Do I Have to Go Through Customs for a Connecting Flight in Madrid?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning to take a connecting flight from Madrid? If so, you may be wondering if you need to go through customs during your layover. The answer depends on a few factors.

Firstly, it is important to note that Madrid has two airports: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and Madrid-Torrejón Airport (TOJ). Most international flights arrive at MAD, which has four terminals: T1, T2, T3 and T4. Whether or not you need to go through customs will depend on your itinerary.

International to International Connection at MAD

If you are flying internationally and your final destination is also outside of Spain, in most cases you will not have to clear customs during your layover in Madrid. This means that you can stay in the transit area of the airport and do not need to collect your luggage or go through security again. However, there are exceptions.

If the airline or country of your final destination requires it, you may need to go through customs in Madrid. For example, if you are traveling from the United States to Morocco with a layover in Madrid, you will be required to clear customs and immigration before boarding your connecting flight.

International to Domestic Connection at MAD

If your final destination is within Spain and you are arriving on an international flight, you will have to clear customs and immigration before heading towards the domestic terminal. Passengers arriving at Terminal 4S can walk directly towards the domestic terminal after clearing immigration whereas those arriving at Terminal 1, 2 or 3 will have to take a shuttle bus.

Domestic to International Connection at MAD

If you are flying domestically within Spain and taking an international flight from MAD airport for your next destination, then again there should be no need for clearing customs. Just make sure that while booking flights both legs should be booked together under the same booking reference number.

Other Considerations

It is important to allow enough time for your layover, especially if you need to go through customs. As with any international airport, lines can be long and unpredictable. If you are unsure about your itinerary or have any questions, it is always best to check with your airline or travel agent.

In Conclusion

So, do you have to go through customs during a connecting flight in Madrid? The answer will depend on your itinerary.

In general, if you are flying internationally and staying within the transit area of the airport, you will not have to clear customs. However, if you are heading towards a domestic terminal or your final destination requires it, then you will need to clear customs and immigration before boarding your connecting flight. It is always best to double-check with your airline or travel agent beforehand to avoid any confusion or delays during your layover at Madrid airport.