Practical Information

It is the responsibility of each attendee to ensure they meet the visa requirements to enter Spain.
If you need a support letter for your visa application to attend the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 in Barcelona, you should contact visitors@uia2026bcn.org.

Please note that support letters will only be issued to individuals who have already purchased their pass to attend the Congress.

To request the letter, send an email to the address above and include:

• Your purchase invoice.
• Full name as it appears on your passport.
• Passport number and nationality.

If you are attending as an exhibitor, please indicate this in your message as well.

For more information on specific visa requirements, contact the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate in your area: Spanish Embassies and Consulates

You can also consult general information on the Schengen visa and the countries involved through the following link: Schengen Visa – Official Information

Barcelona has an extensive public transport network that efficiently connects the three Congress venues. Below you will find all the practical information to reach each location.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is located about 15 km from the city centre. There are several options to get to Barcelona quickly and comfortably:

Metro

The line L9 Sud (orange) directly connects the airport to the city, with the last stop at Zona Universitària station, where you can transfer to other metro and bus lines. The metro can be taken at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with trains running approximately every 7 minutes, making it a quick and convenient way to travel to various points in Barcelona.

Aerobús

The Aerobús is a fast, direct bus service that connects the airport to the center of Barcelona, with its terminus at Plaça de Catalunya. It departs from both terminals: bus A1 from Terminal 1 and bus A2 from Terminal 2.
The trip takes about 35 minutes and stops at key locations in the city, such as Pl. Espanya, Gran Via–Urgell, and Pl. Universitat. It operates year-round with frequent departures every 5 minutes. It is recommended to purchase your ticket online. https://aerobusbarcelona.es/trip/fares/?lang=en

Train

The train connects the airport to the centre of Barcelona and other cities in Catalonia, making it an affordable and convenient option. The train departs only from Terminal 2. If you arrive at Terminal 1, you can use the free shuttle bus that connects both terminals. In Barcelona, the train stops at Sants Estació and Passeig de Gràcia.

Taxi

The official taxis are available at both terminals throughout the day. The journey to the centre of Barcelona takes between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic, with an approximate cost of €30–35. You can find all the information here https://www.aeropuertobarcelona-elprat.com/ingl/barcelona_airport_taxis.htm

The three main Congress venues are located within zone 1 of Barcelona’s public transport system. This allows you to combine metro, tram, bus, and train with a single ticket. However, not all tickets include the journey between the airport and the city.

To get around the city, you can use the T-Casual, a personal travel card with 10 trips valid for all modes of public transport within this zone, except for the trip to or from the airport.

If you plan to make more than ten trips, we recommend the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which offers unlimited travel for 2, 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days and includes round-trip transport to the airport by metro, train, or public bus (does not include Aerobús).

For journeys between the airport and the city, the Bitllet Aeroport is also available, valid for the metro, or you can choose the specific Aerobús ticket, depending on the service you prefer.

Check all the information and choose the option that best suits your stay:

https://www.tmb.cat/en/barcelona-fares-metro-bus

If you would like more information or personalized assistance, you can contact us through: visitors@uiabcn2026.org

Is there any discount available on ticket prices?

Yes. All passes will initially be offered at a reduced Early Bird rate, available until March 29, 2026. After this period, the regular price will apply.

Additionally, there are specific discounts available for certain groups:

• Students under 28 years old with valid accreditation have access to a reduced rate. (Student Pass).
• People aged 6 to 18 years old (inclusive), have access to a reduced rate. (Young Pass).
• Children up to 5 years old (inclusive), can enter for free.

No other price reductions are available.

I am a student. How can I benefit from the reduced-price accreditation?

If you are a student in any field and are under 28 years old at the time of the Congress, you can access the reduced rate. During the ticket purchase process, you will need to upload an official certificate issued by your educational centre confirming your student status for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Upon entering the Congress, you may be asked to present your passport or valid ID along with the proof of your student status to verify the validity of your ticket.

I have obtained my accreditation, but I’m no longer able to attend. What is the cancellation and refund policy?

No changes or refunds will be allowed, except in cases expressly provided for by current legislation. The cancellation and refund policy can be found in section 4.g. of the General Terms and Conditions for Ticket Sales for the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 Barcelona, available [here].

I have purchased a Professional Day Pass. Can I exchange it for a Professional Full Pass?

Once your purchase is complete, you won’t be able to change your ticket type. If you’d like to attend additional days, you’ll need to buy an extra pass.

Would it be possible to transfer my ticket to someone else?

Tickets are personal and non-transferable. The Congress organizers reserve the right to request a valid ID or passport from attendees to ensure legitimate use.

Who should I contact if I have issues with my purchase or need to update my details?

For any issues related to your purchase, payment, or data modification, you can email UIA2026@reedmackay.com.

Is the Congress accessible?

The three venues are fully accessible for people with reduced mobility, with wheelchair access, elevators, and other basic accessibility services.

If you require any specific assistance, such as adaptations related to vision or hearing, or would like to learn more about accessibility conditions before your visit, we recommend contacting us in advance at visitors@uia2026bcn.org.

I would like to attend the guided routes. How can I sign up?

To participate in the guided routes, you must be registered for the Congress and have your personal ticket. Tickets for the routes will be available starting in February 2026 and can be purchased directly from your Visitor Area.

How can I register for social events that require prior registration?

Registration for events such as the Opening Ceremony, the Student’s Night, and others that require prior registration can be done through your Private Visitor Area, which you’ll be able to access once you have your ticket. Registration will become available as the event dates approach.

Will I be able to receive a certificate of attendance for the Congress?

Yes. Once the Congress is over, you can easily request your certificate directly from your Private Visitor Area.

I have other questions or suggestions. How can I get in touch?

For any other questions or suggestions related to your visit, you can email us at: visitors@uia2026bcn.org. We’ll be happy to assist you.