Basics - The Rough Guide to Barcelona - page 49

Canada Pl. de Catalunya 9, Dreta de l'Eixample 932 703 614, canadainternation-
al.gc.ca ; Catalunya.
New Zealand Trav. de Gràcia 64, Gràcia 932 090 399, nzembassy.com ; FGC Gràcia.
Republic of Ireland Gran Via Carles III 94, Les Corts 934 915 021; Maria Cristina/
Les Corts.
UK Av. Diagonal 477, Esquerra de l'Eixample 902 109 356 (in Spain), ukin-
spain.fco.gov.uk ; Hospital Clinic.
USA Pg.delaReinaElisenda23,Sàrria 932802227, barcelona.usconsulate.gov ;FGC
Reina Elisenda.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Inanemergency,dial: 112forambulance,policeandfireservices; 061forambulance;
080 for fire service; 091 for national police. For local police numbers see “ Crime and
personal safety ”.
Entry requirements
EU citizens need only a valid national identity card or passport to enter Spain. Other
Europeans, and citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, require a
passport but no visa and can stay as a tourist for up to ninety days. Other nationalities (in-
cluding South Africans) will need to get a visa from a Spanish embassy or consulate before
departure. Visa requirements do change and it's always advisable to check the current situ-
ation before leaving home.
Most EU citizens who want to stay in Spain for longer than three months, rather than just
visit as a tourist, need to register at the Oficina de Extranjeros (foreigners' office), c/de
Balmes 192, Diagonal (Mon-Fri 9am-2pm), where they'll be issued with a residence cer-
tificate. You don't need the certificate if you're an EU citizen living and working legally in
Barcelona, or if you're legally self-employed or a student. US citizens can apply at a police
station for one ninety-day extension, but this must be done at least three weeks before the
initial entry period expires. Other nationalities wishing to extend their stay will need to get a
special visa from a Spanish embassy or consulate before departure.
Anyone planning to stay and live in Barcelona will also need a Numero de Identidade de
Extranjeros (NIE), an ID number that's essential if you're to open a bank account, sign a
utilities, job or accommodation contract, and for many other financial transactions.
As well as the Oficina de Extranjeros, there's also a telephone helpline on 012 (Mon-Fri
9am-5pm) that deals with all aspects of residency and immigration , and you'll find more
information at gencat.cat .