site.
Tourist tax
There is no tourist tax in the Comunitat Valenciana at present (October 2026): the regional law that would have introduced one was repealed in November 2023 before it came into force.
Las Fallas, 15–19 March
The fallas, huge satirical monuments, go up on 15 and 16 March and are burned on the night of 19 March, the Cremà (Visit Valencia). The city is full, loud and late for the whole week: book hotels months ahead and check the official programme of the Junta Central Fallera (fallas.com) and Visit Valencia. See our Las Fallas page.
From the airport
Valencia Airport is at Manises, west of the city. Its metro station, Aeroport, is served by Metrovalencia lines 3 and 5 into the centre (Aena); taxis wait outside the terminal.
Metro, trains and ferries
Metrovalencia (metro and tram) and EMT buses cover the city; Valenbisi bikes are ideal for the Turia Garden. High-speed trains to Madrid leave from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla (Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo); Cercanías leave from the Estació del Nord. Trasmed sails from the port to Palma, Mahón, Ibiza and Formentera, and Baleària to Mallorca and Ibiza.
Autumn storms
Heavy autumn rain can bring weather alerts. On 1 October 2026, the Science Museum and the Hemisfèric closed for the afternoon under a red rain alert (cac.es). On stormy days, check the weather warnings and the venues’ own websites before you go.
Customs and etiquette
Valencian and Spanish are both official. Lunch is the main meal, from about 2pm; dinner starts from about 9pm. Paella is a lunchtime dish. Cover your shoulders and knees in the cathedral and churches; swimwear is for the beach.
Emergencies
Call 112 for an ambulance, the fire service or the police. See our health page for the main hospitals and the duty pharmacies. Carry your EHIC or GHIC, or travel insurance that covers medical costs. Keep your phone and bag close in crowds, especially during Las Fallas.
Questions and answers
Do I need to register to enter Spain?
Travellers from outside the EU are registered by the EU’s Entry/Exit System at the border. ETIAS is due in the last quarter of 2026; check the EU’s official site.
How do I get from the airport to the city?
Metrovalencia lines 3 and 5 from Aeroport station, or a taxi.
Is there a tourist tax in Valencia?
Not at present (October 2026): the regional law was repealed in November 2023 before it came into force.
What is the emergency number?
112, for ambulance, fire and police.
Entry rules and transport change, sometimes at short notice. Check the EU’s official sites, metrovalencia.es, renfe.com and your government’s advice before you travel.