Commercial Air Travel
Coming to Naval Station Rota on a commercial flight means you will probably be entering Spain via Madrid’s Barajas International Airport, with a follow-on flight to Jerez de la Frontera. When your international flight lands in Madrid, you will probably enter T4 (the newest terminal) or T1. The web link below will show which airlines arrive and depart from which terminals. Depending on which airline you used arriving to Spain and who you’re using on your connecting flight to Jerez de la Frontera is with, you may have to claim your baggage and completely recheck-in for your connection. Even if your luggage is checked all the way to Jerez, you may still have to check-in at the front counter for a boarding pass (and then return through security). This also applies to animals, which will probably not be checked all the way through to Jerez de la Frontera. Transit times from T4 to the other terminals may take as long as 30 minutes, not including obtaining pets and baggage. If at any time you require assistance, look for personnel wearing yellow shirts with a small eye logo. They, as well as most airline counter personnel, speak English and are very helpful.
On arrival to Jerez Airport you will be directed to the baggage collection and arrivals hall. International arrivals from non-Schengen destinations are required to proceed through passport control before going to baggage collection and then arrivals hall. Should you have any questions surrounding lost or damaged baggage at Jerez Airport, the baggage team has a desk located immediately after passport control in the baggage hall. Civilians and all family members, regardless of age, assigned to Spain must be in possession of a valid passport. There is no need to obtain a Spanish visa. Family members will be issued a Spanish I.D. card by Security and will be recognized base-wide as command sponsored. Family members should have the following documents when moving to Spain: passport (visa not required), copy of sponsor’s assignment orders, DoD family member I.D. card, and certificate proving their status as a family member issued by a U.S. Personnel Center (see Foreign Clearance Guide DoD 4500.54-G for Spain). Note: If the family name of a minor dependent is different, proper adoption papers, custody document, or certificate of relationship to sponsor is required. There are several currency exchange booths in the Madrid Airport and ATMs throughout the airport. MasterCard and Visa are the most popular credit cards accepted.
Once you arrive at the Jerez de la Frontera Airport, your assigned sponsor will meet you at the base terminal. If however, the plan is for you to drive, directions can be found below. Additionally, taxi service to Naval Station Rota is available 24 hours a day and is reimbursable in most cases.
It is roughly a 30-minute drive from Jerez de la Frontera Airport (XRY) to Naval Station Rota. Once you arrive on base, you will likely be staying at Navy Lodge Rota which is conveniently located near family resources on base such as: Navy Exchange, Commissary, Community Center, Swimming Pool, Golf Course, Tennis Courts, Childcare Center, Movie Theater, MWR Recreation Center, Almirante Beach, Marina, NEX Car Rental, Hospital, and Navy Federal Credit Union.
If you are staying at Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (NGIS), it is located inside Naval Station Rota and sits across from the Naval Hospital.
Driving Directions from Jerez Airport to Naval Station Rota: Exit the airport and follow the road over the second overpass. Staying to the left and continue around one traffic circle and then straight ahead on the ramp to A4 (do not take the AP4 exit). Then take exit 641AB to A480 Sanlucar de Barrameda/Rota/Chipiona. After a short distance on A480, take exit 22 to A2078 Rota. After traveling over rolling hills and past several vineyards, you will see a red brick prison and guard housing on your left and a newly constructed penitentiary on your right. When you come to the end, to a “T” in the road, make a right on to A491 to Rota/Chipiona. Then take the “Rota Sur” exit onto A2075 towards Rota. After a while you will come to a traffic circle, follow halfway around the go straight. When you get to the second traffic circle, follow around and to the left. You will see the gates to Naval Station Rota. Stop at the small parking lot on the right before you get to the gate and enter the security building to the right for your base pass. You will need a copy of your PCS orders and a valid ID such as passport or CAC card, as well as your rental car contract if applicable.
Military Air
If you are taking the military flight (Rotator) to Rota, your arrival process is much simpler. The military terminal is located on Rota Naval Base. An arrival coordinator will meet you upon arrival, walk you through baggage claim and immigration, and have transportation ready to take you to the lodge on base. It is best to also have your sponsor meet you at the military terminal or shortly after arrival, especially if you are staying at a hotel off-base.
To learn more about the Day of Arrival, follow the links on this page:
Jerez Airport
Madrid’s Barajas International Airport
Madrid’s Barajas International Airport Terminals
Madrid’s Barajas International Airport Lost and Found Information
Jerez Airport Lost and Found Luggage Information