Madrid
Spain · IES Abroad · CIEE · Universidad Carlos III
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Travel advisory
Level 2 · Exercise increased caution
Terrorism risk across Europe; demonstrations and pickpocketing in central Madrid.
Visa and entry
Difficulty: Hard Lead time: 10–14 weeks including the apostille
Over 90 days requires a Spanish student visa. The step that catches people out is the FBI background check, which must then be apostilled by the US Department of State — that alone can take six to ten weeks before you even apply. Start it first, not last.
Apply or check requirements → Spanish consulate, student visas
We are students, not immigration advisers. Requirements change and depend on your citizenship and program length. Always confirm against the official consulate site above and with CU Education Abroad.
From the team
A few things worth knowing before you get there.
- La Liga: Real Madrid at the Bernabéu and Atlético at the Metropolitano. Atlético tickets are cheaper and easier to get.
- The Prado is free in the last two hours each day, and the Reina Sofía has similar free windows.
- Retiro Park on a Sunday afternoon is where the city actually goes. Bring a picnic.
- Dinner starts late — 9pm is normal, and kitchens in many places do not open before 8.
Students recommend
Aggregated from students who studied in Madrid. These lists fill in as submissions come in — nothing here is invented.
Food
Where students actually eat, not where the guidebooks send you.
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Nightlife
Bars, clubs and the nights out people remembered.
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Daytime spots
Parks, cafes, markets and places to work.
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Attractions
What was worth the ticket price and what was not.
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We are students, not an agency. Everything here comes from people who went.