It’s almost time for the 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) in Barcelona, Spain. The meeting will take place at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, North entrance, one of Europe’s largest and most modern venues. Located in the Catalonia region, Barcelona is a vibrant city offering picturesque beaches, historic attractions, and a renowned culinary scene. Make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running for WCLC 2025 with this guide for traveling to and around Barcelona.
Before You Land: Required Documents
All nationals of third States (non-EU/EEA/CH) must meet the following requirements to enter Spain:
- Enter via an authorized border-crossing point
- Present a valid passport or travel document
- Present a visa, if required, according to nationality
- Provide evidence of meeting the conditions for the proposed stay
- Not be subject to a ban on entering Spain1
You may also be required to provide:
- Proof of your round-trip or return ticket
- An invitation to participate in a meeting, supporting documents related to the professional activity, or credentials to a trade fair or congress for professional trips
- A confirmed reservation of an organized trip, proof of accommodation, or a letter of invitation from a local host for personal or tourism-related visits1
Some nationalities require a visa to enter Spain. Attendees should confirm entry requirements based on their country of origin in advance of their trip.
You must also show proof of sufficient financial means for your proposed stay: €118 per day (approx. $125 USD) per person or a minimum of €1,065 (approx. $1,125 USD) for trips lasting 9 days or more.1 There are no vaccination requirements to enter Spain. Travelers carrying €10,000 ($10,000 USD) or more into or out of Spain will need to declare it with Spanish Customs.1
Getting to and Around Barcelona
Barcelona El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN) is Spain’s second-largest airport. Renamed in 2018 in honor of the first Catalan president under the current Spanish Constitution, it’s still sometimes referred to as BCN Airport or El Prat Airport.
Additional BCN Resources:
You’ll have a few transportation options after landing in Barcelona:
- City taxi services, which operate 24 hours daily, are available at both terminals.
- Metro stations connect the airport to the city center.
- Various bus lines link the airport to different parts of the city.
To reach Fira Gran Via from the airport, take the Metro Line 9 (L9) Sud from either of the airport terminals to the Fira station, which offers direct access to the main entrance. The Europa/Fira station also links the airport to Fira Barcelona Gran Via, which is a short walk from Fira Gran Via.
WCLC 2025 attendees can enjoy unlimited transportation on Barcelona’s buses, metro, and trams with a complimentary 4-day public transport pass. Pick up your pass from the Information Desk during WCLC.
Those planning to extend their stay beyond WCLC can still enjoy unlimited public transportation by purchasing a Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which covers metro travel (including service from the airport) and other city transportation options. Card options include 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-day passes.
Please note: The Hola Barcelona card isn’t valid on certain privately operated bus lines.
Additional Barcelona Transportation Resources:
- Plan your route to Fira Gran Via
- Find the nearest station
- Learn about tickets and fare zones
- Download the Hola Barcelona app
Inside Barcelona’s Culture, Customs, and Local Laws
Barcelona is a city rich in history and culture, blending Mediterranean influences with its Catalonian roots, which are reflected in everything from its cuisine to its music. Catalan and Spanish are the city’s two primary languages; however, Barcelona has exceptional linguistic diversity, with more than 300 languages spoken.2
Later mealtimes are also part of the Barcelona experience. Restaurants typically open for lunch between 13:00 and 16:00, and dinner rarely begins before 20:00 or 21:00. Many businesses, including restaurants, may be closed or have reduced hours on Sundays. Additionally, many smaller, local shops often close for lunch around 14:00 during the week for l’hora de la migdiada, or siesta time.
Equally important to familiarizing yourself with Barcelona’s culture is understanding local laws and etiquette. Smoking and vaping are prohibited indoors and on Barcelona’s beaches. Additionally, wearing swimwear away from the beach, and riding public transportation without a valid ticket may result in fines.
Packing tip: Be sure to bring a reusable bag, as many markets and shops charge for plastic bags to encourage sustainability.
Know Before You Go
Navigating Barcelona can be simple with the right pre-conference planning. As you finalize your travel plans for WCLC 2025, create a checklist of required documents, familiarize yourself with public transportation options, and review the local customs and cultural expectations to elevate your Barcelona experience.
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