Aerial view of Segovia (dudlajzov (123RF))
Welcome to Spain! If you have just landed and need a quick guide on what to do next, we’ve got you covered.
112 is the emergency phone number throughout Europe.
To contact emergency services from NAVSTA Rota.
• 911 (on-base landline)
• 727-2911 (DSN or gov. cell phone)
• 956-82-2911 (off base/personal cell phone)
Naval Station Rota website: https://cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NAVSTA-Rota/
Read the NAVSTA Rota base newspaper, The Coastline: https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/1259/coastline
To call from on base use prefix 727
To call from off base use prefix 956-82
The country code for Spain is +34
In Spain, uniforms are not permitted to be worn off base.
Active-duty service members must first report to their Command Admin. Their orders will be stamped and they will receive a check-in sheet with further instructions. They must also report to their Command and Pay/Personnel Administrator (CPPA) within two days of reporting.
Sailors with command-sponsored dependents must visit Base Administration (Bldg. 1, 2nd floor) to complete the command sponsorship requirements and get “Page 13.”
Navy Lodge | 727-2643, 956-82-2643
Navy Gateway Inn and Suites | 727-1871, 956-82-1871
On-base lodging is only available for active duty personnel and their families and for government personnel on orders.
Car Rentals | 727-2675, 956-82-2675. Car rentals are available at the air terminal.
Automatic (not stick shift) and manual vehicles are available.
No extra fees for drivers aged between 21–25.
Monthly and weekly rates.
Rota Taxi | 956-84-0085 or 956-82-2929. Taxis are often available outside of the NEX.
Free Shuttle Bus
Morning route: Roughly 6–8 a.m. Runs between the Galley, Pier 1 and Camp Mitchell.
Lunch route: Roughly 10:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Runs between Pier 1, Galley, NEX and Camp Mitchell.
Evening route: Roughly 3–6 p.m. Runs between Pier 1, Galley, Liberty Center, NEX and Camp Mitchell.
Soon after arrival, you must check in with the security office. Bring the following for all family members:
❏ No-fee passports
❏ Tourist passports (if available)
❏ DOD ID cards
❏ Command check-in sheet and Page 13
❏ Valid U.S. driver’s license for any driver over age of 18
TEI Card
Security will issue all sponsors and dependents over age 10 a TEI (tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) card. This is a Spanish ID card for foreigners that you are required to have while in Spain. It is also necessary to establish NEX and Commissary privileges.
Driver’s license translation
Security will also issue all drivers over 18 a Spanish translation of their driver’s license which allows you to drive in Spain for 60 days.
SOFA Stamp
Security will collect your no-fee passports, which will be validated by Spanish immigration and receive an entrada stamp that validates your stay in Spain for the duration of your assignment, up to three years.
NIE
Apply for a Spanish número de identificación de extranjero (NIE) while at the Security office. This Spanish ID number is also called an A-9 since it is made up of an A with nine numbers following it. The number is required to sign rental contracts, cell phone or internet contracts, sign up for off-base activities, buy a used vehicle, and other contractual arrangements within the Spanish economy. The application fee for an NIE is roughly 10 euros, and Security will need to see your passport, DOD ID and new TEI card. It typically takes 15–20 working days to receive the NIE.
A four-day, mandatory Intercultural Relations and Community Orientation Course (ICR) is offered at the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC). Registration is required and is typically done ahead of time by your sponsor.
Who must attend?
Active-duty service members
Civilian employees
Contractors
Command-sponsored dependents over 18 years old.
Kids over 7 years old are encouraged to attend on field trip days.
Childcare is provided for free at the Child Development Center (CDC) while parents attend the ICR class. It’s helpful for your sponsor to reserve hourly care ahead of time, and for you to fill out paperwork in advance. Call DSN 727-1100 or 956-82-1100 (off-base or personal cell phone) for details. You will be given a voucher to cover costs from the ICR instructor.
What is covered?
• Spain’s history, geography and culture
• Spanish language basics
• A tour of base facilities
• Descriptions of base services
• Briefing from the Housing office
• School information
• Hospital and TRICARE enrollment
• Driving information and Spanish license exam
• A field trip to downtown Rota
Commissary eligibility is limited to active duty service members, American civilian employees and dependents on official orders who have been issued a TEI card. Personnel at Rota on temporary orders are also eligible once their orders have been stamped by Security.
Commissary hours:
• Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Sunday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Shopping at the mini-mart is open to anyone with a valid DOD ID.
Off-base grocery stores, or “supermercados” (typically closed on Sundays).
• Carrefour
• Mercadona
• Lidl
• Aldi
• Hipercor
• Dia
• El jamon
Need an extra pan, cups or dishes at your temporary lodging? Forget something in your household goods? Here is where to find those budget needs.
• The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Thrift Shop is in Bldg. 3293 next to the chapel. They are open for shopping Mondays 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and Thursdays 3–6 p.m.
• The FFSC Loaner Locker has kits available for incoming families that include basic kitchen items to borrow for up to 30 days. The FFSC is in Bldg. 3293.
Military members can escort up to four guests (U.S. or Spanish) on base for social visits of less than 24 hours.
Visit the Security Office to get long-term base passes for friends or family. Sponsors must accompany guests at all times on base. Non-U.S. guests will need to provide a copy of their passport and EU stamp if they are from outside the EU.
Family passes, for visiting relatives, are valid for one-month periods and are renewable two times, for a maximum of three months. A maximum of four family passes can be requested at a time.
Friend passes may be issued for a single day or weekend, or a one-time pass can be issued that allows the visitor on base up to 30 individual days within 12 months.
