Pre-Trip Checklist: Pamplona

Essential Preparations

Follow a chronological timeline to manage your pre-trip tasks effectively.

Planning Milestones

stages for organizing your trip, from early planning to final week tasks.

Early Planning

Passport & Visa

Confirm passport validity (6+ months). Check visa requirements.

Bookings

Book flights and accommodation, especially for San Fermín.

Insurance & Tours

Purchase travel insurance. Book high-demand tours.

Mid-Term Prep

Health & Permits

Confirm vaccinations. Arrange International Driving Permit (IDP).

Itinerary & Transport

Plan detailed itinerary. Book trains/buses for specific dates.

Language

Consider learning basic Spanish phrases to assist communication.

Final Countdown

Confirmations

Confirm all bookings (flights, accommodation, tours).

Financial Alert

Inform bank/credit card companies of travel dates.

Home Prep

Start packing. Arrange pet/house-sitting.

Required Advance Bookings

Certain elements need booking well in advance.

Booking Essentials

Flights and accommodation are useful, especially for San Fermín.
Book specific tours (e.g., bull run balcony spots) early.
High-speed train tickets for popular routes often benefit from early reservations.
Car rentals are advisable to book ahead, notably during peak season.

Pre-Trip Research

Gain appreciation before you arrive.

Research Recommendations

Read about Pamplona's history, culture, and traditions.
Review safety guidelines and local customs to prepare yourself.
Understand the subtleties of the San Fermín festival (if attending).
Consider learning basic Spanish phrases to assist interactions.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Secure your home for peace of mind while away.

Security Measures

Lock all doors and windows securely.
Set any home security systems.
Use timers for lights to deter intruders.
Unplug unnecessary electronics to save energy.

Mail & Deliveries

Stop mail deliveries for your travel dates.
Cancel newspaper subscriptions temporarily.
Arrange for package collection if expecting deliveries.
Provide contact details for urgent delivery issues.

Care & Contacts

Arrange for plant watering.
Ensure pet care is fully arranged.
Inform a trusted neighbor or family member of your travel plans.
Leave emergency contact information with your chosen caretaker.

Important Travel Insurance Information

A comprehensive travel insurance policy is highly advisable to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. World Nomads offers flexible options.

Arrival Checklist

These steps help ensure a smooth transition from arrival to settling into Pamplona.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Clear Immigration & Customs
Clear immigration and customs efficiently. Have all your documents ready.
2
Baggage Retrieval
Collect your luggage promptly from the baggage claim.
3
Currency & Connectivity
Locate an ATM to withdraw Euros; consider local SIM/eSIM activation.

Orientation Strategies

Route to Lodging
Locate your accommodation on a map and plan your route from the arrival point.
Neighborhood Scan
Familiarize yourself with the immediate neighborhood around your hotel or apartment.
Tourist Info Visit
Visit a tourist information office to acquire a physical map of Pamplona and ask questions.

Initial Purchases & Transport

Cash for Needs

Withdraw cash from an ATM for immediate needs like bus fares or snacks.

Buy a bottle of water or coffee to refresh yourself after travel.

Transport to Accommodation

Have a clear plan for getting from your arrival point to your lodging.

Know your bus line, taxi instructions, or pre-booked transfer details.

Mobile Service

Consider purchasing a local SIM card or activating your eSIM upon arrival.

This secures navigation and communication for your stay.

Navigating Your Arrival

Pre-plan your transportation from the airport or train station to your accommodation.

Departure Preparation

Plan your departure to avoid last-minute rush and secure a stress-free journey home.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs well in advance of your departure day.
If you have bought large items, arrange shipping with Correos (Spanish post office).
If non-EU resident, you may claim a VAT refund on purchases over €100.
Look for "Tax Free" signs in shops and obtain a tax-free form.

Departure Timing

For international flights, arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
For domestic flights from Pamplona Airport, 1.5 hours is usually sufficient.
For train or bus departures, arrive 20-30 minutes before departure time.
Confirm all details of your return trip well in advance.

VAT Refund Steps

For non-EU residents, follow these steps.

Process Overview

Find "Tax Free" shops and obtain a tax-free form (DIVA form).Step 1
At your final EU departure airport, present goods and forms to customs.Step 2
Ensure purchased goods are unused and in original packaging.Requirement
Process your refund at a designated point at the airport or via mail.Final Step

Return Trip Preparation

Confirm all aspects of your return flight, train, or bus journey.
Pack carefully, ensuring no prohibited items are in your carry-on luggage.
Leave ample time to return any rental items you may have.
Settle any final bills at your accommodation before leaving.

Final Departure Considerations

Reconfirm all travel plans and allow plenty of time for airport procedures.

Pack smart to avoid issues at security check-points.

Pre-Trip Checklist